Hiring the right roofer in Quebec starts with one non-negotiable requirement: the contractor must hold a valid RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) license. Without it, they are operating illegally, your home insurance will not cover their work, and you have no legal recourse under Quebec’s consumer protection laws if the work fails. Beyond licensing, there are five additional checks that separate reliable roofing contractors from problematic ones in the Gatineau-Ottawa market.
Step 1: Verify the RBQ License
Quebec law requires all residential and commercial roofing contractors to hold a license issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec. The license number is publicly verifiable on the RBQ website. Any contractor who cannot provide their license number, or whose number returns no results or a suspended status on the RBQ registry, should be immediately disqualified.
The RBQ license also specifies what categories of work the contractor is licensed to perform. A roofer should hold the appropriate subcategory for the type of work you need — residential shingles, flat roofing, and commercial roofing have distinct license categories. Cossette Roofing and Renovations holds RBQ License 5697-7788-01, which covers residential and commercial roofing across Quebec.
Step 2: Confirm Liability Insurance
Ask for proof of liability insurance before any work begins. A legitimate roofing contractor carries commercial general liability insurance covering property damage and bodily injury. For torch-welded elastomeric membrane work (flat roofs with open flame application), additional fire-liability coverage is required and should be confirmed.
If a roofer’s worker is injured on your property and the contractor does not carry proper liability insurance, you as the homeowner can be held responsible under certain circumstances. Always verify insurance in writing, not verbally.
Step 3: Get Multiple Written Quotes
A written quote for roofing work should specify: the scope of work (tear-off, decking inspection, underlayment type and coverage, ice and water shield extent, shingle product name and warranty class), the total cost broken down by materials and labour, the payment schedule, and the start and completion timeline.
Be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower than others without a clear explanation. Low quotes often indicate inferior materials (entry-level shingles vs. the architectural grade you requested), shortcuts on underlayment or ice shield installation, or unlicensed labour. The cost difference between a proper installation and a shortcut installation is not visible for the first five years — and then becomes very visible.
Step 4: Check Recent Reviews and References
Google reviews, BBB ratings, and Yelp provide independent third-party feedback on a contractor’s workmanship and customer service. Look for reviews that describe specific projects and outcomes, not just generic satisfaction ratings. Pay attention to how the contractor responds to negative reviews — professional, solution-oriented responses indicate a company that stands behind its work.
For large projects, asking for references from clients with similar roof types (pitched shingle, flat membrane, metal) in your area is reasonable and any reputable contractor will accommodate the request.
Step 5: Confirm Warranty Terms
Roofing warranties have two components: the manufacturer’s material warranty (covering defects in the shingle or membrane product) and the contractor’s workmanship warranty (covering installation quality). The manufacturer warranty may be voided if the materials are not installed by a certified installer — confirm that your contractor holds the required installer certification for the product being installed.
Workmanship warranties in Quebec typically range from 2 to 10 years. A contractor offering only a 1-year labour warranty on a $15,000 roof is offering considerably less protection than one offering 5 years. Get the warranty terms in writing, in the contract, before work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do roofers in Quebec need to be licensed?
Yes. All residential and commercial roofing contractors in Quebec must hold a valid license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). You can verify any contractor’s license at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Hiring an unlicensed contractor is illegal and voids your home insurance coverage for that work.
What questions should I ask a roofer before hiring them?
Ask for their RBQ license number (and verify it), proof of liability insurance, a written quote specifying materials and warranty terms, the names of the specific shingle or membrane products being used, and references from similar recent projects in your area.
How many quotes should I get for a roof replacement in Gatineau?
Get a minimum of three written quotes for any roof replacement project. This gives you a meaningful price range and lets you evaluate the scope of work each contractor is proposing — not just the total price.
What RBQ license does Cossette Roofing hold?
Cossette Roofing and Renovations (Cossette Toitures et Rénovations) holds RBQ License 5697-7788-01, covering residential and commercial roofing work across Quebec.