Best Roofing companies in Oshawa Ontario
How do I choose the best roofing company in Oshawa Ontario?
We have sorted out the Best Roofing companies in Oshawa, Ontario. Choosing the right roofing contractor in Oshawa is key to getting a beautifully installed roof that will stand the test of time.
Here are the most important things to consider when picking the best roofing companies in Oshawa, Ontario.
Three Best Roofing companies in Oshawa Ontario
Licensing and credentials. Make sure any roofer you consider is fully licensed, bonded, and insured to work in Oshawa. Trusted roofers will hold a valid license from Tarion Warranty Corporation.
Local reputation. The best indicator of any company’s quality is what past Oshawa customers have to say.
- Search online reviews on multiple sites.
- Ask neighbors for referrals — seeing roofs firsthand helps.
- Check ratings with the Better Business Bureau.
Range of roofing solutions. Quality Oshawa roofers have experience with:
- Asphalt and fiberglass shingles
- Metal panels like steel or aluminum
- Flat roof membranes and coatings
- Masonry and clay tiles
Craftsmanship warranty. The best roofing contractors will stand behind their workmanship for 5–10 years or more after your roof is installed. This protects you from leaks and defects.
Manufacturer’s warranty eligibility. When installed properly by an approved roofer, most roofing materials like GAF shingles come with an extended product warranty (20–50 years).
By vetting Oshawa roofing companies thoroughly on these criteria, you can feel confident you’ll get an outstanding, long-lasting result. Don’t cut corners — your roof protects your most valuable asset!
What should I look for when hiring a roofing contractor in Oshawa?
Hiring the right roofing contractor is crucial to getting your Oshawa roof installed correctly so it will last for years. Here’s what to look for:
Credentials
Verify any roofer you consider has:
- Active registration and good standing with Tarion Warranty Corporation — this is a must! Tarion licenses roofers in Ontario.
- Liability insurance and Workplace Safety Insurance Board Coverage
- A staff trained on safety standards and proper installation methods
Track Record
The best indicators of quality are:
- Online reviews. Check multiple sites like Google, Facebook, and Yelp. Look for trends — no contractor is perfect.
- Referrals. Ask neighbors in Oshawa about their roofers. Seeing roofs firsthand is invaluable.
- BBB ratings. The Better Business Bureau provides letter grades for businesses.
Good Communication
The contractor you choose should demonstrate clear, patient communication:
- Willingness to answer all questions
- Explaining roofing options simply
- Providing detailed project quotes
- Keeping you updated on timelines
Reliable Promises
Beware contractors that seem “too good to be true” — incredibly fast timelines or the lowest prices. Good work takes time and care.
By evaluating roofers on these criteria, you can find an Oshawa contractor to trust. Don’t rush the decision — getting it right matters!
What questions should I ask potential roofing companies in Oshawa?
Interviewing potential Oshawa roofing contractors thoroughly is key to identifying the right fit. Come prepared with this list of vital questions:
Licensing and Credentials
- Are you registered as an approved roofer with Tarion Warranty Corporation? This is essential!
- Do you carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage? Also mandatory.
- What manufacturer certifications do your roofers hold? GAF-certified crews install the best roofs.
Experience
- How many years has your company served the Oshawa area? Look for 5+ years locally.
- What % of your work is roofing, versus other areas like siding? Specialization in roofs is ideal.
- What roofing materials and brands do you most commonly install? Compare to what you want.
Workmanship Quality
- Do you offer any warranties on workmanship? 5–10 years of coverage is great.
- What % of business is from repeat or referral customers? High %s indicate good quality.
Project Process
- Will you provide a detailed inspection, estimate, and quote upfront? Beware vague quotes.
- Who handles permits and insurance claims for storm damage? Make sure they take care of paperwork.
- How is project timeline, crew size, materials delivery, and cleanup managed? Ask for specifics to understand customer experience.
Communication Practices
- What methods and frequency of project updates can I expect? Make sure communication matches your preferences.
- How can I contact the owner or foreman during my roof installation? Direct access matters when issues arise.
Ask all bidders the same robust questions — and take notes. Being systematic when evaluating Oshawa roofers helps surface the best match for your roofing needs and expectations.
How can I tell if a Oshawa roofing company does quality work?
With Oshawa home to dozens of local roofing contractors, discerning high-quality companies from poorly performing ones takes diligence. Here are proven ways to assess if an Oshawa roofer delivers excellent craftsmanship:
Online Reviews Offer Clues
While no contractor is perfect, look for these positive signs across Google, Facebook, Yelp, and other review sites:
- A majority of 4–5 star ratings
- Specific praise of workers’ skill and conduct
- Mentions of roofs still performing well years later
- The company professionally addressed less than 5 star reviews
A concerning pattern of terrible reviews indicates underlying issues.
