What Homeowners Should Know Before Signing a Roofing Contract | A roof is a system, not just shingles. The contract you sign should make that system clear. Use this guide to confirm scope, materials, warranties, safety, and how the work will be done in Calgary’s winter conditions.
1) Scope of work
Your contract should spell out:
- Tear-off or overlay: Are old shingles removed so the deck can be inspected and repaired if needed?
- Deck repairs: How soft or damaged sheathing will be priced and approved.
- Underlayment: Ice and water membrane at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations, plus synthetic underlayment elsewhere.
- Flashing and metals: New step flashing, chimney flashing, and drip edge are listed by name.
- Penetrations: Treatment for skylights, vents, and stacks.
- Clean-up: Daily magnet sweep and end-of-job disposal.
Tip: If any item is “as needed,” ask how it will be priced and approved before work continues.
2) Materials you’re actually getting
No vague “architectural shingles.” Your contract should name:
- Brand and line you chose, plus colour.
- Starter, hip and ridge components that match the system.
- Fasteners specified for your roof deck.
- Ventilation components and counts.
3) Ventilation and winter performance
Calgary’s chinooks and deep freezes punish roofs. Confirm:
- Balanced intake and exhaust sized to the attic area.
- Ice dam prevention plan: air sealing at penetrations, membrane at eaves, and clear drainage paths.
- Any skylight work includes proper flashing kits and sealing.
4) Warranties, in plain language
You should see two warranties:
- Manufacturer/material warranty tied to the shingle line you chose.
- Workmanship warranty from the contractor, with coverage period, what is included, and how to request service.
Ask what winter response looks like if you ever need a visit in January.
5) Schedule, weather, and communication
Weather may shift dates. The contract should include:
- A start window and expected duration.
- How weather delays are handled and how the home is protected if a storm rolls in.
- Daily hours and a site lead who updates you.
6) Payments and change orders
Protect yourself with clarity:
- Deposit and milestones tied to visible progress.
- A written change order process for surprises like deck repairs.
- Final payment released after walk-through, clean-up, and receipt of warranties.
7) Insurance, safety, and who is on site
Confirm in writing:
- Liability insurance and WCB coverage for everyone on your roof.
- Safety practices such as anchors, harnesses, and protected access.
- Whether the crew is in-house or subcontracted, and who supervises daily.
You can also review third-party trust signals. See Lion Heart Roofing’s BBB profile
8) Property protection and clean-up
Ask how your yard and driveway will be protected:
- Delivery method (crane/boom or hand carry).
- Plywood or mats were needed.
- Daily clean-up, magnet sweeps, and debris removal.
- Bin placement agreed in advance.
9) Final inspection and close-out
Before you sign, make sure the end of the job is clear:
- Homeowner walk-through with the site lead.
- Photos of critical steps are kept on file.
- Warranties and care tips are delivered with the final invoice.
Red flags
- Vague scopes like “replace as needed.”
- Refusal to specify brands or a ventilation plan.
- No proof of insurance or WCB.
- Large cash up-front with no schedule.
- No mention of clean-up or disposal.
Quick checklist before you sign
- Detailed scope, including tear-off and deck repairs
- Named shingle brand/line, starter, hip and ridge, membrane, underlayment, fasteners
- Ventilation counts and locations
- Timeline with weather allowances and daily hours
- Payment schedule and change-order process
- Insurance, WCB, and safety practices
- Property protection and clean-up plan
- Site lead contact and crew details
- Final walk-through, photos, and warranties
Need a clear, like-for-like quote?
We are happy to review your proposal or provide a detailed scope so you can compare apples to apples.
Lion Heart Roofing
📞 587-834-2395
🌐 lionheartroofing.ca