Exterior and drainage

How do I choose a professional for roof & attic?

Choose a properly qualified and insured professional whose written scope identifies diagnosis, permits, parts, labour, exclusions, warranty, cleanup, and total price.

Urgency: low

What this means

Roof & attic covers leaks, shingles, flashing, ice, ventilation, and attic signs. Relevant observations include Ceiling has a new water stain, Shingles are missing, Ice builds along roof edge, Attic has frost or moisture, Roof appears to sag. The correct response depends on age, design, climate, usage, installation, recent work, and the exact manufacturer instructions; these observations narrow next steps but do not prove a failed part.

Safe checks

  • Verify the licence or certification required locally for work on roof & attic.
  • Compare at least two written scopes when the situation is not an emergency.
  • Confirm insurance, permits, parts, labour, warranty, exclusions, cleanup, payment schedule, and change-order rules.

Stop and get help if

  • Leave or isolate the area for fire, gas, carbon monoxide, electrical exposure, collapse, sewage, or rapidly spreading water.
  • Get qualified assessment when a hidden, growing, recurring, or structural condition is suspected.

Which professional to call

Use a qualified exterior or drainage specialist when the condition exceeds safe user access or the visible checks do not explain it.

Find the relevant trade

Source and method

This answer combines HomeSOS's structured triage with safety boundaries supported by a public source. It does not replace inspection.

Health Canada: Home safetyReviewed August 12, 2026