The #1 Mistake: Hiring the Wrong Calgary Roofers

The most costly roofing mistake homeowners make is choosing the wrong roofers. It’s easy to fall for promises of great quality or low prices if you haven’t done your homework.

We’ve all heard contractor horror stories: taking off with your deposit, not showing up to do the work, shoddy workmanship.

“Taking time to choose the right roofer for the job will save you money and headaches in the long run.” – Calgary BBB Report, May 3, 2008

We hate to admit it but roofing isn’t exactly a glamorous occupation. In a study by the National Roofing Contractor’s Association, ‘roofer’ was listed 248 out of 250 desirable occupations.

And Better Business Bureau reports aren’t exactly flattering either. Of approximately 140 Calgary roofers listed in the Calgary Yellow Pages, less than half are BBB-accredited businesses.

Roofers are consistently in the top 10 for number of inquiries and number of complaints. The Calgary Better Business Bureau published these rankings, by type of business, for November, 2009:

Top 10 Inquiries

Home Builders
Roofers
Moving and Storage Companies
Plumbers
Car Dealerships
General Contractors
Movers
Heating and Air Conditioning Suppliers
Home Renovations
Electricians

Top 10 Complaints

Car Dealerships
Drain and Sewer Cleaners
Health Clubs
Furniture Designers
Day Spas
Television – Cable, CATV, Satellite
Home Builders
Roofers
Furniture Retailers
Electric Companies

Make Sure You Hire the Right Calgary Roofers

The only way to make sure you’re making the right choice is to do your homework. Your home is probably your most valuable asset and it’s worth protecting. A poor roofing installation will cost you more down the road and may cause other problems in your home that can cost thousands.

Of course we want you to choose us for your roofing project but, even if you don’t, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to choose a quality Calgary roofer and protect your investment.

For a quick and easy reference, see our 10-Point Consumer Checklist. This is based on a Better Business Bureau report and covers some of the major items. If you really want to make sure you have done your homework, click here to receive our 49-point Roofing Contractor Checklist by email.

The Top 10 Insurance &
Hail Damage Misconceptions
— Click here for the facts —

I appreciate how quickly the roof was reshingled. Very speedy, very polite – A very positive experience for the homeowner.
N. Merryfield, Calgary Homeowner, SW
The whole experience was great. Daily calls until the weather improved and the installers were able to start were much appreciated. Everyone was very friendly. Great clean- up. Thanks so much for a great job!
S. Newman, Calgary Homeowner, SE
I was very happy when DRR identified the problem and was very honest about what it needed to be done. Very good job! Thanks to every one of the roofers.
C. Brassard, Calgary Homeowner SW
Roofers were quick & courteous, property cleaned up very well. I would rate the customer service as excellent.
L. Hulme, Calgary Homeowner
The estimator showed up on time for the consultation and the roofing crew was here first thing in the morning and did not dink around. They got to work right away and continued right through the day. The only time I saw them stop was for lunch.
Maureen, Calgary Homeowner
Excellent work ethic – nice to see – great clean up on the job as well.
Jack, Bragg Creek Homeowner
My payment check was held up by 5 days and your company said it was fine. There was no demand for payment on the spot and no phone calls. Done Right Roofing took my word that the check was on the way. Thank you so much for work well done.
L. White, Calgary Homeowner, SE
I was delighted with DRR through the entire process. DRR met all the commitments and did what they said they would do. Excellent core values.
M. Moore, Homeowner, Calgary NE
Great timeliness and follow-through. Also within budget.
R. Phelps, Bragg Creek Homeowner
Excellent service and professional. Keep it up!
Mark, Calgary Homeowner

Quality Tips

Roofing is considered a “Skilled Trade” by the Government of Canada. Everyone on the roof should have a minimum of internal Certification to a maximum of Journeyman training.
Shingle installation instructions vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. They must be followed exactly to protect the homeowner’s warranty.
A quality contractor should formally inspect every single roof that their company installs. Otherwise, poor workmanship will go undetected, leading to long-term problems.
Only tear-off as much old roof area as can be replaced or at least waterproofed with underlayment in one day. Calgary has volatile weather and you never know!
Using a course of starter shingles up and down both sides of an open valley can insure that the valley is 100% leak proof.
Nailing the shingle at both the nailing line and at the top of the shingle, on the roof gables, will prevent the wind from lifting up the shingle.
To avoid leaks around roof penetrations use a “Back Pan” shingle over the back of the penetration, but under the main shingle course.
Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that, in high snow areas, ice dam protection is used on roof pitches of 5/12 and under.
Using a course of starter shingles up and down both sides of an open valley can insure that the valley is 100% leak proof.