Questions to Ask Your Roofer Before Signing a Contract

3 hours ago

6 min read

15 Important Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Replacing your roof is a major investment, and choosing the right roofing contractor is just as important as choosing the right roofing materials.

Whether you're planning a complete roof replacement, dealing with storm damage, or comparing roofing estimates, asking the right questions before signing a contract can save you money, frustration, and costly problems down the road.

Not all roofing contractors offer the same materials, installation standards, warranties, or level of service. Two roofing quotes might look similar on paper, but what you're actually getting can be completely different.

At Ace 1 Quality Roofing, Siding & Eavestroughs, we believe homeowners should feel confident and informed before committing to a roofing project.

If you're hiring a roofing contractor in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Thorold, or anywhere throughout the Niagara Region, here are 15 questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line.

1. Are You Properly Insured and Covered by WSIB?

Before hiring a roofing contractor, ask for proof of commercial general liability insurance and applicable WSIB coverage or clearance.

Roofing involves working at heights, handling heavy materials, and using specialized equipment. Proper coverage is essential for protecting everyone involved.

A professional roofing contractor should be willing to provide documentation and explain the coverage they carry.

Why it matters: You want to know that the company takes safety, accountability, and its responsibilities seriously.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters when it comes to roofing.

Ask how long the company has been operating, whether it has an established presence in your community, and what types of roofing projects it specializes in.

An experienced contractor should be able to demonstrate previous work and explain how it handles different roofing situations.

Why it matters: A proven track record can give homeowners additional confidence in the contractor's experience and reliability.

3. Can You Provide References or Examples of Previous Work?

Don't rely solely on advertising.

Ask to see completed roofing projects, customer testimonials, or references from homeowners who have hired the company.

Google reviews can also provide valuable insight into customer experiences, communication, workmanship, and overall satisfaction.

Why it matters: Previous projects and customer feedback can help you understand what to expect.

4. What Roofing Materials Will You Be Installing?

Not all roofing shingles are created equal.

Ask which manufacturer and product line the contractor recommends and why.

Discuss:

Shingle durability and performance.
Wind resistance ratings.
Impact resistance classifications.
Manufacturer warranty coverage.
Available colours and styles.
Compatibility with your roofing system.

At Ace 1 Quality Roofing, we're proud to be a Malarkey Certified Pro Contractor, and we believe in helping homeowners understand the products being installed on their homes.

Why it matters: Choosing quality roofing materials can contribute to long-term performance and protection.

5. What Exactly Is Included in My Roofing Estimate?

A roofing quote should clearly explain what you're paying for.

Ask whether your estimate includes:

Removal of existing shingles.
Disposal of old roofing materials.
Roof underlayment.
Ice and water shield.
Drip edge.
Flashing replacement or repairs.
Roof ventilation.
Cleanup and nail removal.
Labour and material costs.

Why it matters: A detailed estimate makes it easier to compare contractors fairly and helps prevent unexpected charges.

6. Will You Inspect the Roof Decking Before Installing New Shingles?

The roof decking is the foundation of your roofing system.

Once the existing shingles are removed, damaged or deteriorated wood may become visible.

Ask how your contractor identifies decking problems, whether repairs are included, and how additional costs will be approved.

Why it matters: Installing new roofing materials over damaged decking can compromise the roofing system.

7. How Will You Handle Ice and Water Shield?

Niagara homeowners experience freezing temperatures, snow, ice, heavy rain, and changing weather conditions.

Ice and water shield is an important component of many roofing systems, particularly in vulnerable areas such as eaves, valleys, and roof penetrations.

Ask where it will be installed and whether the proposed installation meets applicable building requirements and manufacturer specifications.

Why it matters: Proper waterproofing details help protect vulnerable areas of your roof.

8. Will You Check My Attic Ventilation?

Proper attic ventilation is often overlooked during roof replacement.

Poor ventilation can contribute to excess heat, moisture buildup, condensation, and premature roofing deterioration.

Ask whether the contractor will evaluate your existing ventilation system and recommend improvements if necessary.

Why it matters: A properly designed ventilation system supports the overall performance of your roof and attic.

9. How Will You Handle Flashing, Roof Vents, and Other Penetrations?

Flashing and roof penetrations are common areas where leaks can develop if installation details are overlooked.

Ask how the contractor will handle:

Chimney flashing.
Plumbing vent penetrations.
Roof-to-wall transitions.
Skylights.
Existing roof vents.
Sealing and waterproofing details.

At Ace 1, we believe the small details matter. Proper flashing, vent installation, and waterproofing are essential parts of a quality roofing system.

