Do roofers need to be licensed in Ontario?

Roofers do not need to be licensed in Ontario - there's no provincial licensing requirement specifically for roofing contractors. However, this doesn't mean you should hire just anyone to work on your Ottawa home's roof.

While Ontario doesn't require roofing licenses like some other provinces, legitimate roofing contractors in Ottawa should still meet several important requirements. They need valid WSIB coverage, which you can verify at wsib.ca/clearances by entering their business number. This protects you if a worker gets injured on your property. They should also carry liability insurance - ask to see their certificate of insurance and verify it's current.

For any roofing work in Ottawa that involves structural changes, electrical work (like installing roof vents with electrical components), or major repairs, you'll need building permits from the City of Ottawa. Call 613-580-2424 or check ottawa.ca/building to determine if your roofing project requires permits. Simple shingle replacement typically doesn't need permits, but roof additions, structural repairs, or changes to roof lines usually do.

The key protection for Ottawa homeowners is doing proper due diligence when hiring roofers. Get multiple written quotes that detail materials, labor, timeline, and cleanup. Verify the company has a legitimate business address (not just a P.O. box) and check their Better Business Bureau rating. Ask for recent local references in Ottawa neighborhoods like Kanata, Orleans, or Barrhaven, and actually call those references.

Be especially cautious of door-to-door roofers or those who show up after storms claiming to have "leftover materials" from nearby jobs. Legitimate Ottawa roofing contractors don't typically solicit this way. Also watch for demands for large upfront payments - reputable contractors typically ask for minimal down payments and don't demand full payment until work is substantially complete.

Under Ontario's Construction Lien Act, you should hold back 10% of the contract price for 60 days after completion to protect against potential liens from unpaid subcontractors or suppliers. This holdback period gives you leverage if issues arise and protects you legally.

Even without licensing requirements, many professional roofers in Ottawa belong to industry associations or have manufacturer certifications. While not required, these can indicate a more established, professional operation.

For roofing work involving electrical components (like solar installations or powered ventilation), ensure any electrical work is done by an ESA-licensed electrical contractor, which you can verify at esasafe.com/contractor-locator.

The bottom line: while roofers don't need provincial licenses in Ontario, Ottawa homeowners should still thoroughly vet any roofing contractor through WSIB verification, insurance confirmation, reference checks, and proper contracts before signing anything.