Your roof is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home. Choosing the wrong contractor can cost you thousands in poor workmanship, hidden fees, or even a roof that fails before its time.
Every year, Calgary homeowners fall victim to door-knockers, fly-by-night companies, and contractors who disappear when problems arise.
This guide will help you avoid those pitfalls. You will learn:
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The complete roofing contractor vetting checklist
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Questions to ask every potential contractor
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Red flags that should send you running
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How to compare quotes fairly
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The difference between manufacturer and workmanship warranties
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How to handle insurance claims when choosing your own contractor
Let us find you a contractor you can trust.
The Complete Roofing Contractor Vetting Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate every contractor you consider. A legitimate contractor should say “yes” to every item.
| # | Vetting Item | What to Verify | Yes/No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Licensed in Alberta | Ask for license number. Verify with Alberta Government. | ☐ |
| 2 | WCB coverage | Ask for WCB account number. Verify coverage is active. | ☐ |
| 3 | $2M+ liability insurance | Ask for certificate of insurance. Call insurer to verify. | ☐ |
| 4 | Local physical address | Not a PO box. Visit or Google Street View. | ☐ |
| 5 | Calgary experience | Ask how many years they have served Calgary specifically. | ☐ |
| 6 | Written contract | Never work with verbal agreements only. | ☐ |
| 7 | Detailed written estimate | Line items for materials, labor, tear-off, disposal, permits. | ☐ |
| 8 | Permit puller | Contractor pulls permit, not homeowner. | ☐ |
| 9 | References | At least 3 recent Calgary jobs. Call them. | ☐ |
| 10 | Online reviews | Google, BBB, Homestars, or TrustedPros. Read recent reviews. | ☐ |
| 11 | Workmanship warranty | Minimum 5 years, ideally 10 years. In writing. | ☐ |
| 12 | Manufacturer warranty | Contractor should be certified to offer full manufacturer warranty. | ☐ |
| 13 | No large upfront deposit | Maximum 10–25% deposit. Never pay in full before work starts. | ☐ |
| 14 | Clear payment schedule | Tied to milestones, not calendar dates. | ☐ |
| 15 | Cleanup included | Magnet sweep for nails, debris removal in writing. | ☐ |
If a contractor cannot check every box, do not hire them. There are too many legitimate contractors to risk working with one who cuts corners.
Use these questions when you call contractors. When you call Alpine Exteriors, here are our answers — we check every box.
Questions to Ask Every Roofing Contractor
Beyond the checklist, ask these specific questions during your conversations.
License, Insurance, and Permits
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| “What is your Alberta roofing license number?” | Confirms they are legally allowed to work in Alberta. |
| “Can you provide a WCB clearance letter?” | Protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property. |
| “Will you pull the City of Calgary permit, or do I need to?” | Contractor should pull permits. Homeowner pulling permits is a red flag. |
| “Is your liability insurance at least $2 million?” | Minimum standard for Calgary roofing contractors. |
Experience and References
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| “How many years have you worked in Calgary specifically?” | Calgary’s climate requires local expertise. |
| “Can you provide 3 recent Calgary references?” | Call them. Ask about quality, cleanup, and whether issues were resolved. |
| “Have you worked on homes similar to mine?” | Roofs vary by age, style, and complexity. |
Scope of Work
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| “Does your quote include tear-off of existing shingles?” | Some contractors quote “overlay” (installing over old shingles) — not recommended. |
| “What underlayment do you use?” | Synthetic underlayment is superior to felt. |
| “Does your quote include ice shield in valleys and eaves?” | Required in Calgary building code. |
| “What ventilation improvements are included?” | Ridge vent, intake vents, or power vents. |
| “Is cleanup and magnet sweep in writing?” | Nails left in your yard can injure family, pets, or tires. |
Warranties
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| “What is your workmanship warranty?” | Covers installation errors. Should be 5–10 years minimum. |
| “Are you a certified installer for your shingle manufacturer?” | Required for full manufacturer warranty coverage. |
| “Who do I call if there is a problem in 3 years?” | Contractor should answer, not send you to the manufacturer. |
Payment
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| “What is your deposit requirement?” | Should be 10–25% maximum. Never pay more than 25% upfront. |
| “What is the payment schedule?” | Tied to milestones (tear-off complete, installation complete, final walkthrough). |
| “Do you accept credit cards?” | Adds consumer protection. |
Red Flags — Do Not Hire These Contractors
Watch out for these warning signs. If you see any, walk away.
| Red Flag | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Door-knocking after a storm | Legitimate contractors do not need to door-knock. These are often storm chasers. |
| “Free roof” if you sign over insurance claim | Insurance fraud. You could be liable. |
| Out-of-province license plates | Storm chasers who will leave town after the work. |
| No local address | Cannot be found if problems arise. |
| Pressure to sign immediately | “Today only” pricing is a classic scam tactic. |
| Cash-only or large upfront deposit | No recourse if they disappear. |
| No written contract | Verbal agreements are not enforceable. |
| Can’t or won’t provide WCB certificate | You could be liable for on-site injuries. |
| “You don’t need a permit” | City of Calgary requires permits for roof replacement. |
| Vague estimate with no line items | Hidden fees will appear later. |
| No references or won’t provide recent ones | Likely no recent satisfied customers. |
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. There are plenty of legitimate contractors — do not settle for one who raises red flags.
