Business Owner and Property Manager Blog

How to Select a Contractor

Selecting the best contractor for your business is not as easy as typing “roofing contractors near me” in a search bar and clicking the first blue link that happens to pop up. That contractor may be right around the block, but is that right choice for you and your business needs? Taking the time to vet contractors is a tedious task but it the best option when doing the due diligence needed for such a large asset like your commercial roof.

Choosing a contractor should be the same as hiring any other employee that works for your company. The interview process should be just a rigorous. Putting the right people in the right place to get the job done correctly the first time is the main goal. Making sure the contractor has all necessity is key yours and their success.

The key items to look for when vetting a contractor are as follows:

  • Licensing & Insurance – this is vital part of the process. Contractors should be able to provide state or local license, that includes proof of their insurance as well.
  • References – One of the best ways to see if the contractors are reputable is looking into their backgrounds and checking to see if they are on the up and up. A reliable roofing contractor will always be able to provide ample references.
  • Safety – This should always be a high priority on everyone’s list. Know that your contractor and their crew take it seriously. Making sure the team you pick stays within OSHA safety standards is very important.
  • Identity verification – Knowing who is on your roof and working for you is vital. Verifying the business owner and the lead technicians allows you to make sure that they are not criminals, are able to work in the United States, and have no additional legal matters pending.

We at Top Roof Contractors make every step of this process easy for you. When you work with a contractor that we recommend, we take all the guess work out of the equation. All of our contractors are vetted and screened to the best of our ability to provide you with no worry experience. We stand by every single one of the contractor’s workmanship, warranties, and experience. That is why they are Top Roof Contractors.

Don’t Replace Prematurely

It’s a common misconception that roofs need to be replaced when there are multiple issues or damage.  Don’t replace without find out if restoration is an option for your roofing unit.

What is Roof Restoration?

Roof restoration, also known as a liquid applied roofing system, is where your roofing substrate is coated with a seamless, water-tight barrier.  It’s a wonderful way to avoid a total roof replacement by brining your roof back to life!  These roof restoration options can add 10+ years to the expected lifespan of your roof!

Not only do these coating options breathe new life back into your new roof, they also have many other benefits, including:

  • Reinforces your roofing membrane
  • Expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations
  • Resistant to hail, strong winds, and more
  • Little to no extensive labor or tear off required
  • Reflects up to 85% of the sun’s UV rays
  • Saves you significant amounts annually on energy costs

The best part is these roof restoration options are available for almost every roofing substrate!

Don’t Waste Your Money

There is a startling industry statistic that shows that commercial roofs are replaced prematurely up to 80% of the time!  That is quite a substantial amount of money wasted on total roof replacements nationwide, when a relatively painless roof restoration could have done the trick!

We understand that taking on roofing projects of any size can cause dread. When you work with an approved Top Roof Contractor, you partner with a roofing company that has undergone an extensive vetting process by a trusted third-party.  To find a member nearest you, call us today at (800) 795-4029.  We’ll be happy to connect you with a Top Roof Contractor!

Do You Need An Extended Warranty?

Roofs are not a set-it-and-forget-it investment.  When your new roof is installed, your contractor should help you get the most out of its life with ongoing maintenance and a proper warranty.  There are two different types of warranties that you should receive.  The first is a workmanship warranty.

A workmanship warranty is provided by the contractor themselves.  This covers your new roof from issues that arise due to workmanship issues.  If there’s a seam that isn’t properly sealed, or flashing that was improperly installed, a workmanship warranty will cover those repairs.  It is important to note that your warranty can be void if another contractor provides services, so always reach out to your original contractor first.

The second type of warranty you will receive is a manufacturer warranty.  Each manufacturer has their own options in terms of warranties.  They’ll have a basic warranty option, and also an extended, non-prorated warranty option.  These warranties cover you for defects in the roofing material itself.  Be sure to read the details of your warranty carefully.  Most require some type of yearly maintenance to ensure the warranty is still valid.  Your contractor will be happy to go over the details with you.

Is it Worth the Extra Money for an Extended Warranty?

Like all things, your roofing asset depreciates over time.  If your roof has an expected lifespan of 20 years, and a defect is found on year 15, the additional warranty could possibly cover the entire roofing materials and labor.  With your regular warranty, you will likely only receive the cost of the material at a prorated amount.  Most standard warranties do not include labor costs either.

Your roof is an expensive investment, and keeping it protected is the job of you and your contractor.  When you work with a Top Roof Contractor, feel free to ask them about the best product for your roof, the best way to maintain it, and warranty options to choose from.  If you have it in your budget, the Top Roof Contracting team always recommends adding an upgraded warranty with ongoing maintenance program to your roofing project.  This keeps you better protected for the long run.

To start working with a Top Roof Contractor near you, call (800) 795-4029 today!

Energy Efficient Options

The United States has climates across the board, but one thing that most states have in common is hot summers!  With energy efficient options, your company could save up to 30% on annual energy costs.  And who doesn’t love the sound of that?

Not Just Roof Coatings

As the roofing industry continues to grow and expand, products are continually developed and changed until the perfect product is created.  No longer are the days that your flat roof has to be a dark, rubber or modified bitumen system.  Instead, you can have a wonderful new roofing asset that is light and bright, reflecting up to 85% of the sun’s rays!  If it sounds too good to be true, it isn’t!  Ask your Top Roof Contractor about PVC and TPO options to replace your roof.  These systems are great with energy efficiency and can even be placed over metal!

If your current roof is not ready to be replaced, don’t worry – you can add a reflective white coating to your roof.  The great thing about coatings is they not only provide energy efficient options, they also:

  • Create a seamless, water-tight barrier on your roof
  • Inhibit rust on metal roofing units
  • Restore your roof to a like-new condition
  • Resist strong winds, hail, and more
  • Are often a fraction of the cost of total roof replacement
  • Expand and contract with fluctuating temperatures
  • Extend the lifespan of your current roof – no tear off needed!

There are numerous ways to get the most out of your commercial or industrial roof.  If you are frustrated by the summer heat causing your energy bills to continue to climb, call a Top Roof Contractor today.

Getting Started

When you’re ready to learn about the energy saving options available for your commercial or industrial roof, call or submit a request to Top Roof Contractors.  We’ll provide you with a contractor in your area that has been vetted.  They will be able to give you options for your unique roofing asset and ways to help you get the most energy savings available.  All it takes is a call to (800) 795-4029 to get started.