Tips to Use When Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Whether you are looking to have a commercial roof installed or repaired, choosing the right roofing contractor is the first step towards ensuring you get the roofing done the right way. But what makes a roofing contractor the best for the job? Is it the amount of money they charge, the amount of time they spend on the job or the type of materials they use for the job? If you have been grappling with such questions, it is time to put the matter at rest. When looking for a commercial roofing contractor, keep in mind these tips that will act as guidelines in helping you choose the right person for the job.

High professional standards

A roofing company that has been offering their services for a while should exhibit such high levels of professionalism that there will be no question as to their ability to do the job well. Remember that this professionalism should start right at the moment you contact them seeking their services, so if there is any behavior at the customer care point that speaks of unprofessionalism, you might want to look elsewhere. A great indication of professionalism and great customer support is when your roofer maintains direct communication with you and answers all your queries as soon as they arise.

Diligence

Roofing is a task that requires paying attention to the finer details, and you must always choose a commercial roofing contractor who is not afraid to pay attention to these details. Roofs must be installed and repaired according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and you should therefore stay away from contractors who want to cut corners

Safety standards

Roofing is a dangerous field that is prone to accidents, which is why every reputable roofing contractor must have safety standards in place to cushion personnel and clients against injuries and losses that may occur during the installation or repair of the roof. Be sure to ask what the safety standards of the contractor you are hoping to hire are, as you do not want to work with a contractor unless you are certain that your welfare, and that of the people working on your roof, is a priority to them.

Insurance cover

Besides safety standards, another way used by commercial roofing companies to cushion clients and personnel against unpredictable occurrences is by having a solid insurance cover. Be sure to ask about this too.

Tips for Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor

it is quite possible that the contact information for a local roofing contractor is on file in their mobile phone or computer or on a business card among a stack of business cards in their desk drawer. This is likely the information for the roofing company that installed the initial roof or that was contracted to do some repair work, which in turn makes it convenient to call them if and when any roof installation or repair services are needed again.

But convenience should not be the primary factor when choosing among the commercial roofing contractors in Toronto; commercial roofing expertise and experience, the quality of their workmanship, and their reliability should hold more influence in separating these companies and thus lead to the right choice, not just the most recent/most familiar one.

When that time comes to replace or repair commercial roofing, the business or property owner will unquestionably want to have the matter resolved as soon and as efficiently as possible.  This can add an element of self-imposed pressure to hire a roofing contractor who can get the job done with the least delay; it can also often result in a rash decision.

Though there are several commercial roofing companies in Toronto that can be identified through online searches or in print directories, finding the right contractor, i.e. one that is both skilled and trustworthy, can prove more difficult than a business owner/property manager might anticipate.  So how do owners/managers go about the selection process?  It takes an investment of time and effort to investigate several local roofing contractors.

While this may at first appear to conflict with a need or desire to get the roof repaired or replaced as quickly as possible, the consequences of making a poor decision can be quite substantial and long-lasting, and unfortunately not in any positive light.  Accordingly, the commercial roofing contractors at Can-Sky Roofing in Toronto offer the following advice to help businesses choose the right roofing company to address/satisfy their immediate and long-term roof-related needs

How to Choose a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Choosing a commercial roofer for your Oakland Park, FL, requires in-depth consideration. In fact, it is essential that you make the right decision and find a company that will deliver a high-quality service at a reasonable price. If you have never hired a commercial roofing contractor before, it may seem like a daunting process — but there is no need to worry; we will take you through the stages to ensure that you make a well-informed decision

Ask for Referrals

If you know other businesses in Oakland Park who have recently hired a roofer, ask them for referrals. This can help narrow down the qualified commercial roofing contractors at the very outset.

Gather Several Proposals

If you are looking at your roof as an investment that will last a long time without needing repairs in the near future, avoid bids that stand out as “too low.” Interview all potential roofers to find out about their experience, materials, and how they intend to handle your project.

Request References

Ask roofers to provide you with references. Call these businesses to discuss their satisfaction with the process and finished result.

