10 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Roofer

Finding high-quality, trained roofing professionals for your commercial roof repairs or replacement is essential. However, a basic online search or a handful of Yelp reviews won’t give you the full picture. 

Asking the right questions is crucial to understanding the process and ensuring you get the best service. Ridgeworth Roofing has worked with hundreds of commercial and industrial building owners in the Chicagoland area for over 50 years, so we know a bit about what questions you should ask your contractors before they step foot on your commercial roof.

To help you start your commercial roofing project, here are the top 10 questions you should ask your commercial roofer before, during, and after the commercial roofing process.

What to Ask Before You Choose a Commercial Roofer

When choosing a commercial roofing company, you want to find a business that understands your roofing needs and has experience in your area. Different weather systems sometimes create different problems requiring specific attention and training.

To help you weed through the noise and find the right commercial roofing company for your project, we compiled this quick list of 5 questions you should ask.

1. What roofing materials do you recommend for my building, and why?

This simple question could reveal a lot about the company you’re working with. You want to know what products a commercial roofing company wants to use for the repairs and installation of your roof.

Some commercial roofing products don’t work as well in different climates, and different cities require specific materials.

Another reason to ask this question is to research the warranties these manufacturers provide and what other people say about their products. You do have a choice, which could save you money in the long run.

2. Can you provide references or case studies of similar commercial roof installations you’ve completed in Chicago?

Online reviews are a great way to determine customers’ thoughts about a commercial roofing company’s services. But that shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision.

Ask the commercial roofing company about what projects they’ve worked on that are similar to yours, or see if they have any information about the roof on their website. This allows you an opportunity to get a first-hand look at what your commercial roofing project may look like.

It also wouldn’t hurt to ask for references. An unbiased customer review helps distinguish businesses.

3. What is the estimated timeline for the project, and what factors could cause delays? 

Knowing how long it will take removes some of the worry you might have with an expensive and expansive project such as a commercial roof installation. You’ll know ahead of time how long the building might need to be empty, how long your business might be shut down, and other interruptions.

It also helps manage expectations for both you and the commercial roofing company.

4. What warranties do you offer for roofing materials and installation work?

We’ve already written about commercial roof warranties, but there are two warranties to be aware of.

The first is the commercial roofing company’s warranty. This might include services, maintenance, and other regulations.

The materials used on the commercial roof also come with a guarantee that might last up to 25 years.

Before anyone steps foot on the roof of your commercial building, find out what offers are available and how you might be protected from damages in the future.

5. How will you ensure minimal disruption to my business operations during the installation?

The last thing you need as a commercial building owner is more disruptions. Asking ahead of time about how the contractors will minimize disruptions allows you to plan ahead for your business. That might mean early closures, moving employees to different locations, or even shutting down for some time.

The hope is that the contractor makes life as easy as possible.

What Should I Ask During My Commercial Roof Installation?

Now that you’ve chosen your commercial roof contractor, the next step is for them to start working. You’ll probably want to avoid disrupting their work as much as possible, but asking a few questions is never a bad thing.

These questions give you peace of mind while the commercial roof contractor finishes your project.

6. How will you communicate progress and any potential issues that arise during the installation?

You might not know how far along progress is on your commercial roof and asking for updates hourly might be tiresome. Early on in the project, ask the contractor about the best way to communicate how far along they might be on the installation.

If you’re not in the building or away for a few days, you won’t have the opportunity to be on-site and see what’s happening. Setting up a clear communication channel to keep you informed allows the contractor to stay on track and you to know what’s going on.

7. What safety measures are in place to protect workers and my property during the installation?

Safety is paramount when anyone is working on your property, especially on a commercial roof. Most commercial roof contractors have strict guidelines to protect workers from high winds, slippery roofing materials, and any other dangerous elements they may encounter.

If you’re on-site, check to see what measures are already in place, and if there are any questions, speak to the supervisor. It’s not just about worker protection but also state guidelines and regulations regarding employee safety that must be followed at all times.

8. How will you handle unexpected weather conditions during the installation?

Weather is unpredictable, and a bad storm could cause massive delays in your commercial roofing project. If inclement weather is forecasted in the next few days, ask how that will affect the project.

Some roofing companies might build into their plan weather delays, others might not. The more information you have, the better prepared you can be.

What Should I Ask After My Commercial Roof Installation?

Once the project is finished, some work might still be necessary, including scheduling maintenance, inspections, and other procedures. These questions keep you informed about any post-installation appointments and requirements.

9. What maintenance plan do you recommend to keep the new roof in optimal condition?

Spending as much time and money as you do on a new commercial roof, you should also take the time to invest in its upkeep. This requires scheduling regular maintenance (typically four times a year around seasonal changes), and inspections.

Finding out a problem before it worsens helps prevent costlier issues (including the potential for a second commercial roof installation). Your goal should be to extend the lifespan of your roof and its performance for as long as possible.

10. How do you handle any post-installation issues or repairs that might be needed?

Sometimes, accidents and mistakes happen. You should seek to work with a commercial roofing company willing to hold up their end of the bargain for post-installation issues and repairs.

Knowing and understanding the process for contacting the company allows you to get repairs quickly and efficiently before they get worse. This is another example of the benefit of knowing your commercial roof warranties.

Ready for a Commercial Roof Replacement? Call Ridgeworth Roofing Today.

For over 50 years, Ridgeworth Roofing has provided commercial roofing services to the Chicagoland area. We offer inspections, maintenance, and green roofing options for your buildings.

If you’re looking for a complete roof replacement or just a few commercial repairs, contact us, and a member of our team can help you out.