As your commercial or industrial building ages, roof maintenance becomes one of the most critical components. Too many companies make the mistake of ignoring roof problems until it is too late. Leaks and failures can cause major damage to equipment, inventory, and facilities. Water damage costs can be overwhelming but more importantly can cause delays in production and delivery of your products or services.
With so many contractors to choose from, how do you find the right company to take care of your building investment? The answer is research. Do not let the price alone sway your decision making process. A few hours worth of investigative work can save you years of heads that will inevitably come from a poor quality roof installation or repair.
Do Your Homework
Is the contractor licensed? Many states require roofing contractors hold a license that certifies them in their trade. Check with local building code enforcement professionals to verify that your choice of contractors holds a license in good standing if required by your state.
Does the contractor carry general liability and worker's compensation insurance? If the contractor does not carry the proper insurance, you could be liable for any accident that occurs while working on your property. Have the contractor provide a copy of their insurance certificates and check with the insurance company to verify the policies are active.
Will the contractor conduct a full roof inspection and provide a written estimate? Any responsible roofing contractor will perform a full visual roof inspection and document his findings. This should include roof related trouble spots as well as other potential sources of leaks or problems (roof mounted equipment, HVAC penetrations). Many contractors may also choose to include items such as a roof drawing, core samples, and roof condition photos in their report. Subsequently, the contractor should provide a written estimate that includes the price for all proposed work, the cost for any additional work that may have to be performed, and the clean up of all roof related debris from your property.
Is the contractor willing to provide a meaningfulful warranty on their service? Ask to see the roofing product manufacturer's warranty and make sure you fully understand how it is enforced. Is the cost of replacement of the product pro-rated over the life of the roof? Is the replacement labor an additional cost to you?
Check References
Once you have verified licensing, insurance, warranty, and price, the best way to ensure that you are working with the right commercial roofing contractor is to speak with their previous customers. Ask the contractor for a list of references that would be willing to talk to you about their services. The more people you contact, the clearer the overall picture will be. Be sure to ask questions about service after the completion of the project. You can also ask for a list of current projects to see some of the contractor's work in progress. This will give you an idea of their quality, professionalism, and cleanliness while on the job.
By spending the time to research your options, you can be confident in your choice of roofing contractors. You will know that you received the best value, and purchased a quality product from a company that stands behind its work.
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