| Quick Answer: Yes, Cossette Roofing’s roof evaluation and written quote are free and come with no obligation. A professional roofer checks the shingles, flashing, roof edges, gutters and attic of your home in Gatineau, Ottawa or the Outaouais, then explains what needs work and what can wait. You leave with a written quote that lists materials, warranty options and costs, with no hidden fees. |
Many homeowners put off a roof inspection because they are not sure what it involves, how long the roofer will be on site, or whether a bill will follow. Those are fair questions. A roof is the most expensive part of the house to replace, and nobody wants a surprise invoice or a hard sell. This guide walks through what a professional roofer looks at, what you should get when the visit is over, and why fall is a smart time to book one before the snow arrives in Gatineau and Ottawa.
Is a Roof Inspection Free in Gatineau?
A roof evaluation from Cossette Roofing costs nothing. The company offers free, no-obligation quotes for all residential and commercial roofing projects in Gatineau, Ottawa and the Outaouais region, and the visit is the first step in that process. You can call 819-777-7177 or fill out the online form, and a professional roofer comes to the property to inspect the roof and assess the work required.
“No obligation” matters. If the roofer finds that your roof is in good shape, you have lost nothing and gained peace of mind. If repairs are needed, you get a clear written quote and can take your time deciding.
What Does a Roofer Check From the Outside?
The outside of the roof tells most of the story. A thorough inspection looks at the roof covering itself and at every place where water could find a way in. On a typical sloped roof in the Outaouais, the roofer checks:
- Shingles: broken, curled, buckled or missing shingles, and bare spots where the protective granules have worn off.
- Flashing: the metal that seals around chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents and wall junctions. Loose, rusted or lifted flashing is one of the most common sources of leaks.
- Caulking: old sealant around chimneys, vents and skylights that has cracked or pulled away.
- Roof edges: the drip edge, fascia and soffit, where rot and water damage often start.
- Valleys: the inside corners where two roof slopes meet and water runs fastest.
- Gutters: whether eavestroughs are draining, sagging or spilling water behind the fascia.
CAA-Quebec’s guide to evaluating your roof lists many of the same warning signs, including sagging, algae streaks and shingles with upturned edges. It is a useful list to read before your roofer arrives, so you know what to ask about.
Why Does the Roofer Need to Look in the Attic?
The attic shows problems you cannot see from the ground. Cossette’s residential service includes attic inspection and ventilation correction, because many roof failures in Quebec start under the roof deck rather than on top of it.
In the attic, a roofer looks at the underside of the roof boards for water stains, mould or rusted nails. They check whether the insulation is dry and evenly spread, and whether the soffit vents are clear so outside air can flow in. Poor airflow traps warm, moist air in winter. That moisture turns to frost on the cold roof boards and melts in a thaw, which looks exactly like a leak. Weak ventilation is also a major cause of ice dams along the eaves. You can learn more in our guide on attic ventilation and why it matters for your roof in Gatineau.
What Do You Get After the Inspection?
You should leave the inspection with a clear picture of your roof and a written quote, not a vague verbal estimate. Cossette’s process has four steps:
- Free evaluation: a roofer visits the property and inspects the roof.
- Detailed quote: a complete written quote with recommended materials, warranty options and a clear estimate with no hidden fees.
- Professional installation: the work is done to building code standards using quality materials.
- Final inspection and warranty: a final check of the work, plus manufacturer warranty documents and workmanship guarantee details.
A good inspection report separates urgent work from items that can be planned. A lifted flashing above a bedroom needs attention now. Shingles that are worn but still sealed may give you a few more seasons. Ask the roofer to tell you which is which, and why. Photos of any problem areas are also worth asking for, since most homeowners never see the top of their own roof.
What Happens During the Inspection Visit?
During the visit, the roofer looks at the roof, the edges and gutters, and the attic, so most of the time on site is spent looking rather than talking. Clearing a path to the attic hatch before the visit saves time and lets the roofer see more.
The written quote usually follows the visit, because the roofer measures the roof and works out the materials needed. If anything about the quote is unclear, ask. A trustworthy roofer is happy to explain each line.
When Should You Book a Roof Inspection?
Fall is one of the best times of year for an inspection in Gatineau and Ottawa. Any damage from summer storms is still visible, and there is time to fix it before snow covers the roof and freeze-thaw cycles start working on weak spots. Spring is the other good window, after the snow melts.
You should also book an inspection after any severe storm, before you buy or sell a house, or when you see warning signs such as water stains on a ceiling, granules collecting in the gutters, or daylight through the roof boards. For a full schedule, see our article on how often you should inspect your roof in Gatineau.
What Should You Look for in the Roofer Who Inspects Your Roof?
The person on your roof should be licensed, insured and able to explain what they found in plain language. In Quebec, roofing contractors must hold a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Cossette Roofing holds RBQ licence 5697-7788-01, carries full liability insurance on all work, and has been BBB-accredited since August 2020. The company has served Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer, Ottawa, Kanata, Orléans, Embrun, Clarence-Rockland, Cornwall and the wider Outaouais since 2005.
Be wary of anyone who knocks on your door after a storm and insists on immediate work. A real inspection ends with information and a written quote. It never ends with pressure to sign on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a roof inspection really free with Cossette Roofing?
Yes. Cossette Roofing offers a free, no-obligation evaluation and written quote for residential and commercial roofing projects in Gatineau, Ottawa and the Outaouais. You are under no obligation to hire the company after the visit.
Do I need to be home during the roof inspection?
It helps to be home, mainly so the roofer can get into the attic and so you can ask questions on the spot. If the attic hatch is in a closet, clearing it before the visit makes the inspection faster and more complete.
Can a roof be inspected when there is snow on it?
Snow hides shingles, flashing and the roof surface, so a full outside inspection is hard in deep winter. The attic can still be checked for frost, moisture and ventilation problems. For a complete inspection, book in fall before the snow or in spring after it melts.
Will the roofer tell me if my roof does not need work?
A trustworthy roofer will. The point of an inspection is to give you an honest picture of the roof, and sometimes the right answer is that it has more years left. Ask the roofer to separate urgent repairs from items you can plan for later.
What happens if the inspection finds a leak?
The roofer will explain where the water is getting in and what it will take to fix it, and you will receive a written quote. If water is actively coming in, Cossette offers 24/7 emergency service and can apply temporary waterproofing until permanent repairs are done.
Summary
A roof inspection is the simplest way to know where your roof stands before winter. With Cossette Roofing, the evaluation and written quote are free and carry no obligation. A thorough inspection covers the shingles, flashing, caulking, roof edges, valleys, gutters and the attic, and it ends with a clear written quote rather than pressure to sign. Booking in fall or spring, and after any major storm, lets small problems be fixed before they become leaks.
Key Takeaways
- A roof evaluation and written quote from Cossette Roofing are free and come with no obligation.
- A good inspection covers the shingles, flashing, caulking, roof edges, valleys, gutters and the attic.
- The attic often shows moisture, frost and ventilation problems that cannot be seen from outside.
- You should leave with a written quote that lists materials, warranty options and costs, with no hidden fees.
- Fall and spring are the best times to book, along with after any major storm.
Need help with your roof? Call Cossette Roofing at 819-777-7177 or request your free estimate.