Why it matters: Even high-quality shingles cannot compensate for poorly installed flashing or roof penetrations.

10. Are Your Installers Experienced and Properly Trained?

Ask who will actually be installing your roof.

Will the company use its own crew, subcontractors, or a combination of both?

Who will supervise the installation, and how does the company maintain quality control?

Why it matters: The quality of your roofing system depends heavily on the people installing it.

11. What Workmanship Warranty Do You Provide?

It's important to understand the difference between a manufacturer's material warranty and a contractor's workmanship warranty.

Ask:

What workmanship coverage is provided?
How long does it last?
What is excluded?
Is the warranty transferable?
How do I request service if a problem develops?

Always request warranty details in writing.

Why it matters: Clear warranty terms help you understand what protection you have after the project is completed.

12. What Happens if Unexpected Problems Are Discovered?

Sometimes issues such as rotten decking, damaged flashing, or hidden water damage are only discovered after the existing roof is removed.

Ask how additional work is documented, priced, and approved.

A professional contractor should explain any unexpected findings and obtain your authorization before proceeding with additional chargeable work.

Why it matters: Clear communication prevents disputes and unexpected expenses.

13. How Will You Protect My Property During Installation?

Roof replacements involve debris, heavy materials, ladders, and equipment.

Ask how your contractor plans to protect:

Landscaping and gardens.
Driveways and walkways.
Windows and exterior finishes.
Eavestroughs and downspouts.
Outdoor furniture and surrounding property.

Also ask whether a final cleanup and magnetic nail sweep are included.

Why it matters: Respecting your property should be part of every professional roofing project.

14. What Is the Payment Schedule?

Before signing a roofing contract, make sure you understand the payment terms.

Ask whether a deposit is required, when progress payments are due, and when the final balance must be paid.

Make sure all payment terms are documented in the agreement.

Avoid contractors who demand full payment upfront or refuse to provide receipts.

Why it matters: Clear payment arrangements protect both the homeowner and the contractor.

15. What Happens After the Roof Is Installed?

The relationship with your roofing contractor shouldn't end when the last shingle is installed.

Ask whether the company performs a final inspection, provides warranty documentation, and remains available to address concerns.

A professional roofing company should stand behind its work and provide clear instructions for contacting the company if an issue arises.

Why it matters: Long-term accountability is an important part of choosing the right contractor.

Bonus Question: Is Everything We Discussed Included in the Written Contract?

Before signing, carefully review the agreement and confirm that all important details are documented.

In Ontario, consumer protection rules may also apply to home renovation agreements, including requirements for written contracts in certain circumstances.

Make sure your contract clearly outlines the work, materials, pricing, payment schedule, warranties, and any applicable cancellation rights.

Never assume a verbal promise is automatically included.

Why Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor Matters

A roof replacement is about much more than installing new shingles.

It's about creating a complete roofing system designed to protect your home from Niagara's changing weather conditions.

Quality materials, proper ventilation, professional flashing, waterproofing, and experienced installation all play important roles.

The cheapest roofing quote isn't necessarily the best investment. What matters is understanding exactly what you're getting for your money.

A trustworthy roofing contractor should be willing to answer your questions, explain the installation process, and provide clear documentation.

Why Niagara Homeowners Choose Ace 1 Quality Roofing

At Ace 1 Quality Roofing, Siding & Eavestroughs, we believe homeowners deserve honest answers, quality materials, professional workmanship, and attention to detail.

As a proud Malarkey Certified Pro Contractor, we are committed to helping homeowners choose roofing systems that suit their homes and budgets.

Our services include:

Residential roof replacement.
Roof repairs and inspections.
Malarkey asphalt shingle installations.
Metal roofing.
Siding installation and replacement.
Eavestrough and gutter systems.
Attic ventilation improvements.
Skylight installation and repairs.
Storm and wind damage repairs.

We proudly serve homeowners throughout St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Thorold, Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort Erie, Grimsby, Port Colborne, Fonthill, Lincoln, Jordan, Vineland, and surrounding Niagara Region communities.

Before You Sign, Ask the Right Questions.

Your home deserves more than a rushed estimate and a handshake.

Take the time to understand your roofing quote, ask about the materials being installed, review warranty coverage, and make sure you're hiring a contractor who takes pride in their workmanship.

A good roofing contractor won't avoid your questions. They'll make sure you understand the answers.

Planning a roof replacement in the Niagara Region?

Contact Ace 1 Quality Roofing, Siding & Eavestroughs to discuss your roofing project and learn more about your options.