What Questions Should You Ask When Hiring a Commercial Roofer?

Are you ready to invest in a brand-new roof for your commercial building? If so, we imagine you’re excited about your durable, lasting roof, but you may also feel overwhelmed at the prospect of finding a reliable roofing contractor who can get the job done well.

However, finding a trustworthy roofing contractor doesn’t have to be complicated. Just quiz them with this list of questions, and if they pass with flying colors, they are likely a trustworthy company — and a perfect fit for your roof replacement!

Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Commercial Roofing Contractor

1. Are you licensed and insured?

It may seem obvious, but asking if your commercial contractor is licensed to work in your city or state is of the utmost importance — it’s better to ask than to assume.

Commercial contractors should also carry at least two types of insurance: general liability insurance to provide coverage if there is any damage to your property, and worker’s compensation insurance to protect the crew working on your project.

Licensing and insurance ensure that you won’t be held liable for any injuries or property damage that may occur during the installation.

2. Do you have previous experience with commercial roofing?

Many contractors may claim they can install a commercial roofing system — but just because they can doesn’t mean they should. Commercial roofing projects are very different from residential projects. Trust us — we do both!

It’s much better to hire a company specializing in commercial roofing that is comfortable with your project's scope — whether replacing the roof on a small office building or a giant warehouse — to ensure you’re not their “guinea pig" project.

3. Do you have any references?

If you determine a contractor has experience working on commercial roofing systems, ask them for some references for projects they have completed (not pending projects) that are like yours. Make sure you like the style of the roofing system, but go one step further and ask each of the references if they were satisfied with their commercial roof replacement with questions like:

• Did the contractor complete the project on time?

• Did the project stay within budget?

• Was the contractor communicative?

• Have your warranties covered any issues?

4. Which roofing materials do you install?

Not all commercial contractors will install the same roofing materials. In fact, some commercial roofing materials perform better in different regions. That’s why it’s essential to find a local contractor that is knowledgeable about which materials perform best in your climate and can steer you toward the best materials for your building.

In addition to asphalt shingle roofing, American Way Exteriors installs flat rubber roofing from Carlisle Syntec Systems® — a lightweight, cost-effective material that can last up to 50 years on buildings in Dayton, Ohio.

5. Do you use subcontractors?

Ask your potential roofing contractor if they plan to complete all the work in-house or collaborate with subcontractors to complete your project.

Neither option is “better” or “worse” than the other. However, if the contractor you decide to work with uses subcontractors, confirm that the subcontractors are licensed and insured. You should know who is working on your property at any given time — no questions asked.

6. Do you offer any warranties?

You should never work with a contractor who isn’t willing to cover the products and services sold to you. Warranties give you peace of mind that if anything out of your control goes wrong with your roofing system down the road, it will be fixed — no questions asked.

Ensure the contractor you work with offers a workmanship and manufacturer warranty. The former covers the work completed by the contractor, and the latter covers the roofing products and materials themselves.

7. Do you offer a roof maintenance program?

Sure, you want to find a low-maintenance roofing material for your replacement. However, basic upkeep is required for any roofing system, so it’s wise to hire a contractor who also offers a roof maintenance program.

These programs generally include great perks, like regular roof inspections and a discounted rate for repairs. If you’re happy with your roof replacement, it may be worthwhile to take roof maintenance off your mind (and to-do list) with a maintenance program with the same company — if they did a great job once, they’ll do a great job again.

8. What is the estimated timeline for my project?

Once you’ve asked a commercial roofing company the tough questions about insurance, licensing, warranties, subcontractors, and all the nitty-gritty details — ask them when they can get started on your installation! If you have a set “start” and “end” date you’re trying to work around, be upfront about these times before you sign your contract.

There are several logistics to roof replacement, from ordering materials to gathering a crew. On top of that, roof replacement is disruptive to your tenants, employees, customers, and other people in and around your building, so you’ll want to give them plenty of notice before your project. The last thing you want is the crew to show up, and have it be a complete surprise!

That said, it’s crucial to ensure the contractor you want to work with can complete your project quickly, safely, and promptly given your requirements.

Invest in Commercial Roof Installation with a Local Company You Can Trust: American Way Exteriors

If you’re searching for a commercial roofing contractor in Dayton, Ohio, to replace the roofing system on your retail store, shopping mall, or office building — look no further than our experienced, licensed, and insured team at American Way Exteriors.

We help commercial property owners protect their buildings, attract new tenants, and enjoy low-maintenance roofing commercial roofing system. We also offer a Roof Maintenance Program to make it easier for you to keep your new commercial roofing system in great shape!

Learn more about our commercial roofing services to determine if our trusted company is right for your business or investment property. We look forward to working with you!