The Questions To Ask Any Commercial Roofing Company Before Hiring Them

Doing some research before contracting a roofer is always a good idea. For commercial, agricultural or industrial developments, it is particularly important to ask your commercial roofer some key questions before hiring them. If you are a property developer, take a look at this guide before making any decisions on your roofing contractor.

All roofers, whether residential or commercial, should be able to provide you with details of their operating license and insurance. You have a right to revise this and check that they are indeed licensed and insured to work within your municipality and that they have permission to carry out the specific type of commercial work for which you plan on contracting them. Another very basic piece of information to request is the details of their experience; how long they have been in the industry, examples of previous completed projects and referrals. You can check reviews on Angie’s List, or HomeAdvisor can give an indication of their reputation. A high rating by the Better Business Bureau is another reliable indicator of quality.

Depending on your project and the functions of the planned building, there are different styles of commercial roofing to consider. The most common options used in commercial roofing today include modified bitumen roofing, liquid-applied roofing or built-up roofing (BUR). If you need a flat roof, the BUR technology offers the best option to ensure a long-lasting and highly leak-resistant roof. A separate base layer, ply layer, and cap layer are installed to create a seam-free membrane which will not suffer cracks when expanding and contracting due to temperature changes.

Make a list of your requirements including fireproofing, insulation, weather resistance, soundproofing, and aesthetics. If you are considering installing solar panels, skylights or a rooftop garden or terrace, remember to discuss this with your potential roofer. It is best to ensure they have the necessary technology and skills to install the roof with the features you need. Do you expect your commercial roofer to go the extra mile and also install any guttering and drainage systems, siding or additional features? For each item on your list, get a clear answer from your commercial roofer before proceeding.

Don’t forget to ask about warranties offered by your commercial roofer. Most manufacturers will provide at least some guarantee on their roofing products. Some roofing companies will also offer additional warranty agreements. For example, GreenPoint Roofing offers a workmanship guarantee of five years on every job completed. Consumers should be aware of their responsibilities to prevent voiding the warranty. These can include keeping records of maintenance checks.

Big roofing brands such as GAF, Owens Corning, Malarkey and TAMKO run certification programs to provide specialized training to contractors working with their products. If you have already chosen the specific type of roof you want, you should check if your commercial roofer is a registered contractor with the manufacturer. These certifications mean there are experts working with these products and are more likely to offer high-quality results.

Working your way through this list of questions to ask before hiring a commercial roofer will give you the opportunity to select a qualified contractor capable of completing the job. Choosing the right commercial roofer is absolutely worth it when you think about the time and money saved with a stress-free, high-quality roof installation.