A Canadian Roofing Service Contract is a legally binding agreement between a roofing contractor (or roofing company) and a property owner that defines the scope of roofing work to be performed, whether it is a complete roof replacement, repair, re-roofing overlay, or new construction installation. The contract covers roofing materials, specifications, removal and disposal of existing roofing, underlayment and ice shield installation, flashing details, ventilation requirements, building permits, safety protocols, warranty terms, and payment structure.

Roofing work in Canada is governed by the applicable provincial building code. In Ontario, the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 332/12) sets standards for roofing installations, including requirements for underlayment, ice protection along eaves in climate zones where ice damming occurs, ventilation ratios for attic spaces, and flashing requirements around chimneys, vents, and skylights. The building code is updated periodically to reflect new construction methods, safety advancements, and climate considerations -- recent updates include new standards for underlayment installation and more detailed guidelines for flashing.

Roofing is classified as a high-risk construction activity. Under provincial occupational health and safety legislation, including Ontario Regulation 213/91 (Construction Projects), roofing contractors must implement fall protection plans, provide personal protective equipment, and ensure all workers have completed mandatory working-at-heights training. WSIB (or equivalent WCB) coverage is mandatory for roofing contractors as they operate in a compulsory coverage construction industry. The contract should verify the contractor's insurance and workers' compensation status to protect the property owner from potential liability for workplace injuries.

A Canadian Roofing Service Contract is needed when a homeowner requires a complete roof replacement due to aging shingles, storm damage, persistent leaks, or as part of a major renovation. Complete roof replacements typically involve stripping all existing roofing materials, inspecting and repairing the roof deck, installing ice and water shield, synthetic underlayment, new shingles or other roofing material, drip edge, and proper flashing.

When roof repairs are needed following damage from severe weather events such as wind, hail, ice storms, or falling trees -- events that are common across Canadian climate zones. The contract documents the scope of the repair, whether it is a temporary emergency patch or a permanent repair, and clarifies insurance claim coordination if the damage is covered by the homeowner’s property insurance.

When installing a new roof on new construction, including residential homes, commercial buildings, or additions. New construction roofing must comply with the provincial building code requirements for the specific climate zone, including minimum insulation values, ventilation ratios, and ice protection requirements.

When re-roofing (overlaying new shingles over existing shingles) is being considered as a cost-saving alternative to full replacement. Not all situations permit overlays -- the provincial building code may limit the number of roofing layers, and manufacturer warranties may be voided if shingles are installed over existing layers. The contract should address whether an overlay is appropriate and permitted.

When a commercial property owner needs flat roof installation or repair using membrane systems (EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen), which require specialized installation techniques, adhesives, and seaming equipment. The contract should specify the membrane type, thickness, attachment method, and drainage requirements.

Material specifications must identify the exact roofing product by manufacturer, product line, colour, and style. For asphalt shingles, this includes the shingle type (three-tab or architectural/dimensional), wind resistance rating, algae resistance classification, and fire rating (Class A, B, or C under CAN/ULC-S107). For metal roofing, the gauge, coating system (galvanized, Galvalume, or painted), and panel profile must be specified. The contract should include specifications for all accessory components: ice and water shield, underlayment (synthetic or felt), drip edge material and gauge, pipe boot flashings, step and counter flashings, ridge vent type, and sealants.

Building permit and inspection requirements must be addressed. Under the provincial building code, complete roof replacements and structural modifications typically require a building permit. The contract should specify which party obtains the permit, who pays the fees, and who schedules the municipal inspection. The contractor should not cover newly installed roofing until the required inspection has been completed.

Insurance and workers’ compensation provisions are critical for roofing contracts. The contractor should maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least CAD $2,000,000 per occurrence, which is the industry standard for construction trades. WSIB/WCB coverage must be current, and the property owner should request a clearance certificate before work begins. Fall protection and occupational health and safety compliance should be explicitly addressed in the contract.

Warranty terms should clearly distinguish between the workmanship warranty (provided by the contractor, typically five to ten years) and the manufacturer’s material warranty (typically 25 to 50 years for asphalt shingles). The workmanship warranty should cover leaks, improper flashing, inadequate ventilation, and other installation defects. The change order clause should address the common roofing scenario of discovering hidden deck rot, water damage, or inadequate framing that can only be identified after the old roofing is removed, requiring written authorization before additional costs are incurred.