A roof replacement happens fast — most residential jobs are done in one to two days. That speed makes it easy to feel like there’s no opportunity to ask questions. But there are critical moments during the job where the right questions can prevent additional costs, catch problems before they’re covered up, and confirm that the work is being done to the standard you agreed to.

“The most important moment of any roof job is right after tear-off, before the new underlayment goes down. That’s when the deck is exposed, when any rotted or damaged sheathing is visible, and when the homeowner has a real window to understand what they’re paying for. I always invite clients to come up the ladder — safely — and see what we found. Most are surprised by how much information that one look gives them.”

— David @ DMS Pro Roofers, residential roofing contractor and project manager with 16 years of experience across Toronto.

Before the Crew Starts

Can you walk me through what will happen today?

A brief pre-job conversation — even five minutes — orients you to the sequence of work, tells you what access will be needed around your home, and sets expectations for noise, debris, and timeline. Ask the site foreman or lead roofer what the plan is for the day.

How will my property be protected?

Before the first shingle comes off, ask how the crew is protecting your landscaping, air conditioning unit, windows, siding, and vehicles. Tarps should be laid around the perimeter. Downspouts should be checked so debris doesn’t clog them. Vehicles should be moved from the driveway.

During Tear-Off

Can I see the deck before you start installing underlayment?

This is the most important question you can ask during a roof job. After the old shingles and underlayment are removed, the roof deck is exposed. This is your only opportunity to see its condition with your own eyes — to see any rotted, damaged, or waterlogged sheathing before it’s covered again.

Ask the crew to notify you when tear-off is complete, even if you’re at work. Most roofers will take photos if you can’t be present. Insist on seeing photographic evidence of any deck damage found before it’s repaired, along with the quantity of sheets replaced.

What a good answer looks like: A call or photo when tear-off is complete, before underlayment installation begins.

Is the deck in the condition you expected?

Ask the lead roofer: does what you’re seeing match what you anticipated, or are there surprises? Any soft spots, visible rot, delaminating OSB, or areas of water staining? What does the extent of damage look like relative to what’s typical for a home of this age?

How many sheets of decking need to be replaced, and what will that cost?

If damaged decking is found, confirm the quantity before it’s replaced. Reference the per-sheet price that should have been established in your quote. Ask to see the damaged sheets, or ask for photos, before they’re removed. This is your check against over-reporting of damage.

What a good answer looks like: A specific sheet count, a confirmation of the pre-agreed per-sheet price, and photographic or in-person evidence of the damage.

During Installation

Is the ice and water shield going in where we agreed?

Check — or ask the crew to confirm — that ice and water shield is being applied at the eaves, rakes, valleys, and around all penetrations as specified in the quote. This is one of the most commonly skimped components on budget jobs.

Are the shingles being nailed correctly?

You don’t need to understand roofing installation in detail to ask this question. A properly installed shingle has four to six nails, placed in the nailing zone (not too high, not through the shingle below). Ask the crew whether they’re following the manufacturer’s nailing pattern. An experienced roofer will answer this without irritation — it’s a sign you’re paying attention.

Is the flashing being replaced, as quoted?

If your quote specified new flashing, confirm it’s happening. Old flashing being reused on a new roof is a common area where corners get cut mid-job. If you see flashing being reused when new was specified, raise it immediately.

End-of-Day and Completion

image 9
Questions to Ask a Roofer During the Job 1

Is the roof watertight if rain comes tonight?

If the job spans more than one day, ask whether the roof is protected if weather comes overnight. Properly installed underlayment is adequate protection in most conditions, but ask directly — especially if rain is forecast.

What’s on the schedule for tomorrow?

At the end of day one on a multi-day job, confirm what work remains and what the plan is. This keeps you oriented and gives you an opening to flag anything that looked different from what you expected.

Has the magnetic sweep been done?

Before the crew leaves, ask whether a magnetic roller sweep has been done across the lawn, driveway, and surrounding areas for nails. Nails left in the lawn are a genuine hazard — to children, pets, bare feet, and car tires. This should happen as a matter of course; confirming it ensures it doesn’t get skipped.

Related Questions

Have a question we didn’t cover? Submit it below.

Was this question list helpful?

by WikiQuestions