Referrals Reveal Consistency
Speaking to past customers in the Oshawa area gives invaluable perspectives. Ask specific questions like:
- How has your roof held up over time?
- Did the crew work efficiently and treat your property well?
- Would you hire them again or recommend to a neighbor?
Seeing their roofs in person also helps assess quality firsthand related to:
- Clean roof lines and finishing details
- No visible leaks or repairs after heavy weather
- Effective drainage and rainwater flow
Credentials Demonstrate Commitment
Quality roofers invest in training their staff well and running an operation built to last. Choose Oshawa contractors who:
- Hold GAF and other roofing manufacturer certifications
- Employ staff certified as Master Shingle ApplicatorsTM
- Stay current on codes, bylaws, products, and best practices
Don’t settle for anything less than excellence when protecting your home with a new roof. Evaluating Oshawa roofers on past work and credentials makes it easier to select trustworthy partners.
What roofing materials work best for Oshawa’s climate?
With hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, Oshawa’s climate demands roofing materials tough enough to withstand extreme weather swings year after year. These options perform best:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles dominate roofing in Oshawa for good reason — they deliver an ideal balance of durability, weather protection, fire safety, and cost:
- Durability: Modern asphalt shingles last 25–50 years thanks to sturdy composite construction
- Weather protection: Multi-layer shingles resist rain, wind, hail, and stand up to freeze/thaw cycles
- Fire safety: Class A fire rating makes fiberglass shingles ideal for urban density housing
- Cost: $5–10 per square foot installed delivers excellent ROI
Metal Roofing
Where longer lifespans are preferred despite higher upfront cost, metal roofs excel:
- 50+ year durability even in extreme weather
- Class A fire rating
- $10–20 psf installed
Great for contemporary homes or historic reproductions.
Flat Roof Membranes
Commercial buildings and homes often need flat or low slope roof solutions like:
- EPDM rubber
- TPO thermoplastics
- PVC membranes
- Modified bitumen
Proper installation is key to avoiding seams splits or leaks. Maintenance helps sustain decades of performance.
Getting the right roofing materials for Oshawa’s variable climate leads to better protection, performance, and peace of mind. Consult roofers on what solution suits your needs best.
Should I get multiple quotes from Oshawa roofers before choosing one?
Getting multiple roof replacement quotes remains one of the smartest moves an Oshawa homeowner can make. Comparing bids from several local contractors offers many compelling advantages:
It surfaces the true market cost range
The scope of work, contractor overhead, profit margins — many variables make replacement roof costs fluctuate significantly. By requesting proposals from 3–5 Oshawa roofers, you establish a reasonable baseline of what’s fair market value in your area.
Maybe 1 bid comes back super low while another seems inflated. Now you can have an informed discussion with contractors to understand the differences driving those outlier numbers before making any decisions.
You can assess which crews best understand your needs
By going through the quoting process with multiple companies, you interact with more crews face to face. Pay attention to who asks the right questions and takes time assessing your property’s unique situation. Which roofer seems to “get” you and what you want to achieve? Firsthand meetings build trust in capabilities.
It reduces pressure around decision making
Talking to multiple Oshawa contractors gives you the luxury of more choice. If you only have one bid to consider, you may talk yourself into working with that roofer even if something feels off. Checking out alternatives relieves pressure and stress around the decision.
Getting additional quotes remains one of the easiest ways for Oshawa homeowners to control due diligence around a new roof. Don’t settle for less than your ideal contractor match. Cast a wide net by requesting proposals from 5 roofers before deciding.
Are there any red flags to watch out for with Oshawa roofing contractors?
Like any industry, Oshawa’s roofing trade has its share of questionable operators mixed in with high quality professionals. Be vigilant for these red flags:
Door-to-door sales
Reputable local roofers thrive on referrals or customers finding them online after seeing their proven work around town. Door-to-door crews showing up unprompted at your house may behave pushily to coerce big deposits and sign contracts on the spot. Politely decline.
No fixed business address
Contractors without proper business licenses often work as fly-by-night operators out of pickup trucks with no permanent office location. Verify a roofer’s street address matches government registrations before hiring.
Vague about credentials
Shady contractors dodge questions about licensing, certifications like GAF’s Master Elite, insurance paperwork, or links to check their registration status. Push to see documentation upfront.
No clear contract terms
Quality roofers in Oshawa provide crystal clear quotes listing work scope, materials, timeline, warranty, payment schedule — and stick to them. Contractors who handwave about project details often exploit customers later on. Demand clarity.
Staying alert for questionable behavior helps avoid roofing scams. Trust actions over words by verifying contractor credibility thoroughly before hiring.
How much does a new roof cost in Oshawa? What impacts the price?
