Choosing a roofer is not just about comparing prices. A poorly installed roof can become very costly, especially when problems appear months or even years later: leaks, inadequate ventilation, a membrane that comes loose, improper slope, poorly installed flashing, etc.

Here are 6 concrete points to check when choosing a certified roofer in Quebec and signing with confidence.

The logical first step: a roof inspection, or at least a technical visit, to document the condition, priorities, and actual scope of the work.

 

1) Verify the RBQ licence, which is mandatory

In Quebec, a construction contractor must hold a valid RBQ licence to carry out roofing work. This is the foundation.

What to ask for / verify:

• The RBQ licence number
• That the licence is valid and matches the type of work, such as commercial, institutional, industrial, multi-residential, etc.
• That the company name on the quote is the same as the one on the licence

If you are comparing several quotes, make sure they cover the same scope of work. Otherwise, you are comparing apples and oranges. A clear and detailed roofing quote helps tremendously.

2) Confirm liability insurance and CNESST compliance

A serious roofer must be insured. Without this, you could be exposed in the event of damage to the building or an accident on the job site.

What to ask for:

• Proof of civil liability insurance, including coverage amount
• Proof of CNESST compliance, or an equivalent certificate depending on the context

For a commercial roofing or industrial roofing project, these documents are non-negotiable.

3) Check whether the roofer is a member of the AMCQ, the Association des Maîtres Couvreurs du Québec

Beyond the RBQ licence, AMCQ membership is a strong indicator of professionalism and quality. A roofer who is a member of the AMCQ commits to applying the best practices of the roofing industry in Quebec and benefits from professional oversight that makes a real difference on the job site.

What the AMCQ brings concretely:

• Professional recognition: a mark of quality and credibility, with strict standards to follow.
• Ongoing training: access to specialized programs to stay up to date on techniques, products, and regulations.
• Technical support: advice and resources to better solve challenges specific to roofing projects.
• Networking and partnerships: exchanges with other professionals, which helps raise industry practices.

Conversely, a non-member has no official accreditation, is subject to no mandatory association standards, and often has more limited access to training and technical support.

Finally, one advantage is the AMCQ warranty option, which covers labour and materials for a total period of ten years. In other words, choosing an AMCQ member, like LK Toitures, means choosing quality, peace of mind, and excellence.

 

4) Require a detailed quote, not just a price

A quote that is too vague is a red flag. You want to know exactly what is included: materials, preparation, waterproofing details, debris management, timeline, etc.

A good quote should specify:

• Type of system, such as shingles, elastomeric membrane, TPO, EPDM, etc.
• Substrate preparation, such as complete removal or overlay
• Critical details, such as flashing, vents, drains, parapets, and upstands
• Protection measures for the building, landscaping, and equipment
• Waste management and cleanup
• Warranty, including materials and labour

For flat roofs, the choice of system is critical. Consult our roofing membrane solutions, including TPO, EPDM, elastomeric membrane, and more.

 

5) Validate experience with your type of roof

Not all roofers do everything. An excellent residential roofer is not automatically the best choice for a commercial membrane, and vice versa.

What to check:

• Recent projects similar to yours, including photos and references
• Expertise with your system, such as flat roofing, membrane, shingles, metal, etc.
• Ability to manage details such as penetrations, mechanical units, drains, and flashing

If your building is commercial, ask for specific references in commercial roofing or industrial roofing.

 

6) Understand warranties and maintenance before signing

A warranty is only useful if:

• it is written;
• it clearly covers what is installed;
• you understand the conditions, including maintenance, inspections, and exclusions.

Questions to ask:

• Does the warranty cover labour, materials, or both?
• What is the actual duration?
• What are the exclusions, such as clogged drains, lack of maintenance, third-party modifications, etc.?
• Is an annual inspection program recommended?

To maximize the lifespan of a roof, a roof maintenance plan, including periodic inspection and prevention, is often what makes the difference.

 

Quick checklist: what should you ask your roofer?

Before signing, ask for:

• RBQ licence, including number and legal name
• Liability insurance, with proof
• CNESST compliance, with proof
• Detailed quote, including materials, steps, and exclusions
• References / similar projects
• Written warranties with clear conditions
• Timeline and job site plan, including access, safety, and cleanliness

Common mistakes when choosing a roofer

• Choosing “the cheapest” without comparing the scope of work
• Accepting a quote that is too vague
• Neglecting waterproofing details, such as flashing, upstands, and drains
• Failing to validate insurance
• Failing to plan maintenance after the work is completed

If your roof is showing signs of wear, such as cracks, blisters, leaks, or a detached membrane, start with a roof inspection to avoid unpleasant surprises.

 

How can LK Toitures help you?

At LK Toitures, we focus on a clear approach: diagnose properly, recommend the right system, and execute the details that ensure durability.

Depending on your building, we can support you with:

• Roof inspection and diagnosis
• Roof restoration for commercial and industrial buildings
• Roofing membrane solutions, including TPO, EPDM, elastomeric membrane, etc.
• Roof maintenance plan
• And much more!

Request a quote through our contact page today.