What to Look for in an Orlando Commercial Roofer

A roof is an invaluable part of any commercial building. When it is time to repair or even replace a commercial roof, property managers and business owners will want to hire the best commercial roofer for the job. But how does one decide just which commercial roofer to select? The Yellow Pages are full of entries under “commercial roofer” and individuals get pages and pages of results in any online search engine. Narrowing the selection down can be quite a daunting process. By performing due diligence along with background and reference checks, individuals can find the right commercial roofer that fits needs and budget.

One of the first things to look for in a commercial roofer is the longevity of the business. It is best to hire established commercial roofing companies rather than a company that has only been in the industry for a few short years. Always look for companies that have been around for at least five years. Keep in mind that dishonest and unprofessional roofing contractors do not stay in business for long. Back up the business longevity with reference checks to ensure quality work.

Ask who will be in charge of the process of repairing or replacing the commercial roof. How much experience do they have in this business? What kind of credentials do they have? These are important questions to work. See if they have membership to organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). The NRCA sets up standards of quality and professionalism that all members need to abide by. If the commercial roofer is a member of the NRCA, or any other likeminded organization, chances are they follow a strict code of workmanship.

While a certificate of membership to NRCA does prove professionalism, the certificate is only a piece of paper noting their qualifications, but it does not say anything regarding the quality of their work. It is extremely important to do a background check on the commercial roofer and be sure to call up references. Whatever past clients’ state says a lot about the level of workmanship and professionalism the commercial roofer has to offer. If the references offer positive reviews of the commercial roofer, it is a good indication that this roofer is a good one to be working with. Keep in mind that a commercial roof is extremely important as it protects not only the employees, but the entire contents of a building from computers to manufacturing equipment. Do not shoo references to the side because it is one of the best ways to learn about the services offered.

Always ask about licensing and insurance. Commercial roofers need to be licensed in order to work. If the roofer is not licensed, it not only means that they most likely do shoddy work, but it most likely also means they are not insured. When asking for license information, also ask for a certificate of insurance. The certificate of insurance will list all coverages the roofer has, including general liability, professional liability, and workman’s compensation. Do not take these at face value, however, but check them with the state licensing board and the insurance company listed on document to ensure everything is in order.

Reliability and availability are two last things to look into. Will the commercial roofer finish the project on time or are there going to be delays? No one wants an unreliable roofer that drags out the roofing process longer than necessary. Also check availability. If there is a leak, individuals want to know if the commercial roofer can come quickly to fix it.