You suspect your property's roof leaks and are ready to sell. Yikes. Or, you recently purchased a commercial building that needs a significant facelift and a new, high quality roof to protect your asset. You wonder, "How do I choose a commercial roofer who can help?"
Elevate can point you in the right direction. We supply commercial roofers across the country with the training, tools, and high-quality roofing materials they need to take care of your next maintenance, repair, or installation project.
How To Choose A Quality Commercial Roofing Contractor
Consider the scope of work before you choose a commercial roofing contractor. Regardless of the job at hand, however, we recommend doing your due diligence and finding a roofer that checks all the boxes relevant to your job.
If your roof has been leaking for a while, you are likely looking at a large-scale repair. While it may be possible to fix the leaking roof without a total tear-off and replacement, that isn't always the case. Check out this guide if you need help determining which roofing system might best suit your needs.
On the other hand, regular commercial roof maintenance is less costly and less disruptive than repairs. In addition, if your roof is in good overall condition, but the warranty is about to expire, it's a good idea to see if you can coat or refurbish it to extend its service life. A professional roof inspection can help inform your options and decisions.
Whether you need to conduct routine maintenance, prep the building for sale, or are looking for a roofing contractor for a new building, the tips below can help you find the best commercial roofing company for your needs.
1. Start with Local Roofing Companies
Local roofing companies have the advantage of knowing the challenges posed by local weather patterns, as well as building codes, and other regulations. Local weather can play a significant part in roof installation. Incorrectly installing any roofing material can lead to substantial issues down the road. For example, improper vapor retarder or air barrier use for your climate can cause moisture issues.
You can also visit a local contractor quickly if needed, inspect their previous work, and talk to their past customers. In addition, job site proximity could lower their price because they won't bill you material transport fees.
2. Check Experience and Ask For Referrals
While your roofer needs to have many years of experience, it's also crucial that they have experience with projects similar to yours. The contractor must have experience with every roofing material they install or repair.
So, when evaluating various bids, check if the company has performed similar roofing jobs to yours, even if they have been in business for decades. For example, consider alternatives if the company has always installed EPDM roofs but offers to repair your TPO roof without previous experience with that material.
Ask for past client referrals and their contact information. It's a good idea to talk to previous customers, especially those with roofs similar to yours. At a minimum, read recent customer reviews posted for the business on Google and the Better Business Bureau.
3. Confirm Licenses and Certificates
Choose a licensed commercial roofer if your state requires roofer licensing. For example, California has a C-39 Roofing Contractor license, which is necessary for projects exceeding $500. Other states, such as Texas, have no official licensing requirements. Instead, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas has a voluntary self-regulation program ensuring that Texas contractors have the correct knowledge and skills. There are different local rules and types of roofing regulations. Find a contractor that meets local licensing requirements.
It's also important to check if the roofer has certificates for installing materials. National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) certifies workers, crew leaders, and other roofing company personnel who have met all requirements for a particular certificate. So, check if your contractor possesses NRCA certificates for installing roofing materials. Many other associations, institutes, and manufacturers can issue various certificates, too. In addition, verify that your contractor and the manufacturer of the materials they plan to install are an NRCA member or a member of any reputable state or local roofing association. The more they are affiliated with respected roofing institutions, the better.
4. Ask for Proof of Insurance Coverage
Consult legal and insurance experts before evaluating a contractor's insurance coverage. We can't provide professional and legal insurance advice, but we can let you know that it's imperative for your roofing contractor to be insured according to the industry's standards.
Depending on your local laws, you or your business could be liable for accidents, lawsuits, and employee injuries if your contractor doesn't have adequate insurance. Roofers should have at least three insurances: workers' compensation, general liability, and a surety bond.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need additional policies. For example, Professional Roofing Liability Insurance covers many more areas, including work done by others and negligent acts. Your roofer should be open to answering your insurance questions and providing all information for your evaluation. In addition, ensure that all contractor's insurance policies are valid throughout the duration of your project.
5. Get At Least Three Quotes
Request at least three different roofing proposals from different contractors to get a better picture of suitable solutions to your roof's problems. Quote costs can vary significantly depending on the proposed materials, warranty, and workmanship quality. It's a good idea to get an itemized quote. An itemized quote will allow you to compare the price differences for the same or similar materials and give you some grounds to negotiate.
Project scheduling can also play a significant role during the bidding process. Ensure that the bids include the start and proposed finished dates for the project. Sometimes it's more expensive for a contractor to start immediately, while a less costly roofer may not schedule your roofing job for many months.
6. Ask For Warranty Details
Ask the bidding roofers to provide a detailed warranty in writing. Then, compare warranty nuances and see who offers a better plan. Contractors provide a limited warranty, but you may also get a manufacturer's warranty for the installed materials. For example, Elevate Red Shield Limited Warranties range from 5 to 30 years. They include material and labor coverage with comprehensive, no-dollar limit liability if Elevate branded products are installed by licensed contractors and according to specifications.
Choose Elevate Contractors
Elevate™successfully serves building owners, contractors, and other industry professionals in an ever-changing industry where margins for error are slim, and setbacks can cause significant issues for everyone involved. Elevate works with licensed contractors who value quality execution, invest in their employees, and take great pride in pursuing excellence.
Our roofing contractors know how to provide durable, versatile and sustainable roofing solutions to help protect your investment. Find your nearest licensed Elevate contractor and set up a roof consultation appointment today.