Choosing Commercial Roofers
What should you consider when you are considering commercial roofers?
Roofing a commercial building represents a significant investment in your property, and a well-done roof will protect the building – and its contents – for many years. However, a poorly-done roof can be prone to weather damage and leaks, which puts businesses at risk and can shorten the lifespan of the whole building. Therefore, choosing a commercial roofing company is an important decision. So what should you consider when you are considering commercial roofers?
Professional reputation
A good commercial roofing contractor will be able to provide references and examples of their past work. It can be a good idea to consider experienced companies, as they will have had to maintain a high standard of work over many years to maintain a good reputation. Be more cautious of companies that have only been incorporated for a short time – it’s not unheard of for less scrupulous commercial contractors to dissolve a business and reincorporate under a new name to hide bad past business dealings. Beyond asking for references, also check for customer ratings and reviews on third party review websites. While a commercial roofer can be selective of what jobs and references they might advertise on a website or recommend to prospective clients, they can’t hide or obscure online reviews on many sites. Make sure what they are telling you, and what past customers are reporting, add up.
Licences, permits, and insurance
In most areas, commercial roofers need to have specific permits and licences in order to legally operate and work on commercial buildings. Make sure you check that permits and licences are up-to-date. Also, a reputable commercial roofing business should have insurance to guard against unforeseen incidents and any mistakes that their staff may make in the course of the job.
Extended warranty
The life span of a well-constructed commercial roof should extend into decades. Therefore, many reputable commercial roofers offer extended warranties on their roofs, to cover defects in materials or craftsmanship for many years. When choosing a commercial roofer, ask them about their warranty on their work, and how they go about resolving claims against warranties.
You get what you pay for
It’s worthwhile to get several quotes for your commercial roofing job, and then to ask for a timeline of work. A company that offers a low quote and a quick turnaround may not be the best roofing company to choose. An experienced and high-quality commercial roofer may not be immediately available, or may cost you more on a job that has a tight turn-around time. For this reason, it is also a good idea to try to schedule roofing work in advance if possible, so that you aren’t left in a bind if your preferred contractor isn’t available when you need the work done.
Choosing commercial roofers may feel like a daunting task, but the advice given here can help you clarify your options. Remember – this is an investment in your commercial property. A good investment will yield returns for decades.
