How to select the best commercial roofing contractor for your commercial building.
Deciding on the best commercial roofing contractor for your flat roof project can be a confusing and daunting task. We’ve put together a few tips that will help you find the best fit for your commercial roof installation, maintenance, or repair project.
Do your homework – Know your roof
Get to know everything you can about your roof:
- The square footage
- Type of roofing system
- Rooftop equipment
- Age of current roof
- Maintenance and repair history
- Drainage issues
Knowing these details will help you to communicate your needs to potential commercial roofing contractors more clearly. It will also help you confirm that you are choosing a company experienced working on the type of roof you have.
Referrals
When you need a recommendation for repairing or replacing your roof for your home, you’ll probably get lots of opinions. Often a neighbor will refer you to a roofing contractor that they had a good experience with. Platforms like Angie’s List or Facebook’s “Ask for a recommendation” feature are other great ways to find referrals for residential contractors.
But I don’t have any experience hiring a commercial roofing contractor…
If you have been responsible for a commercial building in recent years, you probably have a good network of people who could make recommendations (or warnings). This is always a good place to start, even if you’ve recently worked with a commercial roofing contractor.
Not many people have had experience with commercial roof contractors, but someone in your network probably knows someone who has.
Leverage the good experiences of your sphere whenever you can.
Local Roots, Experience, and History
Choose a commercial roofing contractor with a local presence and proven history in your area. They will understand the unique challenges of your climate, building codes, and local regulations.
They also live where they work and they live with the legacy of their reputation every day of the year.
Locally owned and managed contractors are typically contributing to their community and are involved in local organizations and events. This shows their commitment to the area and their customers. You can trust a company that has strong community ties and a reputation to uphold.
Look for years in business, experience specific to your type of project, and average years of experience for their crew and team members. This information usually isn’t hard to check – great companies are proud to share this information on their websites.
Companies who have been in the commercial flat roofing business for 50 years or more have clearly built their business on trust, quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. These companies have stood the test of time and have proven themselves to be reliable and trustworthy.
Do they specialize in the kind of commercial roof that your building has?
It’s best to look for a company specializing in commercial roofs and with experience working on buildings similar to yours. Companies like Mint Roofing are focused on flat commercial roofs. That’s it! We don’t dabble in siding or windows or home roofing. We eat, sleep, and breathe commercial roofs.
You’ll also want to ensure that the commercial roofing contractor you select has experience with the type and size of building you have. You wouldn’t want to hire a company to work on the roof of a 20-story downtown building if they’ve built their business on 3,000 square foot 1-story office buildings.
Ask questions. Don’t be someone’s learning experience.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you ask, the more confident you will be that you are choosing the right commercial roofing contractor for your project.
A competent contractor will not shy away from clients who ask a lot of questions. They know that a well-informed customer who has clear expectations is the best kind of customer.
- How long have they been in business?
- How much experience do their foremen and techs have?
- How long will a project take?
- Do they offer a written warranty?
- Ask anything that might help you feel confident in your decision.
Get references. Check reviews.
People love to recommend good companies to their friends and acquaintances. It’s our nature.
Be sure to ask for references! An experienced commercial roofing contractor will have a good list of satisfied customers who have left positive reviews or are willing to give them a recommendation.
And be specific. Ask for a reference from someone they’ve worked for that had project with a similar scope to yours (area, location, materials, particular challenges, etc.).
While there aren’t as many places for commercial roofing customers to leave star ratings, Google is a great place to start. Not having many reviews shouldn’t necessarily rule out a potential contractor. Still, you can learn a lot from whatever ratings and reviews they do have. If they’ve had negative reviews, how did they address the issue?
Find out how they work.
You’ll want to know what to expect once your commercial roofing project commences. Will they assign a single point of contact to communicate with you during the project? Will my calls and emails be responded to quickly? If they aren’t responsive to you now, they probably won’t communicate well once the ink on the contract has dried.
Licenses, insurance, and permits.
This really should go without saying, but you will want to make sure that your contractor is licensed to do the work that they are proposing in your location. You also need to make sure that they have adequate insurance for any damage that could occur while they are on your property.
Permitting should be taken care of by your commercial roofing contractor.
Price isn’t everything.
We instinctively tend to opt for the least expensive bid for large purchases. While price is undoubtedly an important factor in the process, you’ll need to make sure you keep things in context.
For example:
- A $50,000 roof project with a 20-year life expectancy essentially costs $2,500 per year of service.
- A $60,000 project with a 25-year life expectancy will cost just $2,400 per year over the life of your roof.
Mint Roofing would LOVE to be your commercial roof contractor!
When you’re ready to start getting quotes on your flat commercial roof repair or installation, we’d like you to consider Mint Roofing. Give us a call at (952) 473-8080 to put our team of experienced commercial roofing professionals to work for you.
FAQs
Q: How do I choose the right commercial roofing contractor?
A: To choose the right commercial roofing contractor, consider the following factors:
- Experience: Look for a contractor with a proven track record in commercial roofing projects.
- Reputation: Read customer reviews and check their rating with the Better Business Bureau.
- Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the contractor has proper licenses and adequate insurance coverage.
- Expertise: Determine if the contractor specializes in the type of roofing system you require.
- Warranty: Inquire about the warranty offered on their workmanship and the roofing materials used.
Q: Are there any specific certifications or qualifications I should look for in a commercial roofing contractor?
A: Yes, there are several certifications and qualifications that indicate a contractor’s expertise and commitment to quality. Look for contractors who are certified by leading manufacturers like GAF or Elevate (formerly Firestone). Additionally, membership in professional associations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) can demonstrate their dedication to staying updated on industry best practices.
Q: How can I ensure the contractor I hire follows safety regulations?
A: When selecting a commercial roofing contractor, inquire about their safety practices and protocols. A reputable contractor will have a comprehensive safety program in place to protect their workers and ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations. Ask about their safety training programs, safety equipment usage, and their commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
Q: Should I get multiple quotes from different roofing contractors?
A: Yes, obtaining multiple quotes is highly recommended. It allows you to compare prices, evaluate the scope of work proposed, and assess the contractor’s professionalism and responsiveness. However, remember that the lowest price does not always indicate the best value. Consider the contractor’s experience, reputation, and the quality of materials they plan to use before making a decision.
Q: What questions should I ask potential commercial roofing contractors during the selection process
A: When interviewing potential commercial roofing contractors, consider asking the following questions:
- How long have you been in business?
- Can you provide references from past clients?
- Do you have experience with the specific roofing system I need?
- Will you handle obtaining the necessary permits?
- What is your approach to project management and communication?
- How long do you estimate the project will take?
- What warranties do you offer on materials and workmanship?
- Do you have insurance coverage, and can you provide proof of insurance?
- What is your process for handling unexpected issues or changes during the project?
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Phone: 952-473-8080 24-Hour Line: 952-473-8181 Email: info@mintroofing.com