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Everyone in the roofing industry knows that commercial roofing systems are far more complex than the roofs used in residential properties. They have more individual components with unique functionalities and require a particular set of standards for repair and maintenance.
While most homeowners prioritize aesthetics and curb appeal, building owners want a durable, cost-effective, long-lasting roofing solution. Since commercial roofing systems protect large-scale facilities, manufacturers primarily focus on the product’s ability to withstand external elements and longevity.
However, you will eventually need to replace or repair your roof system, and that’s the time to look for a commercial roofing contractor. The vitality, resilience, and overall quality of your roof not only depend on regular maintenance but your choice of contractor as well.
When choosing a roof mechanic, knowing what questions to ask can significantly help you filter the experienced and suitable company for the job. To help you make a good selection, here are some practical questions to ask potential contractors:
1. Do You Have Proof of Insurance & Licensing?
Although the question may seem redundant and a bit too trivial, asking for insurance and licensure proof can save you from liability issues when necessary. Trustworthy roofing companies and contractors must have commercial liability and workers’ compensation insurance to cover their work, employees, and negligence in case of damages or safety hazards.
Along with their credentials and liability coverage, a roofing business with updated licensing and insurance proves they are trustworthy and value their customers and employees. They may show additional papers or guarantees, but these are the two most crucial documents to look for in a contractor.
2. Will You Hire a Subcontractor For the Project?
Depending on the project scale, the roofing company may require additional help from sub-contractors for specialty services such as electrical or plumbing units. When it comes to your commercial roof project, your team must always inform you of relevant changes or subcontractor inclusions since you also need to check if they have license and insurance certificates.
Furthermore, the company you’re working with may not carry the ES-1 certification from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) that certifies wind or storm-resistant materials. A subcontractor who has this certification might be hired if needed for the project since acquiring this certification can be too difficult.
3. Do You Have Relevant References?
To further solidify the credibility of the roofing contractor candidate, ask for a list of relevant references of other commercial projects that they have finished. A long list of contacts doesn’t automatically prove their reliability, as you also need to know if their previous clients were happy and satisfied with their work.
4. Do You Have Actual Experience with Commercial Roofing?
Although the roofing company has been in the business for many years, you still need to ensure that they have proven experience in the commercial field, like asking for a list of references and requesting their industrial work portfolio to determine their compatibility for the project.
5. What is Your Advantage Over Your Competitors?
Commercial roofing projects are no joke, so you need to hire the best contractor for the job. It may be an invasive question to ask, but being critical of the company’s edge over its competitors gives you an idea of how they work with their customers, their current business standing, and their general work ethics and personality.
6. What Roofing Materials and Designs Do You Offer?
A reputable roofing business like Best Roof Hatches should have a comprehensive collection of materials, designs, and services to offer. Although you don’t need elaborate designs and highly innovative materials for your roof, a company’s confidence in its ability to provide is an additional reason to choose their proposal.
In addition, a contractor that offers an extensive range of products and services shows their expertise in the industry. It shows their versatility and willingness to adapt to technological advancements to better serve their existing and potential clients.
7. What Roofing System Do You Recommend for My Project?
You may be the building owner, but no one knows which roofing system to use better than the experts. Choosing which roofing system to use is an integral part of every commercial facility since the roof would essentially act as a barrier against external elements.
There are many things to consider when choosing a roof, such as the type of building you have, its location, and the expected climate in that area. The material for your roof will primarily depend on these factors, and a good contractor would always recommend the best option.
8. What Fire Safety Measures Do I Need for My Roof?
A reliable and experienced contractor understands fire safety. Fire incidents are an all-consuming threat to all businesses, and incorporating fire prevention systems or materials in your commercial roof is necessary. Ask your contractor if your roof can withstand fire and how long it can prevent fire from spreading. Also, request safety recommendations that you can use if a fire breaks out.
9. How Long Will the Project Take?
Dealing with commercial roofing systems requires patience, but it doesn’t mean that your contractor can’t give you a definite completion date. Inform your contractor of the project’s start date and provide them with time to review the logistics, obtain necessary materials, and conduct a complete roof inspection.
Concluding a finish date involves many factors, such as gathering materials, logistic reports, the weather, contractor/subcontractor availability, and reviewing applicable building regulations. They also need to consider how long it will take to clear the debris and clean the roof after the project.
10. Can I Get a Copy of the Roof and Materials Warranty?
A whole unit of commercial roofing is a huge business investment and doesn’t come cheap. Therefore, it would be necessary to request copies of the warranty policies for the company’s work on the roof and the manufacturer’s materials.
The warranties protect you from defective materials and subpar quality from the contractor. Roofing systems typically last from 10-50 years, but it’s best to choose anywhere from 20 years above to avoid dealing with replacement issues every few years.
Takeaway
Choosing the best contractor to replace, install, or replace a high-performance roofing system is a tedious process. You need to check their credentials, certifications, past works, and overall compatibility with the project. These preventive measures are necessary to avoid unexpected costs due to incompetence and low-quality work.
You can alleviate the labor-intensive task of finding the right roofing company by asking these questions to potential candidates. These queries serve as a form of validation, and reliable contractors will encourage their clients to ask questions about the business to show their confidence in the services they provide.
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