How to Hire a Roofer in Cambridge

1. Are you WSIB-covered and insured?

Ask for a current WSIB clearance certificate and a $2M+ liability policy. If a worker falls off your roof and the contractor isn't covered, the homeowner is liable. Any real Cambridge roofer can email you both certificates in five minutes.

2. Do you pull a permit?

Cambridge requires a building permit for structural roof work and most full replacements. Contractors who 'skip the permit to save you money' leave you holding the bag when you sell.

3. Who actually does the work?

Ask if the crew is in-house or subcontracted. Both can be fine, but you want to know. Ask how many years the lead installer has been with the company.

4. What's the warranty — both kinds?

There are two: the manufacturer warranty on the shingles (25–50 years) and the workmanship warranty on the installation (typically 5–10 years). Get both in writing. A roofer who only mentions the shingle warranty is hiding the install warranty.

5. Can I see three local references?

Recent jobs in Cambridge, Hespeler, Preston or Galt — not testimonials from 2019. Call them. Ask about cleanup, timeline accuracy, and whether the final price matched the quote.

6. Is the quote itemized?

A real quote breaks out tear-off, decking repair allowance, underlayment, ice-and-water shield, shingles (with brand and model), ridge cap, flashing, ventilation, disposal, and labour. A one-line 'Roof: $14,500' tells you nothing.

7. What's the deposit structure?

Industry standard in Ontario is 10–25% deposit, balance on completion. Anyone asking for 50%+ upfront is a red flag — they're financing the previous job with your money.

8. How do you handle surprises in the decking?

When the old shingles come off and rotten plywood appears, what's the per-sheet price? Get it in writing before the tear-off starts.

9. What ventilation are you installing?

Proper attic ventilation is the #1 factor in how long your new roof lasts. If they don't bring it up unprompted, they're probably doing the minimum.

10. Red flags to walk away from

Door-to-door storm chasers. Cash-only discounts. No physical Cambridge address. Pressure to sign today. Verbal quotes only. Reviews that all came in the same month.