When your shingles are curling and your gutters are groaning, that’s a cry for help from your roof. Don’t let them suffer any longer—it’s time to call in the pros.
But with so many roofing companies in Calgary, how do you separate the true professionals from the ones who are just winging it? Whether you’re facing a leaky rooftop or planning a full upgrade, it’s crucial that you only call in trusted roofing company to do the work.
To help you stay shingle-savvy, take note of the biggest red flags to watch out for when hiring roofing contractors in Calgary. Read on—your roof (and wallet) will thank you.
Table of Contents | How to Spot a Reliable Roofing Contractor in Calgary: Red Flags to Avoid
Roofing Companies Calgary: 13 Red Flags to Watch Out For
1. No Physical Address or Local Presence
2. Suspiciously Low Estimates
3. No Proof of Insurance or Licensing
4. High-Pressure Sales Tactics
5. Lack of Written Contracts
6. Proven Track Record: No Poor or Nonexistent Reviews
7. Unwillingness to Provide References
8. No Warranty or Guarantee
9. Inadequate Safety Measures
10. Asking for Large Upfront Payments
11. No Portfolio or Examples of Past Work
12. Reluctance to Discuss Permits
13. Out-of-Town Storm Chasers
The Greenest Flag: Choose Confidence, Choose Jamieson Roofing
Roofing Companies Calgary: 13 Red Flags to Watch Out For
1. No Physical Address or Local Presence
If a roofing contractor’s “office” is a mysterious P.O. box or a cell number scribbled on a business card, maybe call a rain check so you can avoid falling victim.
Reputable Calgary roofing companies should have a verifiable physical address and a genuine presence in the community. Sketchy operators often disappear as quickly as they arrive, leaving you with unfinished work and no recourse. Always check for a real, local address before signing anything.
2. Suspiciously Low Estimates
Everyone loves a steal deal, but when a quote for your roof replacement cost in Calgary seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some roofers in Calgary will lure you in with rock-bottom prices, only to cut corners with subpar materials or slap on surprise charges later. A trustworthy roofing company provides transparent, detailed quotes and explains exactly what’s included—Calgary roofing contractors shouldn’t be bringing in any surprises.
3. No Proof of Insurance or Licensing
Imagine this: a worker unfortunately slips off your roof, and suddenly those medical bills are for you to shoulder. It’s a horrible situation (that we hope never happens!) but reliable roofing contractors in Calgary should carry proper liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage so that it isn’t your burden to carry. They should also be licensed to operate in Alberta specifically. Don’t hestitate to ask for proof of both…and maybe run away if they can’t provide it.
4. High-Pressure Sales Tactics
If a “roofer” tries to seal the deal before you’ve even seen a contract, that’s a sign to cut contact. Pushy sales tactics are a classic red flag. The best roofers in Calgary will let their reputation and work speak for themselves without pressuring clients. They’ll happily answer your questions, provide references, and give you all the time you need to make an informed decision.
5. Lack of Written Contracts
When it comes to your roof, get everything in writing. A friendly handshake just won’t cut it. Reliable roofing companies provide clear, detailed contracts outlining the scope of work, materials, timelines, payment schedules, and warranties. If a contractor refuses to put all these details on paper, consider it a major warning sign. After all, red flags tend to avoid any thing black and white—but you and your roof deserve better.
6. Proven Track Record: No Poor or Nonexistent Reviews
In this era, a reputable roofing company should have some sort of digital footprint that leads to a trail of satisfied customers online. Check Google, HomeStars, BBB, and other review sites for feedback about Calgary roofing companies. Beware of companies with no reviews, or worse, a bunch of negative comments. If a business can’t produce positive references from happy clients, it’s time to keep searching.
7. Unwillingness to Provide References
The best roofers in Calgary stand behind their work—and they’d be eager to show it off as well. If a contractor dodges your request for references or only offers vague “testimonials,” that’s kind of sketchy. Honest roofers won’t hesitate to connect you with previous customers who can vouch for their quality, professionalism, and reliability.
8. No Warranty or Guarantee
The quality of your new roof isn’t something that you should just cross your fingers for. That’s because legitimate roofing companies offer warranties on both materials and workmanship. If a contractor shrugs off the idea of a guarantee that means they won’t be around if something goes wrong. A solid warranty is a sign of confidence in their craft and a promise to stand behind their work.
9. Inadequate Safety Measures
Roofing is risky business—that’s why the best roofing contractors take safety very seriously. Workers shoulnd’t be balancing on ladders with no harnesses or ignoring basic safety gear, that’s a massive red flag. And it’s best to tap out if that happens. Professional Calgary roofing companies follow strict safety protocols to protect both workers and your property. Don’t settle for anything less than top-notch safety standards.
10. Asking for Large Upfront Payments
It’s standard practice for a roofing company to request a reasonable deposit, but be wary if they ask for most (or all) of the payment before any work begins. It’s a common scam tactic homeowners should be aware of. Reputable companies break payment terms into milestones tied to progress and completion, so you pay as the job unfolds—not before roofing services even begin.
11. No Portfolio or Examples of Past Work
They say a picture’s worth a thousand words—and when it comes to roofing Calgary, it can save you thousands in repairs! Trustworthy roofers will gladly share before-and-after photos of their previous projects. If a contractor can’t provide visual proof of their masterpieces, it’s time to keep looking for a more transparent team.
12. Reluctance to Discuss Permits
Depending on the scope of your roofing project, permits may be required. A reliable roofing company should know what all these local codes are and be upfront about handling permits. If your contractor acts clueless or tells you permits aren’t necessary when you know they are, that’s a major red flag. Avoid potential headaches with bylaws by only teaming up with companies who uphold proper permitting from the get-go.
13. Out-of-Town Storm Chasers
After an intense Calgary hailstorm, “roofers” from out of town sometimes swoop in to promise quick fixes. But these storm chasers often vanish as soon as the dust settles, leaving behind poor-quality repairs and no way for you to follow up. Always choose local Calgary roofing companies with roots in the community—you want someone who’ll be there for the long haul.
The Greenest Flag: Choose Confidence, Choose Jamieson Roofing
In a sea of roofing companies that Calgary has to offer, Jamieson Roofing is the greenest flag.
For peace of mind, quality craftsmanship, and a team that always puts the customer first, trust our team. A stellar reputation, local expertise, and transparent approach—these are all the reasons why we’re the go-to choice in Calgary for all roofing needs.
Get a free quote from us today!
Take a look at our other blogs:
- Innovative Roofing Materials and Techniques Used by Calgary Roofing Companies
- The Importance of Regular Roof Maintenance: Insights from Calgary Roofing Experts
- The Role of Weather in Roofing: How Calgary’s Climate Affects Your Roof
- Roof Replacement in Calgary: Signs It’s Time to Invest in a New Roof
- The Ultimate Guide to Roofing Options in Calgary: Materials, Styles, and More
