A roofing reference serves a different purpose than most trade references. You’re not just asking whether the job was done well on day one — you’re asking whether it has held up over time. A roof that looked great at installation but leaked after the first heavy rain tells you something critical. A reference from a job done three or four years ago, where the roof has weathered multiple seasons without issue, tells you something much more valuable.
“When I give references, I always offer a mix — some recent jobs, and some from three or four years ago. Those older references are the ones I’m proudest of, because the roof has been tested. A new job can look perfect. An old job that still performs perfectly — that’s the real proof of quality.”
— Alex @ Ace Roofing Toronto, licensed roofing contractor – Voted GTA’s Top Choice Roofing Company of 2025 with 24 years of experience in residential roofing across Toronto and GTA.
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How to Ask for References the Right Way
Can you give me references from similar jobs — including at least one that’s two or more years old?
This framing is specific to roofing and more useful than the standard “three recent references” ask. A roof installed last month has not been tested by rain, snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles. A roof installed three years ago has. Ask for both recent and older references so you can assess both initial quality and long-term performance.
What a good answer looks like: A mix of recent jobs and older completed projects, with contacts willing to discuss how the roof has performed over time.
Can I see photos of completed jobs, or drive by a recent installation?
Some roofers maintain photo portfolios. More useful: ask whether there’s a recent job in your neighborhood or nearby that you can view from the street. Seeing a completed roof — especially one that’s been through a winter — is more informative than any photo.
Questions to Ask the References
How long ago was the work done, and how has the roof performed since?
Start here. A reference from a job completed three years ago who reports zero issues is a strong endorsement. A reference from a job done last spring who hasn’t yet experienced a winter is less useful.
Ask specifically: have you had any leaks, any issues with the flashing, any ice dam problems? Has anything surprised you about the roof’s performance in either direction?
Did the final cost match the quoted price?
Roofing change orders — primarily for decking replacement — are common and legitimate. But ask the reference whether additional costs were communicated before they were incurred, whether a written change order was presented, and whether the final bill was in line with what they expected given what was found.
How was the crew during the job?
Roofing crews work fast and generate significant mess. Ask the reference: did the crew protect the landscaping and property? Was there a magnetic sweep for nails afterward? Were there any incidents of incidental damage — gutters bent, siding scratched, plants crushed — and if so, how were they handled?
How was communication throughout?
Did the roofer show up on the day agreed? Did they communicate delays? Were they reachable when you had a question? Did they walk you through what they found during tear-off?
Have you needed any warranty work done?
This is one of the most important questions to ask a roofing reference. Did any repairs need to be made under the workmanship warranty? If so, how quickly did the roofer respond? Was the repair done without argument and at no charge?
Would you hire them again?
Simple and direct. Listen for the speed of the answer as much as its content.
Beyond References: Checking the Public Record
Roofing companies are more likely than most trades to have a paper trail of complaints and disputes. Before hiring, spend 15 minutes checking:
Google reviews — look for overall patterns and pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews. A defensive, dismissive response to a complaint is revealing.
Better Business Bureau — check for unresolved complaints and the company’s complaint response history.
HomeStars — a Canadian platform with verified reviews for home service contractors.
Provincial consumer protection databases — some regions maintain public records of contractor complaints and disciplinary actions.
Corporate registry — look up the company’s registration history. A company that was incorporated last year in the wake of a major storm, or that has changed names multiple times, warrants extra caution.
Related Questions
- Questions to Ask a Roofer Before You Hire One
- Questions to Ask a Roofer About Licensing and Insurance
- Red Flags When Hiring a Roofer
- What to Do If a Roofer Does Bad Work
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