Choosing a roofer is a significant decision. Your roof protects everything beneath it, and poorly executed work can lead to costly problems for years. This guide helps you evaluate roofing contractors and make an informed choice.

Verify the RBQ Licence

In Quebec, any construction contractor performing roofing work above a certain dollar threshold must hold a licence from the Regie du batiment du Quebec (RBQ). This licence confirms that the contractor has met requirements for qualifications, financial guarantees, and liability insurance.

You can verify a contractor's licence directly on the RBQ website. Make sure the licence is active and that the subcategory covers roofing work. A contractor without a valid licence exposes you to risk if something goes wrong during or after the project.

Ask for Proof of Insurance

A professional roofer should carry at minimum general liability insurance and CNESST coverage for their workers. Liability insurance protects you if the work causes damage to your property or your neighbors' property. CNESST coverage protects workers in case of injury on your job site.

Request current insurance certificates. A serious contractor will provide them without hesitation. If a contractor refuses or makes excuses, that is an important red flag.

Get Multiple Estimates

Getting at least three estimates gives you a realistic basis for comparison. Estimates should be detailed and include the following:

• The precise scope of work (tear-off, deck repair, membrane or shingle installation, flashing, ventilation)
• The specific materials that will be used, including brand and model
• The expected timeline for the work
• Payment terms
• Warranties offered (workmanship and materials listed separately)
• What is included and what is not

Be cautious of vague estimates that do not detail materials or scope. Also be cautious of abnormally low prices: a roofer who bids significantly below the others is probably cutting corners somewhere, whether in materials, labor, or installation practices.

Evaluate Experience and Reputation

Look for concrete signs of experience and reliability:

• How long has the company been operating? Established companies generally have a verifiable track record.
• Do they have references you can contact? A contractor who refuses to provide references deserves your skepticism.
• Are online reviews generally positive? Check Google, Yellow Pages, and other review platforms. No company has a perfect record, but general trends are telling.
• Are they members of professional associations? Membership in associations like the AMCQ (Association des maitres couvreurs du Quebec) indicates a commitment to industry standards.

Understand the Warranties

Roofing warranties have two distinct components:

The manufacturer warranty covers defects in the materials themselves. Duration varies by product, from twenty-five years for entry-level shingles to lifetime for some premium products. These warranties have specific conditions, and installation must follow manufacturer specifications for the warranty to be valid.

The workmanship warranty covers issues related to the installation. This is the contractor's warranty, and its value depends directly on the stability of the company behind it. A ten-year warranty from a company that will not exist in five years is not worth much.

Ask for written details on both types of warranty. Understand what is covered, what is not, and what your obligations are (such as regular maintenance) to keep the warranty in effect.

Red Flags to Watch For

Certain behaviors should give you pause before signing a contract:

• Pressure to sign immediately: A serious contractor will give you time to think and compare.
• Demand for full payment upfront: A reasonable deposit is normal, but paying the full amount before work begins removes all your leverage.
• No written contract: Every agreement should be documented in writing with details on scope, price, timeline, and warranties.
• Verbal-only estimate: If a contractor refuses to put their estimate in writing, that is a major red flag.
• No on-site verification: A roofer who provides an estimate without seeing your roof (at minimum through detailed photos) cannot provide a reliable quote.

Essential Questions to Ask

Before choosing your roofer, ask these questions directly:

1. Do you hold an active RBQ licence that covers roofing work?
2. Can you provide a current general liability insurance certificate?
3. What specific materials will you use (brand, model, product line)?
4. Will the installation follow manufacturer specifications to maintain the warranty?
5. What is the expected timeline, and how do you handle weather-related delays?
6. What is your workmanship warranty, and what are its conditions?
7. What happens if you discover deck damage after the tear-off? How is the additional cost handled?
8. Who will be responsible for the job site on a daily basis?
9. How do you protect the property and landscaping during the work?
10. What is your cleanup process after the work is completed?

The answers to these questions will give you a good sense of the contractor's professionalism and transparency.

Conclusion

Choosing a roofer is an investment in protecting your property. Take the time to verify licences, compare detailed estimates, and evaluate reputation before committing. A professional contractor will welcome your questions and provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.