Check Insurance

Roofers should hold both general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Request a copy of insurance certificates to ensure both are currently valid

TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMMERCIAL ROOFER

When you’re having work done on your building’s roof, it’s not enough to hire a regular roofing contractor for the job. You should consider one who specializes in commercial roofing. After all, a building’s structure is vastly different from a home’s. Hiring the right commercial roofer ensures safe and efficient solutions to your system’s issues

Make sure your commercial roofer has the right bona fides. This should include proof of current state licensing. This makes them eligible to perform commercial roof work in your area. Your prospective roofer should also carry the right insurance, along with liability coverage and workers’ compensation. This protects you and your investment in the event that an accident occurs in your property.

Consider hiring a commercial roofer in your area. All you need to do is ask your friends and neighbors for referrals. This provides a more accurate description of what your experience with your prospective roofer will be like. Hiring one from the community also cuts back on travel time. Since they’re from your area, they’ll be able to work on your commercial roofing in Richmond, VA, with undivided attention.

Choose a roofer that communicates well. Establishing clear communication between you and your prospective roofer is vital. This builds trust and lays the groundwork for a smooth and worry-free process. Make sure that your choice can answer your questions in a polite and professional manner. It helps clue you in if the contractor is really up for the job

Confirm if your prospective roofer can offer a full range of services. No matter the issue with your building’s roof, your choice of contractors should have the right services to address them. American Enviromental Service Company, for instance, doesn’t just excel in replacement or roof repair in Richmond, VA. You can also count on us for maintenance and elastomeric roof coatings. We have deep experience and are highly trained to work on any kind of commercial roof, including ones on shopping centers, offices, warehouses, and hospitals

The Greatest Tips on How to Find and Hire a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Because of the monetary investment needed for full replacement, it’s important to know that your new commercial roof will withstand the test of time. Thus, it’s essential to hire a reliable, reputable commercial roofing contractor. So let’s take a look at some tips to get the best of the best!

Check Your Local Roofing Laws

there is no statewide licensing regulation for roofing contractors. Instead, licenses and permits are required by the building departments and vary depending on location.

For instance, the City of Akron requires all contractors to have a tax account number. They need to obtain this from the Income Tax Division before starting a project and only then will the department issue them a Certificate of Registration.

Choose a Commercial Roofing Company that Offers 24-Hour Service

A leaky roof requires immediate repair, because when left untreated, it can cause severe interior damage (especially in commercial properties with a lot of assets, such as expensive equipment). For example, water can drip into electronic devices and fry up their internal components.

Team Up with a Contractor Specializing in Commercial Roofing Services

Even if you’re in the market for a new commercial roof, it’s best to hire a contractor offering roof repairs, as well. In fact, you should choose a company offering roof maintenance and restoration, too!

Preparing for Your Roof Installation

Replacing your home’s roof is one of the best investments you can make in your property. Not only do today’s roofing designs look beautiful, they’re also designed to last for as long as you own your home.

As you prepare for your home roofing installation, there are several things you can do to ensure the job unfolds as smoothly as possible. Here  tips to keep in mind before the roofers arrive.

1.    Make Sure the Home Roofing Company Has Access to Your Roof

It goes without saying that the roofers will need access to your roof to get the job done. While a professional home roofing company will work as neatly as possible, tearing off an old roof and installing a new one is a big project that takes up a lot of space around the perimeter of your home. To protect outdoor items from debris — and ensure the roofers can work as efficiently as possible — it’s important to clear driveways and sidewalks before the crew arrives.

If possible, move vehicles and other items away from your driveway. This ensures that your cars, children’s toys and other items will be safely away from any falling debris or dust.

Similarly, if you have patio furniture, grills or other items near the house, you should also consider moving them into the garage or covering them with a tarp or plastic sheeting while the work is performed.

2.   Clear Valuables from the Attic

Experienced roofers will work hard to minimize the dust and debris created during your roof’s installation, but there’s no getting around the fact that roofing is a messy, dusty job.

