The selection of a reputable roofer plays a vital role in the success of your upcoming project. Yet, the multitude of options in the saturated roofing industry poses a challenge to an average homeowner. Plus, the fact is, the work being done on your roof is simply hard to see given it’s way up there.
As someone who’s owned multiple homes and runs an award-winning roofing company, we’ve witnessed numerous homeowner horror stories stemming from poor choices from:
- Runaway costs
- Shoddy workmanship
- Messy cleanups, and yes, even…
- …the dreaded no-show.

Bad vs good roofing company work. On the left note, the uneven shingles. On the right, the Principal Roofing company team on a recent job in Newmarket taking a picture of the quality work so the owner can see.
To guide you away from such roof fails, I worked with my team of roofers with 40 years of roofing experience to put together this list of 5 signs you have picked the wrong roofing company. We’ll also cover:
- 2 reasons to pick a roofer from the Aurora, Newmarket, Bradford area
- The importance of warrantied, guaranteed roof repair.
5 Danger Signs when picking a good roofing company in the Aurora, Newmarket, Bradford area.
1. Shingle Racking
Installing roofing shingles straight up the roof, known as racking, is an unacceptable practice. Shingle racking, also known as straight-up racking or pyramid roofing, is a method of installing roof shingles in a vertical line up the roof slope. Unlike the staggered pattern of traditional roofing, shingle racking involves aligning the shingles directly above each other.
This method, as opposed to the recommended stair-step or pyramid approach, leads to various problems, diminishing your roof’s lifespan. Issues associated with racking include cracked shingles, granule loss, leaks, improper nail placement, missed nails, blow-offs, incorrect colour blending, and a voided warranty.
Why Shingle Racking is Problematic
Increased Vulnerability to Wind Damage: Shingle racking creates vertical seams that are more susceptible to wind uplift. Aurora roofing companies know that we are prone to nasty winds that come off the farmlands that surround the communities in Aurora and Bradford. During storms or high winds, these seams can act as entry points for moisture, leading to leaks and structural damage.
Decreased Aesthetic Appeal: Newmarket in particular has a number of neighbourhoods around its thriving downtown that are being revitalized and, to maximize your house’s value, a perfect appearance is important. The uniform pattern of shingle racking can result in a less visually appealing roof. The lack of staggered shingles diminishes the roof’s texture and can make imperfections more noticeable.
Reduced Longevity of Shingles: Properly staggered shingles provide better water-shedding capabilities, prolonging the lifespan of the roofing materials. Shingle racking inhibits water runoff, leading to potential water pooling and accelerated deterioration of the shingles.
Potential Warranty Voidance: Many roofing material manufacturers specify installation guidelines to maintain warranty coverage. Shingle racking often violates these guidelines, risking warranty voidance and leaving homeowners liable for any future issues.
Increased Risk of Ice Dam Formation: In colder climates like Bradford that experience nasty lake effect blizzards, shingle racking can contribute to the formation of ice dams along the roof’s eaves. Poor water drainage caused by vertical seams can trap water, leading to ice buildup and subsequent water infiltration into the building.
2. Counterfeit roofing materials
To avoid counterfeit roofing materials, thoroughly assess quotes and compare them. Ask questions about the materials, their source, and the company’s certifications. While a lower cost might be tempting, ensure that it matches the quality and warranty offered by higher-priced options.
Principal Roofing acquires top-quality materials through a locally-owned supplier, Gibson Building Supplies. We utilize durable materials such as Owens Corning Tru Definition® Duration Shingles or BP Canada Shingles, both manufactured in Canada.
3. Ridging the bundles
Ridging bundles involves placing bundles of shingles along the roof ridge for quick access during installation. However, this time-saving method can lead to warping, bending, or even cracking shingles before installation. Unfortunately, this incorrect practice often results in roof problems right from the start.
At Principal Roofing, we avoid ridging bundles. Our approach involves strategically placing materials across slopes, ensuring shingles remain in pristine condition during installation.

The reputable roofers from Principal Roofing spreading roofing materials out.
4. Poor workmanship
Poor craftsmanship isn’t exclusive to roofing, but it’s particularly challenging to detect because not many people inspect their roofs regularly. In roofing, subpar work often stems from inexperience, shortcuts, prioritizing quantity over quality, and a need for proper installation methods. Newmarket area roofing companies know the quality demanded by the heritage homes at Main and Davis and the quality new homes at Yonge and Greenlane.
At Principal Roofing, we exclusively employ skilled experienced reputable roofers. In fact, our roofing teams have an average of 40 years of roofing experience. They also all complete our rigorous training program and the quality of the work is monitored by our client satisfaction team (including me!). Here are some of the things we (and you) should be looking for:
and because It’s hard for you to see that the work was done right, so we also provide you with before & after photos so you can check on the quality of workmanship you can’t see from the ground.
