When Edmonton homeowners hire a roofing company, they usually assume that company’s own team will be the one installing their roof. In reality, many roofing companies subcontract the actual work, and that decision can introduce serious risks that homeowners aren’t aware of until problems appear.
At The Roofing Factory, we take a different approach.
We never subcontract roofing work — and quality control is the number one reason why.
What Does Subcontracting Mean in Roofing?
Subcontracting means a roofing company sells the job, but hires an independent crew to complete the installation. These crews are not employees of the company and may work for multiple contractors at the same time.
While subcontracting is common in Edmonton and across Alberta, it creates uncertainty — especially when quality, accountability, and safety matter most.
The Real Risks of Subcontracted Roofing Crews
1. Inconsistent Workmanship and Quality Control
When subcontractors are used:
- The company does not control how the crew was trained
- Installation standards can vary from job to job
- Crews may be rushed to maximize volume
Some subcontracted crews are excellent — but some are not.
The biggest problem is simple:
Homeowners don’t know which crew they’re getting.
2. “We Only Use Good Crews”… Until They’re Busy
Many roofing companies claim they:
- Only use trusted subcontractors
- Work with the same crews long-term
- Carefully vet everyone they hire
And sometimes that’s true.
However, from firsthand industry experience, we have personally seen companies that “always use good crews” give work to random, unvetted subcontractors simply because:
- Their preferred crews were fully booked
- A roof needed to be completed quickly
- Production volume became the priority
When that happens, homeowners are rarely informed — and standards can quietly drop.
3. Lack of On-Site Oversight and Accountability
With subcontracted labor:
- The roofing company often isn’t present during installation
- Mistakes aren’t caught until the job is finished
- Responsibility can become unclear if problems arise
Homeowners may hear:
- “That was the crew’s mistake”
- “They don’t work directly for us”
- “We’ll see what we can do”
That lack of direct accountability is a major risk.
4. Insurance and WCB Issues That Can Affect Homeowners
This is one of the most dangerous and overlooked risks of subcontracting.
Some subcontracted crews:
- Carry expired or incomplete insurance
- Are not properly registered with WCB
- Operate as temporary or cash crews
If a worker is injured on your property and coverage is not current, homeowners can potentially be exposed to liability.
Why The Roofing Factory Never Subcontracts
We made a deliberate decision to operate differently — because it’s the only way to truly control quality, safety, and long-term performance.
1. Total Quality Control From Start to Finish
Every roof is installed by:
- Our own employees
- Trained by us
- Supervised by us
We control:
- Installation methods
- Jobsite standards
- Final inspections
Quality control isn’t something we hope for — it’s built into our process.
2. Consistent Training and Installation Standards
Our in-house crews are trained on:
- Manufacturer-approved installation practices
- Local Edmonton and Alberta building codes
- Best practices for harsh Canadian weather conditions
This leads to:
- Better workmanship
- Fewer long-term issues
- Stronger warranty protection
3. Fully Covered Insurance and Active WCB — Always
Every installer working on your home is:
- Covered under The Roofing Factory’s insurance
- Registered with active, current WCB
- Properly employed and protected
This protects:
- Our workers
- Our company
- You as the homeowner
Being Honest: Subcontracting Isn’t Always Bad — Uncertainty Is
To be fair, some subcontracted crews are highly skilled and professional.
The real issue is uncertainty:
- Homeowners can’t verify who’s being sent
- Standards can change when companies get busy
- Decisions may be made behind the scenes to keep schedules moving
Using only in-house employees eliminates that uncertainty completely.
Why This Matters for Edmonton & Surrounding Areas
Edmonton’s climate is unforgiving:
- Heavy snow loads
- Freeze-thaw cycles
- High winds
- Hailstorms
Poor installation often doesn’t fail right away — problems can appear years later, when repairs are costly and warranties are harder to enforce.
In this environment, who installs your roof matters just as much as the shingles themselves.
Choose a Roofing Company That Takes Full Responsibility
At The Roofing Factory:
- We never subcontract
- We control every step of the process
- We stand behind our work
- We eliminate unnecessary risk for homeowners
When you hire us, you know exactly who is on your roof and who is accountable.
Proudly Serving Edmonton & All Surrounding Communities
We provide professional roofing services throughout Edmonton and all surrounding towns and areas, backed by trained in-house crews, strict quality control, and proper insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subcontracted Roofing
Do most roofing companies use subcontractors?
Yes. Many roofing companies subcontract labor to manage volume and reduce costs. Homeowners should always ask who will actually be installing their roof.
Is subcontracting always bad?
No. Some subcontracted crews are excellent. The problem is that homeowners often cannot verify consistency, training, or insurance coverage.
Can subcontracting affect my roof warranty?
Yes. Improper installation can void manufacturer warranties, regardless of the shingle brand used.
Are homeowners liable if a subcontractor is injured?
If insurance or WCB coverage is incomplete or expired, homeowners may be exposed to liability in some situations.
Why doesn’t The Roofing Factory subcontract?
Because quality control, accountability, and homeowner protection are too important to leave to chance.
Ready for a Roof Installed by an In-House Team You Can Trust?
If you’re looking for a roofing company in Edmonton or surrounding areas that prioritizes quality, accountability, and homeowner protection:
👉 Book a professional roof inspection with The Roofing Factory today.
