Seeking a commercial roofing contractor for your next
project but not sure how to proceed? Start by asking your local business
associations or commercial real estate groups for their recommendations. You
should also verify the contractor requirements and directories in your state
and try to find and read reviews.
Then, contact two or three local commercial roofing
contractors to arrange consultations. Look into how long they have been in
business, their references, reviews and qualifications, compare proposals, and
negotiate the final cost. Read on to understand more about the process of
hiring the commercial roofing contractor that fits your project and budget.
When Will I Require a Commercial Roofing Contractor?
Your roof is a critical part of your commercial property and should be addressed promptly if you spot any problems like leaks or cracks, or if an upgrade is needed due to aging and weathering. Commercial roofing contractors will help you rectify these issues as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to your property. The best time to hire a commercial roofing contractor is ideally before you have an emergency. Roof damage can occur at any time, hence, it's always best to be prepared.
Commercial Roofing Contractor Qualifications
Commercial roofing contractors must fulfill certain criteria
based on their location. Check your state's commercial roofer qualifications
and directories before hiring.
Reliable commercial roofing contractors are:
Services a Commercial Roofer Offers
Commercial roofing services can differ from one contractor to another. Ask the commercial roofers you're interested in what services they provide. Some common roofing services include:
Restoring a roof presents an opportunity to inspect your gutters. You might come across commercial roofers who also offer services related to gutters, exterior walls, and windows. Ask the professionals in your area if they provide other services. Managing roofing and gutters simultaneously could save you money, given that the contractor will already be on-site.
Commercial Roofing Contractors
Commercial roofers work on business properties, installing new roofs and repairing existing ones. Commercial roofing is often more complex and technical than residential, it's crucial to select an experienced and dependable commercial contractor who specializes in commercial roofing systems.
Roof Repair
Contractors repairing your commercial roof are responsible
for ensuring the integrity of your roof and repairing any damage. Along with
repairing your roof, your contractor should perform the due diligence of
inspecting your roof to determine any potential future problems. A life cycle
analysis will determine how much life your roof has left.
Roof Replacement
Contractors who are hired to replace your roof should be very well qualified. While a repair to your roof is like a band aid or cast on your arm, roof replacements are like open heart surgery. Your roof protects your entire building and its contents from water damage. In the process of a roof replacement, this protection will be compromised, and your contractor must have a plan in place to keep you safe and dry during this phase of replacement.
How to Hire a Commercial Roofing Repair Contractor
When you're ready to hire a commercial roofing contractor, you can consider either independent contractors or roofing companies. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Always compare bids for the best price and verify roofer reviews, references, and qualifications.
Independent commercial roofing contractors can be useful for quick repairs. They might specialize in a particular style, and hiring an individual can be a risk, but it means you'll interact with the same person throughout the project.
Commercial roofing companies are more likely to finish extensive jobs more quickly, have their work covered by manufacturer warranties, offer discounts or free consultations, and work with a wider range of materials. However, you may not have the same point of contact for each phase of the project.
Questions to Ask a Commercial Roofer
Interviewing contractors is a crucial step in hiring the right commercial roofer. Here's what to ask:
- What types of roofing do you install?
- Are you certified by roofing manufacturers to install the system?
- Do you have case studies from projects where you installed this type of roof?
- Do you have a current license to perform this work in my area?
- What types of insurance do you have, and what is the coverage?
- Can you provide two or three references to verify?
- Do you offer a free on-site inspection?
- Do you take photos during the inspection and after completing the project?
- Will you provide me with a written estimate after the inspection?
- Do you perform roofing repairs?
- Is your work covered by a manufacturer warranty?
- How do you keep projects on schedule? What's your policy for inclement weather?
- Do you remove or dispose of old roofing materials? Is there a disposal charge?
- When and how do you bill or invoice? Do you provide financing options?
Selecting the Right Commercial Roofing Contractor
If you decide to receive multiple bids, always ensure that
every bid is providing the same system, components, and warranties before
comparing. You may select the moderate, middle-of-the-road bid or the
contractor with the best availability and lowest price. With a suitable budget,
you might go for the roofer with the highest estimate and many years of
experience installing the type of roof you want. Your choice will come down to
who you feel will best accomplish your project, within your budget, on time,
and without incident. A commercial roofing project is an intensive process but
with the right contractor and the right communication, the process can be
painless.
No matter which bid you select, ensure your roofer has the necessary qualifications.
If you already know what type of roofing you want, you may have fewer contractors to select from in your area. Most commercial roofers can install and repair common materials, but fewer have experience with materials like PVC, TPO or metal roofing. Special circumstances like solar or green roofs require specialists who may be hard to find in some areas.
Avoid door-to-door bids, where a roofer visits businesses
affected by storms and high winds, as these can be predatory. If local
commercial roofers reach out to you about repairing or replacing your roof,
verify their license, insurance, and references before accepting their bid.