Whether your roof was damaged in a storm or you’re looking to replace an older roof with one made of a more durable or eco-friendly material, it’s essential to do your due diligence and find the right commercial roofing contractor for your project. After all, a roof is a major investment for your business. But with a wide range of options to choose from and an urgency to get your roof in working order as soon as possible, it can be overwhelming trying to find a partner you can trust.

The team at Cotton Roofing understands the stress that can come from making this type of decision, so we’ve compiled our top four tips for choosing a commercial roofing contractor for your project.

1. Find a Contractor Who Specializes in Your Type of Roof

The first step in finding the right contractor to repair or replace your roof is looking for one that specializes in your roofing material and type. Here are a few questions to consider before searching for a contractor:

• Is your roof a flat roof or a steep-slope roof?

• Is it currently made of slate, metal, TPO, modified bitumen or another material?

• If you’re replacing your roof, do you want to keep the same material that you currently have or use something different?

Once you’ve answered these questions, start looking for contractors that have experience in your unique roofing type and material.

2. Do a Deep Dive Into Their Licensure, Insurance Policies and Commercial Roofing Experience

Roofing Licenses

Did you know only 21 states in the U.S. require roofers to hold a license? If your property is in one of those states, be sure to check that any contractors you’re considering hold an active license.

For those in states that don’t require licensure, look for other signs of dedication to their craft. For example, organizations within these states may offer voluntary licenses that contractors can acquire through specialized training. It’s always wise to choose a roofer that has dedicated themselves to getting as much education as possible and who is willing to put in the extra work.

Insurance Policies

When choosing a roofing contractor, you want to minimize the risks to your business as much as possible, which is why it’s essential to determine which types of insurance policies potential partners hold. In general, you want your roofing contractor to have workers’ compensation insurance, commercial general liability insurance and a contractor bond to prevent unforeseen costs from falling back on your business throughout the roof repair process.

Experience

Naturally, you’ll want to have the reassurance that your roofing contractor has successfully finished multiple projects similar to the one you’re looking to complete. See how long your roofing contractor has been in business, and don’t forget to look for reviews and testimonials.

3. Research the Quality of Their Roofing Work

Check Reviews

The internet has given us the ability to access a bevy of information about a company from people who have worked with them before, so be sure to use this resource! Check Google, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau and other sites to see what their previous clients are saying about them.

Ask About a Warranty

Is the contractor so confident in the quality and durability of their work that they offer you a warranty on your roof? If not, it may be wise to look elsewhere. A warranty can protect your investment, so be sure to partner with a contractor who offers a robust policy for you and your commercial roof.

4. Scope Out The Contractors’ Accessibility & Responsiveness

As you’ve been discussing your project with potential contractors, are they responsive and friendly or do they take a long time to get back to you? It’s essential to partner with a company who will match your desired communication style and treat you like their number one priority.

Here are a few qualities to look for in your potential partners:

• Accessibility - Do they offer multiple ways to reach them, or do they have one phone number that often goes to voicemail?

• Responsiveness - When you leave a message, do they answer quickly or do you have to wait multiple days for a response?

• Transparency - Are their cost estimates and timelines clear? Do they have straightforward answers to all of your questions? Are they offering conflicting information that leaves you confused?

If you don’t think your communication styles mesh before a project begins, this issue is unlikely to resolve further into the process, so save yourself some stress and find a contractor better suited to your needs.

Handling everything from inspections to installations and general roof maintenance, the team at Cotton Roofing is here to help every step of the way, and you can trust our track record of excellence. If you’re in need of a partner for a commercial roofing repair or replacement, give our team a call at 877-511-2962 or fill out our contact form to learn more.