5. Are roof repairs guaranteed? Are the roofers insured?
In roof repair and replacement, warranties or guarantees come in two parts: workmanship and materials.
Workmanship: Quality roofing companies in the Aurora area will warranty their workmanship. They’ve got enough experience behind them to know that the job they do will stand the test of time, yet they know customers feel more confident about the project when the workmanship comes with a warranty.
At Principal Roofing Company, for instance, each roof replacement comes with a 10-Year Stress-Free Labour Warranty. On all roof repairs, we offer a 60-day hassle-free warranty. Sometimes leaks can be tricky to find and we need rain to make sure we got it completely fixed. If there’s no rain during your 60 days and the leak comes back, just call us and we’ll come back. Our goal is a leak-free roof.
Roofing Materials: We also offer extended warranties on the materials that we install. With the Preferred Contractor status through Owens Corning Canada, we can offer you the Lifetime Material Warranty, also known as the System Warranty.
Insurance
Choosing the right roofing company for your home improvement project is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Among the myriad of factors to consider, one of the most crucial is whether the roofing company is insured. Working with an insured roofing company offers numerous benefits and protections for both homeowners and contractors alike. Below we’ll delve into 3 reasons why hiring an insured roofing company is essential and how it can provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.
Liability Coverage
One of the primary reasons to prioritize hiring an insured roofing company is liability coverage. Roofing projects inherently involve a degree of risk, both for the workers and the property itself. In the unfortunate event of an accident or property damage during the course of the roofing project, an insured contractor will have liability coverage to protect you from financial responsibility.
Without insurance, you could find yourself personally liable for any accidents, injuries, or damages that occur on your property. This could result in significant out-of-pocket expenses and legal complications, potentially leading to financial hardship and stress. By working with an insured roofing company, you can rest assured knowing that you are protected from such liabilities, allowing you to proceed with your project with confidence.
Worker’s Compensation
Roofing is undeniably a hazardous profession, with workers regularly exposed to risks such as falls, electrical hazards, and adverse weather conditions. Injuries and accidents can happen unexpectedly, and it’s crucial to ensure that the roofing company you hire provides adequate protection for its employees. A good roofing company will have worker’s compensation coverage in place, ensuring that their workers are protected in the event of injury or disability on the job.
Worker’s compensation provides financial assistance for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for injured workers, helping them recover and return to work as quickly as possible. Without this coverage, injured workers may face significant financial hardship and uncertainty, placing both their well-being and your project at risk. By choosing an insured roofing company, you can prioritize the safety and security of the workers who will be on your property, knowing that they are adequately protected in the event of an accident.
Peace of Mind
Perhaps the most valuable benefit of hiring an insured roofing company is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that your roofing contractor is fully insured offers reassurance that your project is in capable hands. It demonstrates that the company is professional, reputable, and committed to protecting both their workers and their clients.
When you hire an insured roofing company, you can trust that they have taken the necessary precautions to mitigate risks and ensure a safe and successful project outcome. You can rest easy knowing that you are protected from potential liabilities and that any unforeseen issues or challenges that arise during the project will be handled promptly and professionally.
When considering roofing companies for your next project, be sure to prioritize insurance as a non-negotiable requirement, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience from start to finish.
Top 2 reasons why you should hire a roofing company local to Aurora, Newmarket, Bradford area. (Vs a Toronto firm)
Local roofers aren’t just business owners; they are integral members of your community. Opting for a local roofing contractor comes with various benefits for the community. These companies not only employ individuals from your community but also support nearby vendors for supplies and materials.
1. They’re accessible and responsive
Choosing a local roofing company means working with experts familiar with York Region and adapting project timelines to the more severe local weather we get and economic challenges of our residents. Accessibility is enhanced, allowing face-to-face meetings, while non-local options may lead to delays in responses for warranty claims, emergency repairs, or general inquiries about your new roof.
2. They possess a credible and confirmed reputation
With a local roofing company, it’s easy to check their reputation, as they likely have worked on roofs for people you know. You can check Google reviews (where we have a 4.9 rating) and see if you know anybody who’s rated a company. Or Homestars (where we have a 9.6/10 rating).
Experienced local companies thrive on referrals and trust from repeat customers, showcasing their established reputation in the community. They can readily provide a list of local references and may even invite you to inspect their work firsthand at homes they’ve serviced.
As a leading York Region company, we service Aurora, Newmarket, Bradford, Innisfil & Alcona, King, Richmond Hill, Stouffville and Vaughan. Each location page shows roofing projects we’ve completed there and real reviews from local residents. And we’ve received Consumer’s Choice awards for York Region, HomeStars Best Of, and Best Of Richmond Hill.
Don’t settle for sub-par roofers! Use this list to find reputable roofers in the Aurora area. Or click here to find why the award-winning roofers at Principal Roofing will deliver a roofing job with no surprises. Get a free roofing quote today!