Everyone knows the basics. Any roofer you hire needs to be licensed, bonded and insured, but while these factors are important, they are just the beginning. Ask any roofer you are considering using the following questions to make sure they are up to the job.
How many and what kind of commercial roofing projects have you done?
Everyone has to start somewhere – but the roof that protects your inventory, employees and visitors is not the right place for a contractor’s first commercial project. A roofer may have experience with residential projects, but those are completely different from the impervious, lasting and secure roof your facility needs. Any roofer you are considering for a job should have multiple commercial projects of your building type (e.g., restaurants are different from schools) in their portfolio and be able to share references for your review.
How long will this project take?
You don’t want to speed through this important installation, but it should be completed efficiently, and the contractor should adhere to their project plan. Some roofing systems are engineered to be installed quickly and with minimal disruption to your operation. An experienced contractor will have all necessary materials and equipment on hand at the outset to be able to complete the job without having to make multiple subsequent trips to your facility.
What about my HVAC and other rooftop equipment?
Many commercial buildings have HVAC units and other apparatus on the roof. Will your heating / cooling systems be affected during the roofing project? What is the contractor’s plan to protect, relocate or work around it? Does another vendor (electrician, HVAC specialist, etc.) need to be called in to help manage this?
What is your safety record?
Roofing can be a dangerous business, and it’s imperative that the contractor have an excellent, reliable safety record. Experience Modification Rate (EMR), Days Away, Restrictions and Transfers (DART) and Total Recordable Incidence Rate (TRIR) are all used to measure a roofer’s safety record. Ask your prospective contractor about how their business stacks up. Check out Royalty’s safety credentials here.
What is your plan for the old roofing materials?
In some cases, the new roof can be installed over the existing one but if not, your contractor should have a plan for removal and disposal. There should not be large pieces of your old roof in your customer parking area or creating an eyesore in front of your building. If a dumpster is used, it should not detract from your facility’s appearance or damage your landscaping, asphalt or concrete.
The answers to these questions will help you select a commercial roofing contractor that is truly qualified to handle your project and give you peace of mind about everything from disruption to safety. Contact us today for the answers to these and any other questions you have and proceed with your new roof with confidence; we’re ready to tackle any project your facility needs.