📋 Whether you are considering roof replacement, repair, or preservation, the contractor you choose matters more than the product they use. A good product applied poorly will fail. A honest assessment from a qualified contractor can save you thousands.
Here are 15 questions to ask before signing anything, with notes on what to look for in the answers.
🔍 About the assessment
1. Will you actually go on the roof, or just look from the ground?
A proper assessment requires someone to walk the roof, check the shingles up close, inspect flashing and valleys, and look at the attic ventilation. A ground-level estimate is a starting point, not an assessment.
2. Can you tell me the condition of my shingles, not just the age?
Age alone does not determine whether a roof needs replacement. A 15-year-old roof in good condition may still have years of life. A 10-year-old roof that has lost significant granules may need attention sooner. The contractor should talk about condition, not just age.
3. Will you check my attic ventilation?
Poor attic ventilation is one of the leading causes of premature shingle failure in New Brunswick. Ice dams, moisture buildup, and excessive heat all trace back to ventilation. If the contractor does not mention it, ask.
💰 About pricing and scope
4. Is this an estimate or a fixed quote?
An estimate can change. A fixed quote should not, unless they find something unexpected under the shingles. Know which one you are getting.
5. What is included in the price?
Ask specifically about: tear-off and disposal, new underlayment, ice and water shield, flashing repair or replacement, drip edge, ridge vent, gutter cleanup, and warranty registration. If any of these are not included, ask why.
6. What happens if you find damaged decking?
Rotted or damaged roof deck is common in older NB homes. Ask how they price deck repair and whether it is included or charged separately. This is where many quotes jump in price after work begins.
🛡️ About warranty
7. What does the warranty actually cover?
Manufacturer warranties typically cover material defects, not installation errors or weather damage. Ask what is excluded, how long the coverage lasts, and whether it is prorated.
8. Do you offer a workmanship warranty?
The manufacturer covers the shingle. The contractor should cover their own installation. Ask how long their workmanship warranty lasts and what it covers.
9. Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?
Some warranties transfer to a new owner, some do not. If you plan to sell within the warranty period, this matters for your property value.
🔧 About the work
10. How long will the job take?
For replacement, a typical residential roof takes 1 to 3 days. For preservation treatment, most jobs are completed in a single day. Ask about weather contingencies.
11. Who will actually be on my roof?
Some companies use subcontractors. Ask whether the crew is employed by the company or hired per job. This affects accountability and quality control.
12. How will you protect my property?
Ask about protection for landscaping, siding, windows, and gutters. A good contractor will have a plan and will not leave debris in your yard.
🏠 About alternatives
13. Have you considered whether my roof is a candidate for preservation?
This is the question that separates good contractors from great ones. A contractor who only sells replacement will not mention preservation. A contractor who puts your needs first will tell you if your roof still has life and whether treatment is an option worth exploring.
14. What happens if my roof is not a candidate?
A honest contractor will tell you when replacement is the right answer. If they try to sell preservation on a roof that clearly needs replacement, that is a red flag too.
15. Can I get a second opinion?
A good contractor will not pressure you to sign on the spot. They will encourage you to get a second opinion and take time to think. High-pressure sales tactics are a warning sign.
✅ What NanoSeal NB does differently
NanoSeal NB starts with a free roof assessment. We walk the roof, check the shingles, look at ventilation, and tell you honestly whether preservation, repair, or replacement makes the most sense. If preservation is not appropriate for your roof, we will say so. If replacement is the honest answer, we will recommend it.
We do not believe in selling treatment to every roof. We believe in giving you the information you need to make the right decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get multiple quotes?
Yes. Getting 2 to 3 quotes is reasonable for a major roof decision. Compare not just price but what is included, the warranty terms, and whether the contractor considered preservation as an option.
Do roofing contractors in New Brunswick need to be licensed?
New Brunswick does not have a provincial roofing license requirement, but contractors should have business registration, insurance, and WSIB coverage. Ask for proof of all three.
What is the biggest red flag when hiring a roofer?
High-pressure sales tactics, no written warranty, inability to explain what is included in the price, and refusing to let you get a second opinion. A good contractor is confident enough to wait for your decision.
Video
Watch: 15 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor in New Brunswick Before You Sign
Tap the play button to watch this short roof preservation video.
See also
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