Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor

How the Right Contractor Influences the Success of Your Project

Selecting the right commercial roofing contractor for your building or facility is one of your most important decisions. The roof is a critical component of any structure, so it’s essential to have an experienced professional handling installation, repairs, replacement, restoration, and ongoing maintenance.

The contractor you choose significantly impacts key factors like project quality, roof system longevity, safety, compliance with codes and standards, and overall customer satisfaction. Taking the time to carefully evaluate potential contractors pays off in the long run.

Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Choosing the ideal roofing company doesn’t happen by chance. To put yourself in the best position to find a commercial roofing contractor that delivers the quality and service you expect, it’s important to consider many options, including:

Experience and Expertise

Look for an established company with many years of experience installing and servicing commercial roofing systems. They should have expertise across a wide variety of roof types and systems. Key staff members should also hold advanced certifications and training.

Ask about their project history—the number of commercial roofs installed, dollar value of typical contracts, types of facilities served, and other related projects. Extensive experience leads to efficiency, quality workmanship, and fewer unexpected issues.

Credentials, Licensing, and Insurance

Make sure the contractor is appropriately certified and licensed for commercial roofing work in your state and locality. They should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation policies to protect them from liability in the event of onsite accidents and injuries.

Ask for documentation of current insurance certificates. Reputable contractors can also pull necessary permits for each job and ensure their work complies with local building codes.

Client Reviews and Referrals

A quality contractor should be able to provide references from past clients, reviews, and testimonials. Follow up with these connections to learn about their experience—were they satisfied with the finished product? Was the crew professional and courteous? Did the project stay on schedule and budget?

Positive reviews from other companies indicate the roofer values each client and takes steps to ensure a smooth, successful partnership from start to finish.

Material Variety and Expertise

Look for demonstrated experience with a wide variety of commercial roofing systems and materials—thermoplastics like TPO and PVC, EPDM, built-up roofing, modified bitumen, metal panel roofing, and more. They should be able to advise you on the optimal materials for your specific building and climate.

A roofer who exclusively installs one type of system may not be the best fit. You want expertise across multiple materials so they can make objective recommendations instead of just selling what they specialize in.

Warranties and Guarantees

Quality roofing contractors will offer strong manufacturer warranties on materials as well as guarantees covering workmanship and labor. This protects you from defects and ensures the roof will be watertight for decades. Be sure to get warranty details in writing.

More extended warranties often indicate higher-quality materials and installation. Look for at least 20 years of coverage for simpler systems and 30+ years for more complex commercial projects.

Pricing and Fees

Reputable contractors provide a detailed, transparent estimate upfront, listing all materials, labor, permit fees, and associated costs. Get quotes from multiple roofers to compare fair market pricing.

Be wary of extremely low bids—they may cut critical corners or use inferior materials to reduce costs. The goal is optimal value, not necessarily the lowest possible price.

Service Areas

Choose a contractor that serves areas close enough to reliably service your facility going forward. They should have the staffing and infrastructure to respond quickly for maintenance, repairs, inspections, and emergencies.

Local roofers are more familiar with regional building codes, permitting, and climate factors. They also have relationships with nearby suppliers to get materials fast.

Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate commercial roofing contractors on these criteria will help you select the best partner for the job—one who delivers a high-quality, long-lasting result you can rely on for decades.

Key Steps to Follow When Selecting Your Commercial Roofing Contractor

Choosing the right commercial roofing contractor is crucial to ensure your building’s roof remains watertight and functions correctly. Follow these critical steps during the selection process:

Conducting a Thorough Online Search

Start your search online to find reputable contractors in your area. Search for terms like “commercial roofing contractor [your city]” and browse through company websites and reviews. Look for contractors specializing in commercial roofing and with extensive experience in a variety of projects.

Pay attention to online reviews, but take negative reviews with a grain of salt. No contractor is perfect. Look for patterns in reviews to identify any red flags.

Discover the five essential questions you need to ask a commercial roofing contractor when deciding who to partner with.

Learn How to Prepare My Roof

Making the Final Decision

After initial consultations, compare bids and factor in experience, responsiveness, and overall impression. Don’t make your decision based on price alone. An extremely low bid could indicate inexperience or poor work quality.

Check references to confirm past customers were satisfied. Also, verify the required licensing and insurance. Ultimately, choose the contractor you feel most confident in and who clearly communicates their process.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Hiring a Commercial Roofing Contractor

While selecting a qualified contractor is essential, it’s also important to avoid these common mistakes:

Not Factoring in Communication Style

Look for contractors who communicate clearly and listen to your specific needs. Lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings about the scope of work or project timelines. Make sure you feel comfortable reaching out with questions or concerns.

Overlooking the Importance of a Clear Contract

Always obtain a detailed contract outlining the agreed-upon scope of work, materials, timeline, and payment schedule. Vague agreements can result in disputes or unfinished work. Have an attorney review the contract to ensure favorable terms.

Ignoring Post-Construction Support

Ask about post-construction services like repairs, maintenance plans, and warranties. A contractor who provides strong long-term support stands behind their workmanship. Also, discuss who to contact for any future roof issues or emergencies.

By carefully evaluating commercial roofing contractors, avoiding common mistakes, and following these steps, you can hire the right contractor to install or repair your roof and provide ongoing support.

Discover Why Paramount Kanga Roof Is the Commercial Roofing Contractor of Choice in Arizona

Since 2010, Paramount Kanga Roof has provided Mesa, Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, and other nearby areas with the highest quality commercial roofing and customer service. Whether you’re undergoing a new construction project or want to convert your roof into a functional outdoor space, we’re here to help. Paramount Kanga Roof welcomes you to contact us today to schedule a consultation or free inspection to move your project forward.

Tips on Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing Contractor for Your Project