Choosing a Roofing Contractor in Vancouver

Let’s be honest—nobody ever thinks about their roof until it betrays them. One minute, it’s doing its job, sitting up there all quiet and dependable, and the next? Drip. Drip. Drip. Right onto your favorite couch. And suddenly, roofing is all you can think about.

If you live in Vancouver or anywhere in the Lower Mainland, you already know the weather here doesn’t play around. It rains when it’s not supposed to. It rains even when the forecast says clear skies. It rains so much that moss practically starts claiming land rights on neglected rooftops.

So when it’s time to fix or replace your roof, the last thing you want is a contractor who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Or worse—someone who pretends they do. Because the truth is, roofing isn’t just about laying shingles and calling it a day. It’s about protecting your entire home from the elements. It’s about knowing how water moves, how materials expand and contract, how to secure flashing so it doesn’t decide to take a little vacation mid-storm.

And yet, hiring the right roofing contractor in Vancouver? That can feel harder than choosing what to watch on Netflix when you’re already 20 minutes into scrolling.

That’s where this guide comes in. No fluff, no nonsense—just honest, practical advice on finding, vetting, and hiring the right roofing contractor in Vancouver.

Why Experience Actually Matters (And Why Some Roofers Shouldn’t Be Allowed Near a Ladder)

Ever heard the saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know”? Roofing is precisely like that.

A roof isn’t just one thing—it’s a system. A carefully engineered, weatherproofing masterpiece (or at least, it should be). It’s the only thing standing between your cozy living room and the wrath of a Vancouver downpour. And when even one part of that system fails? The whole thing starts to unravel.

Here’s what I mean:

If a roofer doesn’t understand proper flashing techniques, water will find a way in—and it won’t be in the place you expect. You’ll notice a leak in your hallway, only to find out it started at the chimney three rooms over.

If they nail shingles incorrectly, the next big windstorm could send pieces of your roof flying into your neighbor’s yard like some roofing apocalypse.

If ventilation isn’t handled properly, your attic could become a sauna in summer and a frost-covered freezer in winter, leading to mold, structural damage, and higher energy bills.

And yet, so many roofing contractors don’t get these things right. They rely on shortcuts, bad habits, or just plain guesswork. And guess who pays for it in the end? Not them.

So when choosing a roofer, don’t just ask how long they’ve been in business. Ask how long they’ve been getting it right. Because there’s a difference.

How to Find and Vet Roofing Contractors in Vancouver (So You Don’t End Up on a Horror Story Reddit Thread)

So, you’ve decided to replace or repair your roof. You hop on Google, type in Best Roofing Contractors in Vancouver, and BAM—you’re hit with hundreds of results.

Where do you even start?

Let’s break it down:

Roofing isn’t cheap, and hiring the wrong contractor can make a straightforward job expensive. Vancouver has its fair share of so-called experts who show up with a truck, some tools, and just enough charm to make you feel like you’re in good hands. They’ll promise the best deal, maybe throw a line about how they’ve been in the business for years, and then disappear when things start falling apart. A bad roofing job isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s the kind of mistake that can cost you thousands of repairs. That’s why before anyone so much as steps on a ladder, it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure they’re actually qualified to be up there in the first place. 

One of the easiest ways to weed out questionable contractors is by asking for their business license. It’s not just a formality—it’s proof that they’re a legitimate company with some accountability. No license means no regulations or standards and no way to track them down if something goes wrong. A good contractor won’t hesitate to show you their credentials. If they get defensive, change the subject, or try to convince you that licenses don’t really matter, that’s probably a sign to keep looking. Checking isn’t complicated, either. A quick search through BC’s business registry will tell you everything you need to know. 

Insurance is another non-negotiable. Roofing involves a lot of heavy materials, tall ladders, and unpredictable elements. Even with the best professionals, accidents happen. If a tool gets dropped, a window gets cracked, or a worker miscalculates a step and damages part of your property, someone has to pay for that. If the contractor has liability insurance, their policy covers it. If they don’t, that’s coming out of your pocket. A reputable company carries at least two million in coverage because they understand that even small mistakes can be expensive. All it takes is asking for a copy of their insurance certificate. If they suddenly start fumbling for excuses or promising to send it later, that’s a red flag. 

