06/09/2026
Calgary Roofing Report: Is Quality Control Slipping?
By Aaron Jacobs, Roofing Solutions Ltd.
After more than two decades working in Calgary's roofing industry, I've become increasingly concerned about the state of quality control in both residential re-roofs and new construction roofing.
This isn't an attack on any one company or contractor. It's an observation from someone who spends nearly every day looking at roofs throughout Calgary and the surrounding area.
The reality is that Calgary has a quality problem.
One of the biggest reasons is simple economics.
Material costs have risen dramatically over the last several years. Shingles, underlayments, flashings, vents, fasteners, fuel, insurance, and operating expenses have all increased. However, labor rates for roofers have not kept pace with those increases.
As a result, many roofing crews are forced to complete more work in less time just to remain profitable. When speed becomes the priority, quality often suffers.
Another factor is Calgary's repeated hailstorms.
Major hail events create an enormous demand for roofing labor almost overnight. The industry suddenly needs hundreds of additional installers to replace damaged roofs. While many skilled roofers answer the call, these storms also attract inexperienced workers and new companies looking to capitalize on the surge in demand.
Unfortunately, some of these installers have limited training and very little understanding of proper roofing practices.
I've personally seen workers arrive on job sites with inadequate tools, no fall protection, little safety training, and very limited roofing experience. In some cases, individuals are performing roofing work after only a short period in the trade.
This creates significant concerns for homeowners.
The issue extends beyond re-roofing projects. I am also seeing quality concerns in new construction throughout Calgary.
Many builders face pressure to keep construction costs low, which often means hiring the lowest-cost labor available. While there are certainly excellent tradespeople working in new construction, cost pressures can create situations where quality takes a back seat to production speed.
During inspections, I regularly find missing sealants, exposed fasteners, improperly repaired penetrations, poorly installed flashings, missing caulking around siding attachments, damaged shingles, and other deficiencies that could have been prevented through better quality control.
In fact, after thousands of roof inspections over the years, I can honestly say that I rarely encounter a roof that has absolutely nothing requiring attention. Sometimes the issue is minor. Sometimes it's significant. But nearly every roof has opportunities for improvement.
For homeowners, the lesson is straightforward:
Don't shop for a roof based solely on price.
Ask questions.
Who will actually be installing your roof?
How much experience do they have?
What safety procedures do they follow?
What quality-control processes are in place?
Will the company perform a final inspection before considering the project complete?
A roof is one of the most important systems protecting your home. The cheapest price today can become the most expensive decision tomorrow if installation quality is poor.
Calgary has many excellent roofing contractors and highly skilled crews. But homeowners should understand that not all roofing work is created equal.
Quality matters.
And now more than ever, quality control matters too.
