Compare the whole roof, not just the shingle wrapper.
Roofprint puts each system on the same property and roof basis, then shows which products, accessories, inspection decisions and written terms actually change. The tier name is a shortcut; the line-by-line scope is the decision.
What should a complete roof scope make visible?
Existing deck and replacement rule
The proposal should say how the deck is inspected, what counts as a required replacement, the unit used for additional work and the approved unit rate. Remote data cannot establish concealed deck condition.
Eave, valley and penetration protection
Name the exact membrane product and where it is installed. “Ice-and-water included” is not enough if coverage and penetrations are left undefined.
Field underlayment
Name the product or approved equivalent, the area it covers and any low-slope or transition conditions that require a different assembly.
Flashing and roof penetrations
The scope should identify which flashing is replaced, which is retained only after inspection and how chimneys, walls, vents and skylights are treated. Avoid a universal “all flashing replaced” claim unless that is the actual signed standard.
Starter and field shingles
Show manufacturer, exact product line, colour-selection state and installation requirements. Do not use a manufacturer logo as a substitute for a product specification.
Hip and ridge finish
Name the cap product and any compatibility requirement. A cut-up field shingle and a purpose-made cap are not the same line item.
Ventilation and exhaust or intake balance
Record what was inspected, what work is proposed and any assumptions. Do not promise a “balanced system” before the attic and intake or exhaust path have been assessed.
Three ways to package the decision.
These names can stay, but live products, inclusions and prices must come from the verified price book and selected-product catalogue.
Essential — A clear baseline
A straightforward replacement scope with the exact field shingle, required accessory products, deck rule, flashing decisions, ventilation scope, exclusions and written terms shown. Essential must never mean omitting a required safety, code or manufacturer condition.
Enhanced — A documented upgrade
An upgraded shingle or accessory package where each difference from Essential is highlighted. The card should explain the practical reason for every added line rather than marking it “most popular.”
Premium — A specific performance or design choice
A product-specific upgrade for a verified need such as impact classification, exposed conditions or a designer profile. Laboratory classifications and manufacturer terms must appear with their limitations; “premium” alone is not a performance claim.
What every live tier comparison must show.
Roof basis and price
The same property artifact, one price-book review date, property planning range and visible HST state.
Products and accessories
Exact selected field shingle, exact accessory package and each difference from the preceding tier.
Deck, flashing and ventilation
Inspection method, unit rate, replace or retain decisions, assessment state and proposed work.
Written terms
Verified workmanship document and selected-product manufacturer terms linked for each system.
Ontario conditions change the questions, not the evidence standard.
Freeze and water
Ask where the membrane is placed and what the roof or attic review found; do not turn a climate generalization into a universal assembly.
Wind exposure
Compare the exact product’s installation and limited-warranty conditions, including required accessories. A test classification is not a promise that storm damage cannot occur.
Attic moisture
Inspect intake, exhaust and visible attic conditions before prescribing a fix. Do not claim ventilation is corrected until the physical path is checked.
What homeowners ask about this.
Is the shingle the most important difference between systems?
It is one important line. Deck condition, membranes, flashing, ventilation, fasteners, accessories and installation requirements can be just as important. Compare the full written scope.
Does a Premium system automatically last longer?
No universal lifespan can be promised from a tier name. Product classification, installation, ventilation, exposure, maintenance and events all matter. Use the exact product and warranty documents for the claims they actually make.
Are ventilation upgrades included?
Only if the selected system and firm proposal say so. Ventilation should follow an inspection of the existing intake and exhaust path; the page cannot safely pre-select work for every roof.
Can products from different manufacturers be mixed?
Sometimes, but doing so can affect compatibility and manufacturer coverage. The final system should list every product and identify the manufacturer terms that apply.
Why are all three ranges based on the same roof?
That is the only clean comparison. The roof basis stays constant while the selected products and scope change, so the homeowner can see what they are paying to add.
Put all three systems on your roof.
Start with the property, keep the roof basis constant and compare the scope line by line.