How to Compare Roofing Quotes
Not all quotes are created equal. Here is how to compare them fairly.
What a Legitimate Quote Should Include
| Line Item | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Tear-off | Removal of existing shingles. Cost should be separate. |
| Disposal | Dumpster and haul-away fees. |
| Underlayment | Type (synthetic preferred), coverage area. |
| Ice shield | Locations (valleys, eaves, around penetrations). |
| Shingles | Brand, product line, color, warranty class. |
| Flashing | New flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights. |
| Ventilation | Ridge vent, intake vents, or power vents. |
| Fasteners | Nails (specify length and type) or screws. |
| Cleanup | Magnet sweep, debris removal. |
| Permit | Cost included or separate. |
| Warranty | Workmanship and manufacturer warranty details. |
| Payment schedule | Milestone-based, not calendar-based. |
How to Compare Apples to Apples
| If One Quote Has… | And Another Does Not… | The Cheaper Quote Is Not Comparable |
|---|---|---|
| Ice shield | No ice shield | Missing required protection |
| Synthetic underlayment | Felt underlayment | Inferior material |
| Architectural shingles | 3-tab shingles | Inferior product |
| Tear-off included | Overlay (install over existing) | Cutting corners |
| Permit included | “You don’t need one” | Illegal or cutting corners |
| 10-year workmanship warranty | 1-year or no warranty | No long-term protection |
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. A quote that is 20% lower than others is likely missing critical items. Ask questions before assuming you are saving money.
For detailed pricing by home size, see our complete roof replacement cost guide.
Understanding Warranties — Manufacturer vs Workmanship
This is one of the most misunderstood areas of roofing. Here is what you need to know.
Manufacturer Warranty
What it covers: Defects in the shingles themselves — cracking, curling, granule loss due to manufacturing defects.
Who provides it: The shingle manufacturer (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, etc.)
Length: 20–50 years depending on product line.
Important: Most manufacturer warranties require:
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Certified installer (contractor must be trained by the manufacturer)
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Proper ventilation (must meet manufacturer specifications)
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Proper installation (if installed incorrectly, warranty is void)
What it does NOT cover: Installation errors, wind damage (unless specified), hail damage (unless impact-resistant shingles), improper ventilation, or normal wear.
Workmanship Warranty
What it covers: Errors in installation — leaks, improperly nailed shingles, flashing errors, etc.
Who provides it: The roofing contractor.
Length: Varies widely — 1 year to lifetime. We recommend minimum 5 years, ideally 10 years.
What to look for:
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In writing
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Transferable to new owners (adds resale value)
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Clear process for making a claim
The Bottom Line
| Warranty Type | Covers | Provided By | Minimum Acceptable Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Shingle defects | Shingle company | 25 years |
| Workmanship | Installation errors | Contractor | 5 years (10 preferred) |
Do not accept a contractor who offers only a manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer will not fix installation errors. You need both.
Insurance Claims — Using Your Own Contractor vs Insurer’s Preferred
If your roof was damaged by hail or wind, your insurance may cover replacement. But you have choices.
Can you choose your own contractor?
Yes. Your insurance company cannot force you to use their “preferred” contractor. This is your right under Alberta insurance regulations.
Preferred Contractor vs Your Own Choice
| Aspect | Insurer’s Preferred Contractor | Your Own Chosen Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Who benefits | Insurer (lower costs, streamlined process) | You (trusted quality) |
| Quality control | Varies — insurer may prioritize low cost | You vet them yourself |
| Warranty | Contractor’s warranty | Contractor’s warranty |
| Claims process | May be smoother | May require more coordination |
| Appeal rights | Limited if you are unhappy | You can fire them and hire someone else |
Our Recommendation
If you have a trusted contractor, use them. Your insurance company works for you — not the other way around. Alpine Exteriors works with all major insurers and can help you navigate the claims process.
*Your insurance company cannot force you to use their preferred contractor. Call (587) 777-5668 to learn how we work with adjusters.*
For a complete guide to hail damage claims, see our hail damage roof repair guide.
