Ottawa's climate is genuinely hard on roofs -- heavy snow load, ice damming, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles all take a toll in ways homeowners in milder climates simply don't have to think about. That makes the roofer you hire more consequential than in a lot of other trades, since the difference between a good job and a mediocre one might not show up until the next bad winter.
Insurance matters more here than almost any other trade
Roofing isn't provincially licensed the way electrical work is, which means the insurance question is doing a lot of the protective work that licensing does elsewhere. Ask to see proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage for the crew, not just the company owner. This protects you directly if someone's hurt on your property or something goes wrong with the job.
Get a real inspection, not a drive-by estimate
A roofer who quotes a full replacement without actually getting on your roof, or at minimum doing a thorough inspection from the attic and exterior, is guessing. A proper inspection should look at the deck condition underneath the shingles, not just the surface -- deck problems are a common source of quotes that balloon mid-project.
Repair vs. replacement -- get an honest answer
Not every roof issue means a full replacement. A handful of damaged or missing shingles, a small leak around a vent boot, or minor flashing issues are often legitimate repairs. Widespread wear, multiple leak points, or a roof that's near the end of its expected lifespan usually does point to replacement. Be wary of any roofer -- especially one who showed up unsolicited after a storm -- who jumps straight to "you need a full replacement" without a clear explanation of why a repair wouldn't work.
Understand what's actually in the warranty
Roofing quotes usually mention two different warranties: one on the materials (from the manufacturer) and one on the installation labour (from the roofer). These are not the same thing, and a material warranty doesn't help you if the roofer's workmanship is the actual problem. Ask specifically what the labour warranty covers and for how long.
Ice damming is an Ottawa-specific problem worth asking about
Ice damming -- where melting snow refreezes at the roof edge and backs water up under the shingles -- is a genuinely common issue in this climate, and it's often more about attic insulation and ventilation than the roofing material itself. A roofer with real local experience should be able to talk through this without prompting.
Compare full quotes, not just bottom-line numbers
Two quotes with wildly different prices for "the same job" often aren't actually the same job -- they can differ in material grade, underlayment, ventilation work, and warranty terms. Get itemized quotes so you're comparing the same scope, not just picking the smaller number.
Ready to compare? Browse Roofers in Ottawa, or get free quotes from up to 3 local roofers. You can also see Ottawa's top-rated roofers once our featured spots are live.