A good roofer holds a valid RBQ licence with the right subclass, gives clear written and detailed quotes, diagnoses the real problem honestly, works safely, offers a written warranty and communicates well before, during and after the job. They don’t pressure you, they explain options and they stand behind their work.
Most homeowners only hire a roofer a few times in their lives, so it’s hard to know what “good” looks like. The price is easy to compare. Quality is not. Yet the difference between an average roofer and a great one shows up years later — in a roof that stays dry, or one that leaks every spring.
Here are the qualities that separate a reliable roofer from the rest, and how you can spot them before you sign anything.
The top qualities of a good roofer
Think of these as your checklist. A good roofer doesn’t need to be perfect on every point, but they should tick most of these boxes clearly.
- Properly licensed and insured
- Honest about what your roof actually needs
- Clear, detailed written quotes
- Strong attention to details like flashing and ventilation
- Safe work practices
- Written warranty on workmanship
- Good communication and respect for your property
They’re licensed and insured
In Quebec, this is the starting line. A roofing contractor must hold a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) with the appropriate subclass. You can verify it yourself with the RBQ online licence search. Licence holders must also provide a security bond that may compensate clients in some cases.
Roofing is a CCQ-regulated trade in construction, and workers are covered by CNESST. A good roofer will also carry liability insurance and show you proof without hesitation. If they get vague when you ask, move on.
They diagnose honestly
A good roofer tells you what your roof needs — not what earns them the most. Sometimes that means a repair instead of a full replacement. Sometimes it means telling you the roof has a few years left and isn’t urgent yet.
Say you own a cottage in Ahuntsic with one leak near a plumbing vent. An honest roofer might suggest replacing the vent boot and checking nearby shingles, a small repair that often costs a few hundred dollars up to about $2,000 before taxes, depending on access and condition. A roofer who immediately insists on a full replacement without showing you evidence deserves a second opinion.
They show you, not just tell you
Many good roofers take photos of problem areas so you can see what they see. That transparency builds trust and helps you make a decision.
Their quotes are clear and complete
A good quote leaves little room for surprises. It should list:
- The scope of work (repair, partial or full replacement)
- Materials by brand and type
- Membrane, flashing and ventilation details
- How unexpected issues like rotten decking will be priced
- Disposal and cleanup
- Schedule and payment terms
- Warranty terms
- Whether taxes (GST and QST, 14.975% total) are included
Comparing quotes from several licensed contractors is the best protection you have. It quickly shows who’s thorough and who’s cutting corners.
They care about the details
Shingles are what you see, but most leaks start at the details: flashing around chimneys and walls, valleys, vents and the eaves where ice builds up in winter. A good roofer talks about these unprompted. They’ll ask about attic ventilation, because poor airflow can shorten a roof’s life and contribute to ice dams.
| Good roofer | Roofer to avoid |
|---|---|
| Explains flashing, membrane and ventilation | Only talks about shingle colour and price |
| Provides an RBQ licence number upfront | Avoids the question or offers cash discounts |
| Gives a written, itemized quote | Gives a one-line price on a business card |
| Lets you take time to decide | Pushes you to sign today |
| Offers a written workmanship warranty | Promises a warranty only verbally |
They work safely
Roofing is dangerous work. A good roofer uses proper fall protection, sets up safely and won’t work on a wet, icy or snow-covered roof just to keep a schedule. A safe crew is usually a careful crew, and that care tends to carry over into the quality of the work.
They communicate and respect your home
A good roofer returns calls, shows up when they say they will and keeps you informed if weather pushes the schedule. They protect your landscaping, clean up nails and debris, and leave your property the way they found it.
After the job, they should still be reachable. Under the Civil Code of Québec, a contractor is liable for five years for loss of the work due to construction defects. A good roofer stands behind their work well beyond that legal minimum where their warranty allows.
They don’t use pressure tactics
Be wary of anyone who knocks on your door after a storm, claims your roof is about to fail and asks for a big deposit right away. A good roofer respects that this is a major decision. If you do sign a contract at home with an itinerant merchant, the Consumer Protection Act generally lets you cancel within 10 days. You can also check a merchant’s record with the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC).
They know your type of roof
One more quality often gets overlooked: relevant experience. A good roofer is honest about what they do best. Flat roofs on Montreal plexes, steep shingle roofs, metal installations and older homes with complicated chimneys each call for different skills and equipment. Ask how many jobs like yours they completed in the last year, and whether they use their own crew or subcontractors. If a roofer admits a job isn’t their specialty and suggests someone else, that’s a sign of integrity, not weakness. The best contractors would rather pass on a job than do it poorly and damage their reputation in the neighbourhood.
Bottom line
The best qualities of a good roofer are simple to describe and easy to test: a valid RBQ licence, honest diagnosis, detailed written quotes, attention to details, safe work and real communication. Take time to meet a few contractors and compare their quotes side by side. Warranty terms and permit requirements vary by contractor and municipality, so get everything in writing.
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Request my quotes →Frequently asked questions
How can I check if a roofer is licensed in Quebec?
Use the RBQ online licence search and enter the company name or licence number. Make sure the licence is active and includes the right subclass for roofing work.
Is the cheapest roofer ever the best choice?
Sometimes, but only if the quote covers the same scope as the others. A much lower price often means something like membrane, flashing or ventilation was left out.
What warranty should a good roofer offer?
Look for a written workmanship warranty in addition to the manufacturer’s material warranty. Terms vary, so compare them across quotes.
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Estimations.pro is a referral service and does not perform the work. Prices are indicative only and vary with the size, slope, access and condition of your roof. Requirements (RBQ licence, municipal permits, programs) can change: check with the relevant organizations and get detailed written quotes.