What Oshawa homeowners can expect to invest in a new roof replacement depends on several key factors:
Roof Size and Pitch
Obviously the total area and angles of your roof drive required materials and labor. Cost scales up with larger, complex roofs.
Tear-Off vs Overlay
- Tear-off: Removing old roofing ($350–500 per roof square)
- Overlay: Installing over existing roof ($150–250 per square)
Tear-offs allow inspection and repair of any deck issues.
Shingle Types
Higher quality, longer lasting shingles cost more.
Access Considerations
Multi-story homes or steep roofs require equipment like cranes or lifts to raise shingles up safely, adding costs.
Timeline
Rushing completion by increasing crew size impacts pricing as well.
In the Oshawa market, plan around $350–500 per roofing square for new asphalt shingle installation. Costs climb higher for large homes, premium materials, steep access, etc. Mid-range homes often land around $7000–10,000. Get quotes from 3 local roofers to compare.
Should I choose a local roofer or consider Toronto roofing companies as well?
Oshawa homeowners replacing their roofing often wonder — should I hire a contractor based locally, or consider big brand Toronto roofers working across the GTA too? Here’s how the two options compare:
Oshawa Roofers
Sticking close to home with an Oshawa-based roofing contractor offers persuasive benefits:
- Established reputation in your community
- Familiar with local building codes and bylaws
- Nearby location provides responsiveness
- Supports small business owners in your city
Many qualified local companies hold certifications from top manufacturers like GAF while specializing in neighborhood homes like yours. Convenience and accountability makes working with Oshawa roofers a great experience for many.
Toronto Roofing Firms
In contrast, Toronto-based contractors boast advantages like:
- Larger crews that can fast-track projects
- Size to take on big commercial jobs too
- Marketing budgets to polish their brand reputation
Yet larger operations based outside Oshawa may deliver inconsistent service, send inexperienced reps, nickel and dime on contracts, and lack true accountability rooted in community relationships.
Carefully vet any roofer’s specific capabilities, communication style and track record. But building with local Oshawa talent often aligns well with homeowner needs. Why not support your community’s skilled trades in the process?
How long does a new roof typically last in the Oshawa area?
In a moderate Oshawa climate, newly installed roofs should provide decades of protection before replacement becomes necessary. Here are realistic expectations to set:
Asphalt Shingles: 25–50 years
Thanks to durable composite materials and multiple layers, today’s asphalt shingles last 2–3 times longer than those made just 20 years ago.
With proper Oshawa roof maintenance like clearing debris and sealing any cracks, you should expect:
- 3-Tab Shingles: 20–25 years
- Architectural Shingles: 25–30 years
- Premium Lifetime Shingles: 30–50 years
Metal Roofing: 40–70+ years
Lightweight metal roofing resists corrosion, wind, impact, and fire extremely well. Thanks to protective coatings and sturdy interlocking panels, a properly installed steel or aluminum roof should serve 40–70 years in Oshawa’s climate before replacement — sometimes longer.
Flat Roofing: 10–30 years
The lifespans of flat roof materials like EPDM rubber vary more significantly based on quality of installation and upkeep:
- Thermoplastic (TPO) membranes: 20–30 years
- Rubber roofs: 15–25 years
- Modified Bitumen: 10–15 years
Annual inspections help spot potential punctures early. Proactive maintenance ensures waterproofing, weatherproofing and insulation last as long as possible.
In general across all roof types, following manufacturer specifications for installation and choosing contractors with proven quality track records gives Oshawa roofs the best chances of achieving max lifespan.
Don’t settle for anything less than 50 years from your new roof with proper care!
Key Takeaways
Choosing the Best Roofer Matters
Vetting contractor reputation, credentials, and capabilities thoroughly protects homeowners from poor workmanship.
Oshawa’s Climate Demands Durable Materials
Modern asphalt, metal, and flat roofing lasts decades when installed properly.
Proper Maintenance and Care Prolong Roof Lifespans
Staying on top of debris removal, seals, and fixing minor damage helps roofs achieve their full lifetime.
New Roofs Represent a Major Investment
With professional installation, Oshawa homeowners can expect 50+ years of performance from new roofing — but costs run $10,000+ for most homes.
The Decision Requires Careful Diligence
Getting multiple quotes, checking reviews, understanding material differences — taking the time upfront prevents regrets down the road.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oshawa homeowners aiming to choose the best roofing contractor while gaining maximum lifespan from their new roof investment should focus on:
- Vetting area roofers thoroughly, checking reviews, credentials, and warranties
- Selecting durable materials suited for Oshawa’s variable climate
- Budgeting $10,000+ for a professional roof replacement, getting multiple quotes
- Performing annual maintenance like debris clearing to sustain performance
- Replacing roofs every 25–50 years with proper materials and installation