How to choose a roofer in Calgary: 9 checks before you sign

Most bad roofing jobs are not about the shingle. They come from a missing document, a vague quote or a company that is gone by next summer. Run these nine checks on every contractor you are considering, including us.

1. A real local business you can find again

Look for a local address, a local phone number that a person answers, and a Google Business Profile with a history. After a big hailstorm, out of province crews arrive, take deposits and leave. If you cannot picture where to find the company in two years when a flashing leaks, keep looking.

2. A WCB Alberta clearance letter

Ask for the contractor's WCB number and pull a clearance letter yourself. A clearance letter from WCB Alberta states whether the contractor has coverage and whether the account is in good standing (WCB Alberta). If a contractor is not covered, you can end up responsible for coverage on their behalf (WCB Alberta). Roofing is high risk work, so this one is not optional.

3. A liability insurance certificate

Ask to see an insurance certificate showing public liability and property damage coverage for everyone on the job (Alberta.ca). A dropped bundle through a skylight or a damaged eavestrough on a neighbour's house is exactly what this covers.

4. A written, itemized scope

Alberta recommends written estimates from more than one business, each describing the work, the type and quality of materials, start and completion dates, itemized costs and total price, guarantees and payment method (Alberta.ca). For a roof, the scope should spell out:

• Full tear off to the deck, and how many layers are coming off
• The price per sheet for any rotten decking, approved by you before it is replaced
• Ice and water protection at eaves and valleys, and the underlayment type
• New drip edge, flashings, pipe boots and vents
• Ventilation, cleanup and a magnet sweep for nails

If two quotes are thousands apart, the difference is almost always hiding in one of those lines.

5. The shingle named by brand and product

"Architectural shingles" is not a product. The quote should name the manufacturer, the product line and the colour, such as IKO Nordic or Malarkey Vista. In Calgary, ask for a price on a Class 4 impact resistant shingle as well, because it may qualify for an insurance discount. Our Class 4 shingle guide explains the rating.

6. Both warranties in writing

There are two warranties on every roof. The manufacturer warranty covers the shingles and usually depends on proper installation and registration. The workmanship warranty covers the installation itself and only exists if the contractor writes it down. Get the term in writing. Ours is a lifetime workmanship warranty.

7. Recent, real reviews

Read the newest Google reviews, not just the star average. Look for reviews that mention a type of job like yours, a neighbourhood near you, and how the company handled a problem. A long list of five star reviews with no detail tells you less than three specific ones.

8. Clear insurance claim handling

If hail is involved, a good roofer documents the damage with dated photos, helps with the paperwork and can meet your adjuster. A good roofer will not promise the claim gets approved, and will never offer to waive, cover or pay your deductible. That offer usually means the scope is being padded, which is insurance fraud. Read the Alberta roof insurance claim guide before you sign anything tied to a claim.

9. Cancellation terms you understand

Alberta says the contract should include a statement outlining any cancellation rights (Alberta.ca). Read it before you sign, along with the deposit amount and when each payment is due.

Storm chaser red flags

• Knocking on doors the day after a hailstorm
• Offering to waive or cover your deductible
• Pressure to sign today, or a "storm special" that expires tonight
• A one line quote with no product named
• Cash only, with no written contract or receipt
• No local address, and a phone number that goes to voicemail

How MSR measures up

We are Mountain Standard Roofing LTD., at 222 Riverfront Ave SW in Calgary, (587) 577-6170. Ask us for every document on this list. We send a written scope that names the shingle, show you any rotten decking before we replace it, and put a lifetime workmanship warranty in writing. See our roof replacement process, our recent work and our Google reviews.

Questions Calgary homeowners ask

What should I ask a roofer before hiring them in Calgary?

Ask for a WCB Alberta clearance letter, a liability insurance certificate, a written itemized scope that names the shingle, the workmanship warranty in writing, and a local address and phone number.

How do I check if a roofer has WCB coverage in Alberta?

Ask for their WCB number and pull a clearance letter yourself on the WCB Alberta website. It shows whether the account exists and is in good standing, and it protects you from being liable for their premiums.

How do I tell if roofing reviews are real?

Read the newest Google reviews, not just the star average. Real reviews usually mention the type of job, the neighbourhood and how the company handled a problem. Three specific reviews tell you more than a long list with no detail.

How many roofing quotes should I get?

Alberta recommends written estimates from more than one business. Two or three is usually enough, as long as each one lists the same scope so you are comparing like for like.

What are the red flags of a storm chaser roofer?

Door knocking right after a storm, an offer to waive or cover your deductible, pressure to sign the same day, a vague one line quote, cash only, and no local address. Any one of those is a reason to slow down.

What warranty should a Calgary roofer give?

Two warranties matter: the manufacturer warranty on the shingles and the contractor workmanship warranty on the installation. Get both in writing, with the term stated. MSR gives a lifetime workmanship warranty.

General information as of October 2026. Product ratings are from the manufacturers. Insurance discounts and policy terms vary; check with your insurer or broker.