Every roof has a date.
Pick what is on your roof and the year it went on. See how long the guide says it has left.
Check my roofHow long a roof is expected to last
One published number per material, from a government-hosted guide. Real roofs run shorter or longer.
Asphalt and cedar shingles, about
Corrugated steel, about
Natural slate, about
Standing seam metal, about (the guide gives both figures)
Source: CMHC Housing Design Catalogue, Materials Guide (2025).
Asphalt shingles installed in 2008
- Age
- 18 years
- Left, by the guide
- 2 years
Inside its expected life
How we estimate: the life spans are the expected life spans published in the CMHC Housing Design Catalogue, Materials Guide (2025): asphalt and cedar shingles 20 years, corrugated steel 40, standing seam metal 40 to 60 (the guide gives both), slate 60. Ventilation, slope, sun and storms move the real number either way, which is why we go up and look.
Questions before a new roof
How long does a roof last?
The CMHC Housing Design Catalogue, Materials Guide (2025) lists 20 years for asphalt and cedar shingles, 40 for corrugated steel, 40 to 60 for standing seam metal and 60 for slate. Treat those as averages: real roofs vary.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof?
Ontario’s Building Code Act requires a permit to construct a building, and it defines "construct" to include the material alteration or repair of one. Ask the City of Burlington’s building department about your project before work starts.
What happens at an inspection?
We look at the shingles, the flashing, the vents and the attic from inside, then write down how many years we think the roof has left and what we would do.
Get a roof looked at.
We come out, go up, and tell you how many years the roof has left and what we would do about it, in writing.
Or call 905-555-0182 · quotes@eavesend.example