Starting a roofing project can feel overwhelming. Between material choices, contractor vetting, cost considerations, and scheduling logistics, the process involves more decisions than most homeowners anticipate. At McKay Roofing, we’ve refined our process over more than 50 years of serving Lanark County and the Ottawa Valley. Here’s exactly what to expect at every stage when you work with us.
Step 1 — The Initial Contact
Every project begins with a conversation. When you reach out to McKay Roofing—whether by phone, email, or through our contact form—our office team gathers basic information about your property and roofing needs.
We’ll ask about the type of roofing you currently have, what concerns prompted your call, the approximate age of your roof, and any specific issues you’ve noticed. This initial information helps us prepare for the on-site assessment and ensures the right team member visits your property.
Response time matters to us. We understand that roofing concerns create stress, and we make it a priority to acknowledge inquiries promptly and schedule your assessment at the earliest mutually convenient time.
Step 2 — The On-Site Assessment
One of our experienced estimators will visit your property to conduct a thorough evaluation. For Lanark County residents, this assessment is provided at no charge and without obligation.
What the Estimator Examines
The assessment covers far more than a surface-level visual scan. Our estimator examines the current roofing material condition, checks for damage patterns that indicate underlying issues, evaluates flashing around all penetrations and transitions, and assesses ventilation adequacy.
Where accessible and with your permission, we inspect the attic space for signs of moisture intrusion, ventilation concerns, and insulation condition. These details directly affect what we recommend and how we approach the project.
Accurate measurements of the entire roof area—including precise calculations for valleys, hips, ridges, and penetrations—ensure our material estimates reflect actual requirements, not ballpark guesses.
The Consultation
With the inspection complete, our estimator discusses findings with you on the spot. We explain what we’ve observed, outline your options, and answer your questions in straightforward terms. If we recommend specific materials—metal roofing, asphalt shingles, or flat roofing systems—we explain the reasoning behind those recommendations.
We never pressure you to make immediate decisions. Our role during this visit is to inform and advise, not to sell.
Step 3 — The Detailed Estimate
Following the on-site assessment, we prepare a comprehensive written estimate that details every aspect of the proposed work.
What Our Estimates Include
Each estimate specifies materials by manufacturer and product line, the complete scope of work including tear-off, disposal, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and trim.
We also outline the applicable warranty coverage—both manufacturer warranties and workmanship guarantees—so you know precisely what protection your project includes.
No Hidden Costs
Our estimates reflect the actual cost of completing your project properly. We don’t lowball initial numbers to win the job and then surprise you with add-on charges during installation. If our assessment reveals potential unknowns—like decking condition that can’t be fully evaluated until tear-off—we note these and provide contingency pricing so you’re prepared for any scenario.
This commitment to transparent pricing comes from our understanding that roofing estimates and contracts form the foundation of the trust relationship between contractor and homeowner.
Step 4 — Material Selection
Once you’ve decided to proceed, we finalize material selections together. For shingle roofs, this means choosing the specific product line and colour from our manufacturer partners’ full range. For metal roofing, we guide you through profile options, gauge selections, and colour matching.
We keep samples and manufacturer literature on hand to help you visualize how different options will look on your home. For larger investments or unusual colour requirements, we can arrange manufacturer samples to ensure you’re confident in your choice before materials are ordered.
Step 5 — Scheduling and Pre-Installation
With materials confirmed, we coordinate scheduling based on material delivery timelines, weather forecasts, and crew availability.
What You Need to Prepare
Before our crew arrives, we’ll provide clear guidance on property preparation. This typically includes moving vehicles from the work zone, clearing items near the house perimeter, and making arrangements for pets or children during the noisiest phases.
Inside, securing fragile items and covering attic-accessible areas prevents dust-related issues during tear-off work.
Communication Before Day One
The day before installation begins, we confirm the schedule and review any last-minute details. You’ll know exactly when to expect the crew, who will be on site, and who to contact if questions arise during the project.
Step 6 — Installation Day
Our crews arrive equipped, prepared, and organized. Years of experience translate to an efficient process that respects your property and your time.
Site Protection
Before any roofing work begins, the crew protects your landscaping, siding, and walkways from debris. Tarps cover vulnerable areas, and designated debris zones keep your property organized throughout the project.
The Work Itself
Whether it’s a complete tear-off and replacement, an overlay, or a targeted repair, our crews follow manufacturer installation specifications and industry best practices at every step. Our management team, led by experienced professionals with decades of hands-on roofing knowledge, ensures quality standards are maintained throughout.
For most residential projects in the Lanark area, installation completes within one to three days depending on roof size and complexity. We never rush quality for speed, but our experienced crews work efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily routine.
Step 7 — Inspection and Cleanup
As work wraps up, thoroughness defines the final phase.
Quality Verification
Our crew leader conducts a detailed inspection of all completed work. We verify proper installation of every component—from underlayment and ice shield through finish materials, flashing, and ventilation.
We encourage homeowners to walk through the final inspection with us. Understanding your new roof’s features and knowing what normal conditions look like helps you monitor its performance in the years ahead.
Site Restoration
Cleanup includes magnetic sweeping of your entire yard and driveway to collect stray nails, removal of all debris and packaging, and restoration of landscaping protection areas. Our standard is to leave your property cleaner than we found it.
Step 8 — After the Project
Our relationship doesn’t end when the crew drives away. Post-project support defines the McKay Roofing difference.
Warranty Documentation
We handle all manufacturer warranty registration on your behalf and provide complete documentation for your records. You’ll receive written confirmation of both manufacturer coverage and our workmanship warranty terms.
Ongoing Support
Questions about your new roof, concerns about performance after severe weather, or maintenance guidance—we’re available year-round. Operating twelve months of the year means we’re here when you need us, including during winter emergencies when seasonal operators have shut down.
Why Lanark Residents Trust McKay Roofing
Since 1973, McKay Sheet Metal & Roofing has been serving Lanark County, Perth, Smiths Falls, Carleton Place, and communities throughout the Ottawa Valley. Our longevity isn’t accidental—it’s the result of consistently delivering quality workmanship at fair value while treating every client’s project as if it were our own home.
We carry $5 million in liability insurance, maintain current WSIB coverage, and operate our own sheet metal shop for custom fabrication. Our team includes licensed sheet metal workers and manufacturer-certified installers whose expertise spans every residential and commercial roofing system in the market today.
When you’re ready to discuss your roofing project, contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment. From that first conversation through years of post-installation support, McKay Roofing is here for the entire journey.
