10 Important Questions to Ask a Commercial Roofing Company

When you have a need for roofing repair or replacement, there are important questions you need to ask a commercial roofing company before hiring someone to complete the work. Many business and property owners are not familiar with commercial roofing and may not know what questions to ask to ensure the project is completed well.

The questions below will help you navigate the process with a commercial roofing company and help you understand the project better.

What To Ask Before A Commerical Roofing Project

There are several key questions to ask the commercial roofing company before the project even begins. From whether to repair or replace the roof, to costs and timeline, it’s important to get answers to these questions before you sign off on any work.

1. Should I Repair or Replace my Commercial Roof?

If your roof isn’t drastically damaged or leaking in multiple places, it may make sense to repair that portion of the roof rather than replacing it entirely. When deciding between repairing or replacing a roof, the long-term costs are an important consideration.

On one hand, the expense of a repair is less than a full replacement, but you may require several repairs over the coming years, which can quickly eliminate any savings you had anticipated. A commercial roof replacement may be more costly upfront, but the savings in the coming years, including potential energy savings, may outweigh the initial investment.

A quality commercial roofing company will provide you the pros and cons of each option and guide you to the right decision.

2. What Will it Cost?

Often the biggest question about roofing projects is how much a new roof will cost. The cost of a new roof is variable, and some commercial roofing companies may not be fully transparent with their pricing. CRS provides transparent pricing and determines the cost of a project based on material costs, labor costs and disposal costs.

In addition to those costs, substructure repairs, roof protrusions, such as vents and air systems, debris removal, and logistical considerations such as the ability to easily get supplies onto the job site, may increase costs, as well.

When you begin the process of gathering pricing, it is important to plan a commercial roof inspection with a capable roofing professional. This inspection will minimize surprises – like rusted decks, corrosion or rotting wood – that require unanticipated repairs that can increase costs.

Don’t forget to review each company’s proposal carefully. Roofers using substandard materials, or those that cut corners during installation, to reduce the initial cost, may increase long-term maintenance costs and decrease a roof’s lifespan, adding up to major expenses down the line.

3. Is My Roof Up to Building Codes?

When a new commercial roofing system is being installed, it must be built to the latest codes. Due to updated building codes, a roof built to code a couple of decades ago may not meet newer standards. When this occurs, your roofing contractor must design a new roof system that meets the new standards. A reputable commercial roofing company will plan ahead to ensure all work is completed appropriately and to code, to avoid future headaches.

4. How Long Will the Work Take?

The majority of the time spent on a new commercial roof system involves the bidding and design process. Once work begins, an expert commercial roofing company with an experienced crew can complete a project in a quick, efficient manner. To ensure that your roofer understands your timeframe and minimizes the disruption to your business, always ask how long the project will take before work begins.

Additionally, by having an understanding of the timeline, you can properly prepare your customers and staff for what to expect, which can reduce tension and misunderstandings.

commercial roofing company

5. Will the Project Interrupt my Day-to-Day Business Operations?

While it is unlikely that a project can be completed without some disturbance to your day-to-day business, an experienced commercial roofing company should minimize disruptions to your typical routine, as well as the flow of vehicles and pedestrians in and out of your facility.

Depending on the type of work, and material and equipment required, a portion of the parking lot may need to be designated for the contractor, and some sidewalks or doorways may need to be cordoned off. A quality commercial roofing company will discuss these needs with you at the beginning of the project to minimize the impact on your business.

6. How Much Noise Will There Be?

The noise generated during a commercial roof replacement varies based on the kind of roof you are having installed. In all cases, the commercial roofing company you choose should ensure you and your customers are not unnecessarily disturbed.

Usually, the noisiest part of a commercial roofing project is the removal of the old roof. The operation of heavy equipment, including cranes and trucks, to deliver materials to the roof can also be noisy. Additionally, vibrations from power equipment used to move materials and install the roof can pass down through steel beams and other building components, resulting in noise.

While noise is an unavoidable part of any project, the contractor should prepare you for the level of noise to expect.

7. How Will You Mitigate Any Odors?

Some roofing systems require adhesives or primers to be used in the installation process. When these safe, low-VOC materials are used, you may notice temporary odors. A crew from a trusted commercial roofing company can minimize the infiltration of these odors through roof vents and other openings.

8. How Will Weather Influence the Work?

In the Tri-State area, it is possible to complete roofing projects during all four seasons. However, significant moisture can delay the installation process. Rain, ice, and snow can easily get into exposed sub-roofing and cause a host of problems, including rot and mold. Additionally, adhesives and caulking used to seal the roof require the roof to be dry for them to properly adhere.

Depending on your individual project and the severity of the weather, it is possible that bad weather may delay your roofing project. While companies do what they can to avoid unnecessary delays, it is better to have a project delayed temporarily than have future issues with the substructure of the roof due to moisture penetration.

9. What Are Your Company’s Safety Procedures?

Safety is of paramount importance for any job. To comply with local ordinances, state laws, and OSHA regulations, the commercial roofing company you choose may need to erect safety barriers, fencing, guardrails and/or scaffolding. A responsible commercial roofing company will always make the safety of the workers, your employees, and your customers a top priority.

Knowing what precautions will be taken ahead of time can allow you to plan accordingly and prepare your staff and customers for any adjustments they may need to make.

10. How Can I Protect My Investment?

Finally, to maximize the long-term performance of your new roof system, it is important to ask the company how you can best protect your investment. CRS always recommends following up any roofing job with periodic inspections. These regular inspections will reveal any acute problems like storm damage and clogged drains.

Routine inspections help reveal developing issues at a stage when remedies are simpler and less expensive, saving you money and protecting your investment for years to come.

commercial roofing company

Trust an Award-Winning Commercial Roofing Company

Since the 1970s, CRS has built a reputation for commercial roof replacement and repair. We work with top commercial roofing manufacturers like Duro-Last, Carlisle and ERC. In fact, we are a past recipient of Duro-Last’s prestigious President’s Club Award.

Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will assist you throughout every step of your project. We will stick to your budget, follow the schedule, and install your new roof perfectly. We serve commercial clients in many areas, including Bergen County NJ, PA and CT.

Please contact us to schedule a free consultation. Our certified commercial roof inspector will carefully examine your roof and prepare recommendations.

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CRS provides full-service roofing including residential roof repair and replacement services, siding installation and replacement, regular roof maintenance, solar shingle installation, and more to homeowners in northern New Jersey from Bergen County to Somerset and Hunterdon Counties. We are local, experienced, and factory-certified by trusted industry names like GAF and Owens Corning. The experienced team at CRS would welcome the opportunity to serve you with the same level of customer service we’ve provided to thousands of other New Jersey homeowners since 1977. We also offer commercial roofing services to the tri-state area and have been trusted by local business owners to keep their employees and businesses safe through all seasons. 

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