If you store heirlooms or valuable items in your attic, consider moving them to a safe spot until the job is complete. If certain items are too bulky or heavy to move, try covering them with drop cloths or a plastic sheet to protect them from dust and shingle debris.

3.   Make Arrangements for Children and Pets

If you have pets or young children, you might want to make arrangements for them to stay with a friend or relative while your new roof is being installed. The construction that takes place during a roof tear-off and installation can be noisy, which can disturb pets and small children.

Because construction equipment and materials can also pose a hazard to children, many parents choose to keep their kids indoors while the crew is on site.

4.   Be a Good Neighbor

Chances are, your neighbors will be nearly as excited as you are to see your home getting a brand new roof. Major exterior upgrades like a new roof boost your home’s value, as well as the value of properties around you.

Before the roofers get started, however, it’s a good idea to give your neighbors a heads up that you’re replacing your roof. This small courtesy can go a long way — especially if they have pets or children who might be disturbed by the noise and commotion that inevitably occurs during installation.

5.   Prep the Inside

Although experienced roofers do their best to keep dust and noise to a minimum during a new roof installation, any type of heavy construction on your home’s frame can cause strong vibrations that shift mirrors and photos on the walls.

To reduce the risk of a photo or mirror falling during installation, it’s best to temporarily remove any hanging frames or mirrors on your upper floor. You should also consider removing any glass sconces on light fixtures that are attached to the walls on your upper floor.

6.   Prep the Outside

Installing a new roof means nailing down thousands of shingles. As a homeowner, the last thing you want to experience is a flat tire caused by a roofing nail — or, even worse, stepping on a roofing nail in your bare feet.

Expert roofing contractors perform a thorough clean-up once a roofing installation is complete. This includes using powerful magnets and special rolling tools designed to pick up nails. Before your roofing installation, cut your grass to a short length, as nails can easily get missed when they fall into long grass.

If you have a satellite on your roof, you should work with your cable provider to move it while your roof is being installed.

If you have flowerbeds or landscaping around your home, it’s a good idea to protect them from dust and debris by covering them with tarps or plastic. You should also remove any hanging plants while the new roof is being installed.

7.   Work with a Home Roofing Expert

One of the best ways to prepare for a new roof installation is to choose a professional roofing company with a track record of superior customer satisfaction. An expert home roofing company will ensure that your roof is installed properly, and that any underlying damage is addressed and repaired.

Factors That Impact Roof Installation

No matter how well prepared you and your contractor are for roof installation, construction may uncover unforeseeable problems or delays. These can add additional costs or extend your project’s timeline. Some common unexpected roof installation obstacles include:

Bringing Your Roof Up To Code

• Your roof may have originally been built to meet decades-old building codes that will no longer apply to new construction. Making necessary repairs may add to the length of your roof installation.

Pests and Mold

• Especially in humid areas of the country, mold and termite damage may be found during a roof replacement. Whether it’s insects or decay, these problems will need to be addressed before new shingles can be installed.

Poor Roof Design Causing Water Traps

• Water traps are a common issue that homeowners are often unaware of until a roof replacement takes place. Water traps are areas that are prone to leaks due to runoff areas that direct too much water to one place. Water traps also lead to faster wear on your shingles and other materials like siding or brick. If your contractor uncovers this issue, you can expect to add time to mitigate the problem.

WHAT DO I DO WHEN MY ROOF IS BEING REPLACED?

Here are a few considerations to make for when your roofer comes to install your new roof:

KIDS

If you plan to be at home during the roof replacement with the kids, be sure to let them know what’s going on, and give them a few extra rules for that time period. Designate certain safe spaces in the house for them to play in, and make sure they know not to go outside to play while the roofers are working. Since roofers have to tear off your old roof, there’s a lot of debris falling off on all sides of the roof, and it’s not safe to have the kids running around below them.

PETS

Whether you’re planning on staying in your home or leaving during your roof replacement, it’s a good idea to consider removing or securing your pets. Even very calm pets can find the roofing process distressing, and may not react well to strangers banging around on their home. At the very least, keep your pets in a quiet room, like the basement, where they can have a little relief from the noise, or consider taking them with you for the day if you’re concerned they won’t react well to the additional stressors.

