Residential Roofing Contractors: Questions Homeowners Should Ask
- May 18
- 6 min read
Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home. It protects your family, your belongings, and your investment from the elements. When it comes time for a repair, replacement, or a brand-new installation, choosing the right residential roofing contractor can make all the difference between a job done right and a costly mistake.
Unfortunately, not all contractors are created equal. Some cut corners on materials. Others vanish after collecting a deposit. And some simply lack the experience to handle the unique demands of roofing in climates like southern Ontario — where freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and summer heat all take a toll on your roof year after year.
At All Stars Roofing, we believe an informed homeowner is a protected homeowner. That's why we've put together this complete guide: the essential questions every homeowner should ask before hiring a roofing contractor — and what the right answers should look like.
Are You Licensed, Insured, and WSIB-Compliant?
This is the single most important question you can ask. In Ontario, roofing work involves significant liability. If a worker is injured on your property or your home sustains damage during the job, you need to know you're protected.
What to look for: A reputable contractor will carry general liability insurance (minimum $2 million coverage) and be registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Ask to see both certificates — not just verbal confirmation.
Working Heights Certification is another key credential, especially for steep-slope residential roofing. All Stars Roofing is Working Heights Certified, ensuring every crew member who steps onto your roof is trained to work safely at elevation.
Do You Use Your Own Crew or Subcontractors?
This question surprises many homeowners — but it's crucial. A significant number of roofing companies in Ontario take on work and then subcontract it to cheaper, third-party crews. This creates accountability gaps: if something goes wrong, who is responsible?
When a company uses its own dedicated team, they control the quality of every installation. Their reputation is directly tied to the work that goes on your roof — and that keeps standards high.
All Stars Roofing does not sub our work. Every project is completed by our own trained, reliable team. This means consistent quality, direct accountability, and a crew that takes genuine pride in every job.
What Roofing Materials Do You Work With?
Different homes need different roofing solutions. A skilled contractor should be able to work with a full range of materials and recommend the best option for your home's architecture, your budget, and your local climate.
Common residential roofing materials in Ontario include:
• Asphalt shingles: The most popular choice for residential homes. Affordable, durable, and available in a wide range of styles and colours. Ideal for sloped roofs.
• Flat roofing systems: TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen are common for flat or low-slope roofs, often found on modern homes, additions, and garages.
• Soffit, fascia, and eavestrough: Critical to roof drainage and ventilation, these components protect your roof edge and foundation from water damage.
All Stars Roofing specializes in both shingle roof services and flat roof services, as well as soffit, fascia, and eavestrough work — giving homeowners a single trusted partner for all roofing-related needs.
Can You Provide a Detailed Written Estimate?
A legitimate roofing contractor will always put the scope of work and pricing in writing before a single shingle is touched. Verbal estimates are not enough. A written quote protects both parties and ensures there are no surprises once the job begins.
Your estimate should clearly include:
• Type and brand of materials being used
• Labour costs and project timeline
• Disposal fees (removal of old roofing material)
• Warranty details for both materials and workmanship
• Payment terms and schedule
Be cautious of contractors who pressure you into a decision before providing a full written quote, or who offer a drastically lower estimate than competitors — it often signals that corners will be cut somewhere.
At All-Star Roofing, we offer free estimates with no obligation — and no deposit is required to get started.
Do You Require a Deposit?
A large upfront deposit is one of the biggest red flags in the roofing industry. Unscrupulous contractors sometimes collect deposits and either disappear, delay the project indefinitely, or complete poor-quality work because they've already been paid.
Reputable companies have the financial stability and material relationships to begin work without requiring payment up front. Payment is typically collected upon satisfactory completion of the project.
All-Star Roofing takes no deposit and works to your 100% satisfaction. Every completed project is also personally inspected by company owners to ensure the work meets our exacting standards before we consider the job done.
What Warranty Do You Offer on Labour and Materials?
A quality roofing job should come with two types of warranties: a manufacturer's warranty on the materials themselves, and a workmanship warranty from the contractor. Both matter.
Manufacturer warranties cover defects in the roofing products and typically range from 25 to 50 years for quality asphalt shingles. However, these warranties are often voided if the product is not installed correctly, which is why the workmanship warranty matters just as much.
Workmanship warranties from the contractor typically cover installation errors. These can range from 1 year for low-end contractors to 10+ years for companies that stand behind their work.
Ask for warranty documents in writing. A contractor who hesitates to commit to a workmanship warranty is telling you something important about their confidence in their own work.
How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
Experience is not everything in roofing — but it is a strong indicator of reliability. A company that has been operating in your community for many years has a track record you can verify. They've seen the common pitfalls, they know local building codes, and they understand what roofing systems hold up best in your climate.
All Stars Roofing has over 10 years of experience serving homeowners in Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Mississauga, and surrounding communities. Our roofing consultants collectively bring over 30 years of combined industry expertise to every project. That depth of knowledge means we can give you honest, informed recommendations — not just a sales pitch.
Can You Share References, Reviews, or a Gallery of Past Work?
Social proof is powerful. A contractor confident in their work will have no hesitation sharing past customer reviews, photo galleries, or references you can speak with directly. In today's digital world, Google reviews are a particularly reliable indicator — look for volume (many reviews over time), recency, and how the company responds to both positive and critical feedback.
You can review our completed projects in the All Stars Roofing gallery, read customer testimonials, and check our Google reviews directly. We're proud to have won the Best of Burlington Award five years in a row (2019–2023) and the Best of the Best Award four years in a row (2021–2024).
How Do You Handle Cleanup and Waste Disposal?
A full roof replacement generates a significant amount of waste — old shingles, underlayment, nails, and other debris. How this waste is handled matters not just for the appearance of your property, but for its safety too. Loose nails left behind in driveways, gardens, or lawns can cause real damage.
Ask your contractor specifically: Who provides the waste bin? Will it damage my driveway? How is disposal handled?
All-Star Roofing uses our own specialized mini bins designed to fit on residential driveways without scratching or damaging the surface. Unlike generic industrial bins, our bins are purpose-built for residential roofing jobs — another detail that reflects the care we bring to protecting your property throughout the entire project.
Do You Offer Financing Options?
Roofing projects can represent a significant investment, and unexpected roof damage doesn't always come at a convenient time financially. A contractor who offers flexible payment options is thinking about your needs — not just the bottom line.
All-Star Roofing offers 0% financing options through FinanceIt, allowing eligible homeowners to manage their roofing investment through monthly payments from zero down. For details, call (905) 637-7663 or visit our contact page to learn more.
Serving Homeowners Across the Greater Hamilton-Burlington Area
When you hire All Stars Roofing, you're working with a local team that understands your neighborhood, your climate, and your community. We're proud to serve homeowners in:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a full roof replacement or just a repair?
A professional inspection is the only reliable way to decide—widespread damage, sagging, or a 20+ year-old roof usually needs replacement, while minor or isolated issues can be repaired.
How long does a typical residential roof replacement take?
Most residential roof replacements are completed in 1–2 days, depending on the roof size and complexity.
What is the best roofing material for Ontario's climate?
High-quality architectural asphalt shingles are the best choice for Ontario’s climate, while TPO or modified bitumen works well for flat roofs.
Why is my eavestrough important to my roof's health?
Eavestroughs are crucial because they direct water away from your roof and home, preventing leaks, rot, and foundation damage.
Can I stay home during the roofing project?
Yes, you can stay home during roofing work, though you should expect some noise during installation
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