Hiring a roofer in Ontario: what the Province says to check

What does the Province of Ontario say to check?

The Government of Ontario publishes its own page on hiring a roofer.^[1] Here is what it says, with how we answer each point.

The Province's checklist for hiring a roofer, and how Straight Arrow answers it

Check	What Ontario says	Straight Arrow
Quotes	"Ask for a quote from at least three different contractors by a certain date."	Compare us. The estimate is in writing and itemized.
References	Ask for and contact at least three references. "If the contractor refuses to provide references, do not hire them."	Ask us for references.
Training	"Starting April 1, 2017, all roofing contractors must have a working at heights training card"	Ask to see the cards for the crew on your roof.
Fall protection	Workers must be "protected at all times when working more than three metres (10 feet) above ground"	Required by law. Ask how the crew is tied off on your roof.
Down payment	"limit the down payment to 10% and never pay the full amount of the contract until the work is done"	No upfront deposit is required.
Cooling-off	For a contract signed at home, "a cooling-off period of 10 calendar days"	You can cancel within the 10 days at no cost, as the law says.
Warranty	"Ask the contractor who is backing the warranty of the materials to be used."	We are a GAF certified contractor and will show you in writing which warranty applies to your roof.

How does the 10-day cooling-off period work?

If you sign a roofing contract in your own home, Ontario gives you "the right to a cooling-off period of 10 calendar days", and "During those 10 days, you can cancel the contract for any reason without having to pay any cancellation fees."^[1] The Province suggests the work schedule show the start date after those ten days.

What should a roofing contract include?

The Province lists these items:^[1]

• the contractor's name, address and contact information
• a thorough description of the project, the work to be done and the materials to be used
• the quote or written estimate
• an itemized list of the cost for materials and labour
• a work schedule, with start (after the 10-day cooling-off period) and completion dates
• how delays will be handled
• the total cost including all taxes, the terms of payment and the deposit amount
• how gardens and landscaping will be protected
• who is responsible for cleanup
• who is responsible for damage to driveways, eaves, siding, screens and other parts of the property
• a clear description of all warranties for the materials and products used

What is a working at heights card?

It is proof that a worker finished training approved by Ontario's Chief Prevention Officer, required for construction workers who use fall protection. The training is valid for three years, after which a refresher is needed.^[2]

Do you need a WSIB clearance certificate from a roofer?

In construction, a business that hires a contractor must get a WSIB clearance certificate, or it can be held liable for unpaid premiums up to the labour portion of the contract. Homeowners hiring a contractor for exempt home renovation work are exempt from that rule.^[3] You can still ask for one: it shows the roofer is registered and paid up with WSIB. A clearance is valid for up to 90 days.^[3]

Why does it matter who installs the shingles for the warranty?

Because manufacturers say so. The Province puts it this way: "Manufacturers of roofing materials often are not associated with the contractor using them", and "Some materials require certified or specially trained roofers to install them for the warranty to apply."^[1] Ask any roofer which manufacturer program they belong to, and get the warranty in writing.