The Written Contract — What Must Be Included
Never start work without a signed written contract. Here is what must be included.
| Contract Element | What It Should Say |
|---|---|
| Scope of work | Exactly what will be done — tear-off, underlayment, ice shield, shingles, flashing, ventilation, cleanup |
| Materials | Brand, product line, color, warranty class |
| Timeline | Start date and estimated completion date |
| Total price | All-inclusive with no hidden fees |
| Payment schedule | Milestone-based (deposit, after tear-off, after completion) |
| Permit | Who pulls it and cost |
| Cleanup | Magnet sweep, debris removal |
| Warranty | Workmanship warranty duration and terms in writing |
| Change order process | How additional work (e.g., deck repairs) will be approved and priced |
| Lien waiver | Contractor agrees to provide lien waiver upon final payment |
Do not sign: Any contract that is missing these elements, or that requires full payment before work starts.
Why Alpine Exteriors Passes Every Test
We have served Calgary homeowners for 18 years. Here is how we check every box on the vetting checklist.
| Requirement | Alpine Exteriors |
|---|---|
| Licensed in Alberta | ✅ Yes — license available upon request |
| WCB coverage | ✅ Yes — active coverage |
| $2M+ liability insurance | ✅ Yes — certificate available |
| Local physical address | ✅ Yes — Calgary-based since 2005 |
| Calgary experience | ✅ 18 years serving Calgary |
| Written contract | ✅ Yes — detailed, line-item |
| Detailed estimate | ✅ Yes — all costs upfront |
| Permit puller | ✅ Yes — we pull all permits |
| References | ✅ Yes — recent Calgary jobs available |
| Online reviews | ✅ Google, BBB, Homestars |
| Workmanship warranty | ✅ 10 years — in writing |
| Manufacturer warranty | ✅ Certified installer for major brands |
| No large upfront deposit | ✅ Maximum 10% deposit |
| Clear payment schedule | ✅ Milestone-based |
| Cleanup included | ✅ Yes — magnet sweep, debris removal |
We are the contractor we want you to hire — because we would hire us for our own homes.
For a detailed look at our process, visit our roof replacement services page.
Areas We Serve in Calgary
Alpine Exteriors provides roofing services across all Calgary quadrants:
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NE Calgary — Marlborough, Monterey Park, Pineridge, Castleridge, Falconridge, Taradale, Saddle Ridge
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NW Calgary — Arbour Lake, Tuscany, Royal Oak, Nolan Hill, Sage Hill, Evanston, Panorama Hills, Rocky Ridge, Citadel
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SE Calgary — McKenzie Towne, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, New Brighton, Cranston, Seton, Douglasdale, McKenzie Lake, Chaparral
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SW Calgary — Altadore, Killarney, Glamorgan, Palliser, Oakridge, Cedarbrae, Lakeview, Glendale, Signal Hill, Springbank Hill
We also serve Airdrie, Cochrane, and Chestermere.
Questions Calgary Homeowners Ask About Choosing a Contractor
Do I need a permit for roof replacement in Calgary?
Yes. The City of Calgary requires a permit for roof replacement. Your contractor should pull the permit. Do not hire anyone who says you do not need one.
What if a contractor asks for 50% deposit upfront?
Red flag. Maximum deposit should be 10–25%. Never pay more than 25% before work starts. Paying in full upfront leaves you with no leverage if problems arise.
Can I use my insurance company’s preferred contractor?
You can, but you do not have to. Alberta law allows you to choose your own contractor. If you have a trusted contractor, use them.
What if a contractor knocks on my door after a storm?
Do not hire door-knockers. Legitimate contractors do not need to door-knock. These are often storm chasers who will do poor work and disappear.
How long should a roof replacement take?
Most Calgary homes take 1–3 days. Bungalows take 1–2 days. 2-storey homes take 2–3 days. Complex roofs take 3–5 days.
What if my contractor finds rot after tear-off?
A legitimate contractor will have a change order process. Rotted decking is common in older roofs. Expect to pay $100–$200 per sheet of plywood replacement. A good quote will note this possibility upfront.
Do I need to be home during roof replacement?
No. We can complete the work while you are away. We just need driveway access and a way to contact you if questions arise.
Get Your Free Roofing Consultation
Choosing a roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make for your home. Use this guide to vet any contractor you consider.
When you are ready, we invite you to vet Alpine Exteriors against this checklist. We check every box. We have the licenses, insurance, references, and warranties you should expect.
We have served Calgary homeowners for 18 years. We are not going anywhere. We stand behind our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Call (587) 777-5668 today for your free consultation — and see for yourself why Calgary homeowners trust Alpine Exteriors.