Doing some research before choosing a commercial roofing contractor is the only way to kick off your project on the right foot.

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 from GreenPoint Roofing in Longmont, Colorado before making your decision on a commercial roofing contractor.

1. Ask Your Commercial Roofing Contractor if They’re Licensed

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 review 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 to complete.

2. Request Referrals and Check Reviews

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 Yelp, 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.

3. Get to Know their Commercial Roof Offerings

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, 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.

4. Make Sure They Can Accommodate Your Needs

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.

5. Clarify Guarantees and Warranties Before Moving Forward

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.

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.