Then there’s worker protection. If someone gets injured on your property and their employer doesn’t have proper WorkSafeBC coverage, you might be stuck dealing with the financial fallout. Medical bills, lost wages, and even legal fees can all land on the homeowner if the contractor isn’t adequately insured for workplace injuries. It’s an uncomfortable thought, but it happens more often than you’d think. WorkSafeBC coverage ensures that if a roofer gets hurt, they’re cared for by their employer’s insurance and not left scrambling for compensation. Asking for a clearance letter is standard practice; any professional contractor will have one ready. If they don’t or try to brush it off as unnecessary, you probably don’t want them working on your house. 

Ultimately, a good roofing company won’t make you feel like you’re having difficulty getting proof that they know what they’re doing. They expect homeowners to ask these questions and are happy to provide the proper documentation. The ones who get cagey, make excuses or try to convince you that this stuff isn’t essential usually cut corners elsewhere, whether with materials, labor, or safety. A few extra minutes of checking now can save months of stress later. If something feels off, trust that instinct—plenty of professionals out there do things the right way.

Online reviews are a mixed bag. Some are helpful, some are just noise, and some feel like they were written by the business owner’s cousin as a favor. A handful of glowing five-star ratings? Great. But something's off if every review sounds like a copy-paste job with zero mention of actual projects, locations, or even a vague hint of personality. It’s not hard to flood a page with generic praise, and some companies are really good at curating their online presence. The bad reviews? Buried. The questionable ones? Drowned out by an army of suspiciously enthusiastic “best roofer ever!!” testimonials.

A contractor who doesn’t respond to messages before starting a job isn’t suddenly going to become more reliable once they have your deposit. Complaints about rushed work, cutting corners, or messy cleanups are just as important to notice. One bad review might be a fluke. A handful of similar ones? That’s something to take seriously.

It’s also worth checking how a company responds to negative feedback. No contractor is perfect, and mistakes happen, but a good roofer will try to make things right instead of arguing or dismissing the complaint. If their responses are defensive, vague, or full of excuses, that’s a red flag. A professional takes criticism as an opportunity to improve, not a personal attack.

Another way to get a clearer picture is by looking beyond the usual review sites. Social media pages, community forums, and even local Facebook groups often have unfiltered discussions where past customers share their experiences. If someone has had a terrible time with a contractor, they’ll probably talk about it somewhere.

Reviews are a piece of the puzzle

Reviews shouldn’t be the only thing you rely on. A company with hundreds of glowing ratings but no details about its work might not be as trustworthy as it seems. Dig a little deeper, pay attention to patterns, and if something feels off, trust your gut. A reliable roofer doesn’t just have good reviews—they have a reputation that holds up no matter where you look.

Some roofing companies nail the first impression—friendly, professional, and happy to answer questions. Others? Not so much. Some won’t even pick up the phone. Others respond, but it sounds like they’re in the middle of three other things and can’t wait to hang up. That first interaction tells you a lot. 

Do they listen when you ask something, or do they give vague, one-size-fits-all answers? Do they explain things in a way that makes sense, or are they tossing around technical terms like they’re trying to impress you rather than help you? A good contractor doesn’t just know roofs—they know how to communicate. If they seem rushed, impatient, or like they’re doing you a favor just by talking to you, imagine what it’ll be like once the job starts. Communication doesn’t magically improve after you’ve signed a contract. If it’s terrible now, it’s only going downhill from here.

A new roof isn’t just another home improvement project—it’s the thing standing between you and many future headaches. A good roof keeps you dry, protects your investment, and—if done right—won’t be something you must think about for a long time. But hiring the wrong contractor? That’s an entirely different story. The difference between a stress-free experience and a financial nightmare often comes down to asking the right questions before committing.