CARS

Most quality roofers will recommend you park your car on the other side of the street during the roofing process. If you normally park in the driveway, falling debris could hit your car, and if you typically park in the garage, the construction can shake tools and items down from the walls, accidentally hitting your car. It’s best to make sure your car is parked far away from the house while roofers are working, just to be on the safe side.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND LANDSCAPING

Roofing is notoriously messy. While quality roofers will lay down tarps to catch debris and come around with a magnet after the job is done to collect any stray nails, you’ll want to bring in any outdoor furniture, grills, or valuables you have outside your home. Debris can fall from the roof and you’ll want to make sure your items are protected. Additionally, if you have any landscaping around the house you want especially protected, it doesn’t hurt to lay out a few of your own tarps, just to make sure nothing unwanted falls on your landscaped yard.

How Long Does it Take to Replace a Roof?

One of the most common questions people have when their roof is being replaced is how long it will take? Having your roof replaced is a noisy process and home owners are happy to get it done as soon as possible.

For residential homes, roof replacements will usually take two days. The first day is to remove the existing roof from the building. The second day is to install the roof. Depending on the size of the roof a day or two longer may be necessary. If you are reroofing or roofing over your existing roof then you can subtract a day. If some of the plywood on the roof needs replaced additional time may be required.

Commercial roofs can take a few weeks to finish depending on the scope of the project. Some commercial roofs can be installed faster than others. For instance, cold sealed single ply roofs can be installed very fast and installation is generally quiet and noxious fume free.

In general, it will take around a week to get three quotes from different roofers. Then it will take a few days to review their quotes and pick a company. After you sign the paper work, you can expect another few days until the roofer is ready to work on the roof.

Knowing which materials you want to use on your roof will increase the speed of the process. You are usually responsible for picking the roofing material you will use so you can get a head start easily.

Tips to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

Finding a contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and professional may sound difficult – but that’s where you come in. Contractors should share these important tips with homeowners to show them that your company is reputable and can be trusted to protect their home and their wallet.

Get local referrals. There is less chance of potential issues or scams when you choose a contractor from your community. They are more familiar with local rules and code regulations and have a relationship with area crews and suppliers.

Get an extensive warranty. Not all contractors can offer manufacturer warranties that include coverage of the contractor’s workmanship. If a contractor installs the roof incorrectly, it may take months or years for the damage to show up—and insurance won’t pay for it. If the contractor won’t fix it (or worse, has gone out of business), your only recourse is to pay for their mistake yourself.

Check for proper licensing and insurance. The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors and be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for validation. Not having adequate insurance could potentially lead to litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee sustains an injury at the home. Most states require licensing for contractors, but that does not stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to do the roofing work. In states where licenses are required, make sure your contractor provides you with a copy of their license and confirm their status online. 

Pay your deductible. Any contractor who claims they can handle the repair without having the homeowner pay their insurance deductible is committing insurance fraud and endangering the homeowner. The insurance deductible is the responsibility of the insured, and the contractor should reflect that in the quote without inflating the estimate to cover all or part of the deductible.

Handle your own claim. A contractor who says they are “a claim specialist” or can “handle your insurance claim” may be breaking the law. In most states, it is illegal for contractors to act on behalf of the homeowner when negotiating an insurance claim. Any contractor who opens the door to potential legal action is not acting in your best interest.

How to Select the Best Roof Shingle

Selecting the best roof shingle can be a daunting task. There are many options involved, including shingle composition, style and colors, not to mention price. All of these factors must be weighed into making a shingle decision, and even then, there are variables within variables. Foremost to keep in mind is how long a particular type of shingle will last in your particular climate. Bottom-basement-priced shingles won’t last as long as top-grade shingles, and some types of architectural shingle patterns are more suited to a dryer climate than wet-weather patterns.

