Your home’s roof is much more than just a covering: it protects your home against water, bad weather and ensures the integrity of your building. In a city like Montreal, where climatic conditions are demanding, choosing the right roofer is an essential step to guarantee the durability and quality of your roofing work. Here are 10 detailed criteria to guide your choice.
1. CHECK THE RBQ LICENSE
When looking for roofers, make sure they have a valid RBQ license . This license certifies that the contractor complies with construction, safety and work standards. This applies to both renovation projects and a complete roof repair. An invalid or non-existent license should immediately disqualify a contractor from your selection.
2. ENSURE INSURANCE COVERAGE
A roofer without liability insurance represents a significant risk. In the event of damage to your building or surrounding properties, you would be liable. Well-established professionals systematically include this protection in their activity. During your search, also ask if the insurance covers issues such as water infiltration or installation defects, which may arise after the work.
3. EVALUATE THE ROOFER’S EXPERIENCE
An experienced roofer has a thorough understanding of different types of roofs, whether they are flat , sloped , or covered with asphalt shingles. A long track record in various projects, such as remodeling or renovations of homes and commercial buildings, is often a sign of reliability. Contractors with expertise in specific services, such as installing elastomeric membranes, will be better equipped to meet your needs.
4. REVIEW THE PROPOSED MATERIALS
The choice of materials plays a central role in the success of your roofing work. Among the most common options in Quebec, asphalt shingles stand out for their affordable cost and wide choice of styles, although they offer a more limited lifespan, often around 15 to 20 years. Elastomeric membranes, ideal for flat roofs, ensure optimal waterproofing and increased resistance to bad weather, although they involve a higher installation cost. As for metal roofs, they stand out for their exceptional durability and their ecological aspect, since they are fully recyclable. However, their initial cost can be a brake for some budgets. Finally, wooden roofs, prized for their natural aesthetic and good insulation, require more frequent maintenance and are less fire resistant. Discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each material with your roofer will allow you to choose a solution that is perfectly adapted to your type of roof, your needs, and your budget.
5. REQUEST MULTIPLE QUOTES
A well-detailed quote reflects the seriousness of the roofer. By comparing several quotes, you will be able to evaluate not only the prices, but also the clarity of the services offered: types of materials, duration of work, guarantees included, etc. Contractors who provide precise quotes demonstrate their professionalism. Also make sure that each quote mentions the steps of the project, from the removal of the old roof to the installation of the new roof.
6. CHECK THE GUARANTEES OFFERED
Warranties are an assurance to you as a customer. They can cover the products used (lifespan of the shingles or membranes) and the quality of the work performed. A good contractor will explicitly mention these warranties in the contract and explain the steps to follow in the event of a problem. Also check whether the warranties include protection against water infiltration or construction defects.
7. CHECK CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Online reviews, whether from Google Reviews or other platforms, can provide insight into a roofer’s reputation and quality of service. When searching, look for contractors who have a consistent track record of customer satisfaction and positive feedback on projects similar to yours. Written testimonials or verbal recommendations can also provide valuable insight into punctuality, job site cleanliness, and the quality of products used.
8. FAVOR A LOCAL BUSINESS
Working with Montreal-based contractors makes communication and responsiveness easier, especially for urgent projects or jobs that require follow-up after installation. Local roofers understand the region’s climate specifics, such as heavy rainfall, freeze-thaw cycles, and snowpack. They know which construction materials and techniques work best for local buildings.
9. OBSERVE THE QUALITY OF CUSTOMER SERVICE
Customer service is often a direct reflection of a roofer’s seriousness. A professional contractor will take the time to answer your questions about types of materials, warranties, or even the progress of the work. Clear communication from the start is a good indicator that the roofer will take your project seriously and meet the deadlines announced.
10. VISIT COMPLETED PROJECTS
Asking to see roofs installed by the roofer can give you an idea of the quality of the work performed. This is especially helpful for complex projects, such as installing a flat roof or a complete roof renovation . If a physical visit is not possible, ask for detailed before and after photos of the work, along with explanations of any specific challenges encountered during installation.