A commercial roof is not only a big investment but also a critical part of your infrastructure. When you need maintenance, repairs, or a new roof, how do you find the right commercial roofing contractor for the job?
Our guide will show you some of the most important things to look for when you need a commercial roofing company so that you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re making the best choice.
Commercial Roof Experience
One of the first things to consider in trying to find the best commercial roofing company is experience. Commercial roofing is very different from residential roofing, so be sure to choose a company that can handle all aspects of commercial and industrial roofing.
A contractor with expertise in all facets of commercial roofing will be able to help you with future needs, as well (which is important in building a trusted partnership over the years, knowing that your roofing company is working in the best interests of your commercial properties).
Finding a well-established commercial roofer can be done with a little research and the utilization of organizations like the Better Business Bureau. Look for a long track record of successfully completed projects that span multiple types of roofing systems. (That way you can have confidence that your roofer knows how to handle the specific features of your roofing job.)
In addition, an experienced contractor is less likely to make mistakes. If a mistake does occur, someone with experience will know how to make it right.
Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
A professional commercial roofing company will be licensed, bonded and insured. While states like Ohio don’t have statewide licensing regulations for roofing contractors, they have licenses and permits regulated at the local level, and the requirements can vary by location.
For instance, in Youngstown, OH, roofing contractors need to register with the city and be bonded. The bond protects the contractor’s clients and the public.
Bonds guarantee that the contractor will fulfill the terms of the project and follow all applicable laws and regulations. If a problem occurs, the client or other affected person can file a claim with the insurance company that issued the bond.
Roofing is a dangerous profession, so insurance is very important. Be sure that any roofer you’re considering has general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. General liability insurance covers damage to a business owner’s property or injury to someone who is not the roofer‘s employee. Workers’ compensation covers the contractor’s employees if they become sick or injured on the job.
A reputable commercial roofing company will be happy to give you the details of their license, bonds and insurance.
Workmanship Warranty
Commercial roofing materials have a manufacturer’s warranty, but you should also ask about the roofing company’s workmanship warranty. A workmanship warranty covers the labor and installation of your commercial roof and protects you against errors in the installation.
Be sure you understand the terms of the warranty, because they can cover a wide range of common issues, like leaks. Warranties also explain the circumstances that might void the coverage, such as failing to perform regular roof maintenance.
Reviews and Testimonials
Trustworthy commercial roofing companies have good reviews and testimonials from their customers. Whether through word-of-mouth or online reviews, in today’s world, you can easily see what previous customers think about any roofer you’re considering hiring.
Along with that, be sure to check out the roofing company’s website for any project pictures. If the contractor is reputable, you’re more than likely to find dozens of pictures of several completed roofing installations and roof replacements of commercial buildings.
Stay Local with Your Commercial Roofer
Choosing a local commercial roofing company helps ensure you get quality and timely service, because local contractors will be there when you need them.
Some roofers go into a town after a storm to make a quick profit and leave. This type of roofer is unlikely to provide quality work. They are even more unlikely to be available afterwards if you have a problem with the roof.
A local, reputable roofing company relies on trust within the community—you can talk to their previous clients and see their projects. In addition, local contractors have a better understanding of your project. They know about seasonal or physical issues in the area that could affect your roof and can recommend a commercial roofing system that’s right for your building.
Use a Cooperative Purchasing Group
If your commercial roofing project is for a government agency, educational institution or nonprofit organization, you can likely benefit from using a cooperative purchasing group.
A cooperative purchasing group allows you to piggyback on the contract that a large purchaser has already negotiated with a vendor.
You benefit from more competitive pricing, and you also save time because you don’t have to run your own competitive bidding process. Not only that, but contractors in a cooperative purchasing group are typically high-quality, guaranteeing an exemplary job.
Membership in a cooperative purchasing group is open to:
- Federal, state, county and city government agencies
- Educational institutions (public and private)
- Nonprofit organizations
To find a cooperative purchasing contractor in the roofing industry, search the commercial roofing contracts available through various cooperative purchasing groups. Then, contact the vendor(s) you are interested in working with to get quotes for your project based on the cooperative contract.
In the Youngstown, OH area, TEMA Roofing is the only commercial roofing company that has contracts with The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS), OMNIA Partners, and The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP).
TEMA’s customers benefit from a local contractor, quality materials and professional roofing services at competitive contract pricing.
Finding the Best Commercial Roofing Company
Finding a good commercial roofing company can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by looking for a company with years of experience and a good reputation. They should be licensed, bonded, and insured, and they should offer a good workmanship warranty.
If your roofing project is for a government agency, educational institution or nonprofit organization, you can also take advantage of the resources a cooperative purchasing group offers. A cooperative contract enables you to get more competitive pricing and a streamlined bid process without compromising on quality.
When you’re ready to take the next step, contact the roofing experts at TEMA Roofing. We’ll explain all of your options so you can make an informed choice.