A lot of homeowners assume all roofing contractors operate the same way. They don’t. Some true professionals take pride in their work, communicate clearly, and carefully handle problems. Others? Let’s say their business model is more about getting the job today and dealing with issues never. So don't hold back when you’ve got a contractor on the line. Ask everything you need to ask. Their answers—or lack thereof—will tell you everything.

Start With These Questions

“Can you walk me through your installation process?”

This is a great way to separate the professionals from the ones just looking to make a quick buck. A solid contractor will have no problem explaining their process in a way that makes sense. They’ll walk you through how they prep your home, what materials they use, and how they handle ventilation, flashing, and sealing—all determine whether your roof lasts decades or barely survives the following winter. If their explanation is vague, rushed, or loaded with jargon that sounds like a distraction tactic, take that as a sign they might not know (or care) as much as they should.

“What’s included in your quote?”

Because surprise charges are never fun. Some quotes seem great—until you realize they don’t include essentials like permits, old roof removal, or debris cleanup. Then there’s the big one: rotten plywood. What happens if they rip off the old shingles and find damaged decking underneath? Do they charge a fair, pre-agreed rate or treat it as an opportunity to jack up the price? A good roofer lays out all potential costs upfront so you’re not blindsided halfway through the job.

“What warranties do you offer?”

Not all warranties are created equal. Some cover materials but not labor. Others protect against installation errors but only for a short period. And then there are the warranties that sound great until you read the fine print and realize they don’t cover actual issues. A reputable contractor will explain precisely what’s covered, for how long, and what could void your warranty. If they dodge the question or seem unsure, that’s a major red flag.

“How do you handle unexpected issues?”

No roofing job is 100% predictable. Lousy weather, hidden damage, supply delays—it happens. What matters is how a contractor deals with it. Do they communicate the moment something changes? Do they try to solve problems efficiently or disappear the second things get complicated? If they act like nothing ever goes wrong, they’re either wildly inexperienced or lying. Either way, that’s not someone you want managing your project.

Red Flags That Should Make You Run (Not Walk) Away

🚩 They demand a massive deposit upfront  – Roofing isn’t a Kickstarter campaign. A small deposit is standard, but if they’re asking for half or more before lifting a single shingle, that’s a bad sign. You shouldn’t be financing their materials or their next vacation.

🚩 They won’t give you a written contract – If it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen. Verbal agreements mean nothing when problems arise. A proper contract protects both parties and outlines the scope of work, payment terms, warranties, and timelines. If they resist putting things in writing, that’s a deal-breaker.

🚩 They push “one-day-only” deals  – High-pressure sales tactics have no place in roofing. If a contractor is rushing you to sign right now because “prices will go up tomorrow” or “this deal expires today,” walk away. A professional gives you the space to make an informed decision.

🚩 They won’t provide references or past project details – If they’ve done good work, they’ll be happy to show it off. If they refuse to let you talk to previous clients or check out a recent job, they don’t want you to know what you’re getting into.

🚩 Their reviews feel suspiciously perfect  – Every company gets a bad review now and then—it’s just part of doing business. But if every review sounds like it was written by the same overly enthusiastic person, with no details about actual projects, it’s worth digging deeper. Look for patterns, not just star ratings.

Final Thoughts: The Roof Over Your Head Deserves the Right Hands

There are some things in life you can afford to cut corners on. Roofing isn’t one of them. A bad haircut grows back. A bad roof? That’s a mess that follows you for years. It’s the difference between sleeping soundly during a storm and waking up to water dripping onto your floors.

Take your time. Ask questions. Be picky. The right contractor will welcome it. They know their work speaks for itself and have no problem providing proof. The wrong contractor? They’ll try to rush you, dodge your questions, or act like you’re asking for too much.

And when that happens, don’t second-guess yourself. Just move on. Because the contractors who actually do things the right way? They’re out there. And they’ll respect that you care enough to choose wisely. Your home—and your peace of mind—deserve nothing less.

Choose Paragon Roofing BC as your Vancouver Roofing Contractor!