Determine the cost. Use a tape measure to measure the approximate square footage of your roof. Shingles are sold by the square, and each square will cover 100 square feet. Measure the length and width of your roof area to determine the square footage. Multiply the results together. For example, a 10- by 18-foot roof equates to 180 square feet of roofing area. Add in 10 percent to cover waste for a total of 198 square feet. You will need two squares for that project. Knowing this will allow you to calculate the cost for any type of shingle that you desire.

Decide on a warranty or how long they will last. In general, the more expensive the shingle, the longer it will last. This will vary with architectural shingles, however. Your cost will be more for these designer shingles, but they may not last as long. Warranties are only as good as the company they were made by. Stick with a known shingle manufacturer instead of some fly-by-night start-up that may guarantee you the moon but not be around long enough to honor it.

Choose the type you want. Asphalt shingles are the standard of the industry and are priced accordingly. They have some of the longest warranties available and are always a good choice for durability and effectiveness

Choose the color that you want. Shingles come in a variety of colors that will fit the decor of any home. Reds, greens, blues, whites and custom colors are available. The darker the color, the more heat will be retained on the roof. A lighter color roof makes for a cooler attic, so if you have usable attic space, a lighter color may be a better choice.

How to choose roofing shingles

Consider your needs and preferences

The best roofing shingles for your home will meet your budget, provide the durability your roof needs, and create the curb appeal you want

Your budget

Your roof may be one of the largest investments you make in your home, and with so many types and styles, you can find shingles that fit a range of budgets.

Durability

All GAF shingles are designed to help protect your home from the elements.

GAF Advanced Protection Shingles

Our most popular Timberline® Shingles feature proprietary GAF Dura Grip™ adhesive that seals each shingle tightly and reduces the risk of shingle blow-off, with a warranty to withstand winds up to 130 mph. Timberline® Shingles have also earned the highest roof fire rating — UL Class A, Listed to ANSI/UL 790.

If wind is a significant part of your area’s weather patterns, our most popular Timberline® Shingles offer all-around durability and performance.  And now, Timberline® Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology may qualify for WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty, the industry’s first wind warranty with no maximum speed limitation when installed with the required combination of GAF accessories

How to Choose High-Quality Asphalt Roof Shingles

A new asphalt shingle roof is a significant investment. To get the most bang for the buck, you’ll want to consider the quality of shingles, the knowledge and skill level of the roofers you intend to hire, and also a few preventative maintenance guidelines. When high-quality asphalt roof shingles are correctly installed and well maintained, they can last for decades

Though getting the best asphalt roof shingles for your project isn’t too complicated, choosing the right shingles involves more than just considering style and color. Now, we invite you to read on for the best tips on how to select and maintain asphalt shingles.

Fiberglass Shingles – Fiberglass shingles are made from a woven fiberglass mat coated with top-and-bottom layers of asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. Since these shingles have a higher fire rating (typically Class A, while organic shingles only garner B or C) and are more durable than their organic counterparts, they come with extended warranty. Additionally, today’s manufacturers make available Energy Star certified fiberglass shingles, which keep buildings cooler and reduce air-conditioning costs

Organic Shingles – Traditionally consisting of cellulose fiber (e.g. recycled waste paper or wood) saturated with asphalt, organic shingles are coated with a mixture of asphalt and mineral fillers. Compared to fiberglass shingles, organic shingles are costlier, heavier, thicker, and less environmentally friendly due to the high asphalt content. Because these shingles absorb more water than fiberglass shingles, they deform more as they age

Choose the Right Style

One thing good about asphalt roof shingles is that they are made so many colours and styles some even look like other types of roofing materials. Before opting for a particular style, it’s essential to know that fiberglass and organic shingles are further divided into two categories

How to Choose the Color of Roofing Shingles

Your roof is one of the most important parts of the exterior of your home, and choosing the best color for your shingles will ensure that your home looks beautiful. In general, roofs last about 20 years, so you might be stuck with the shingle color for quite a while. To make an informed decision, you should consider your home style, the look that you want to achieve, and the climate where you live.

Choose a color that pairs well with the color of your house. Shingles can create contrast with your siding materials, or they can blend in with the other design features of your home. If you want to go the traditional route, stick with gray, brown, or black shingles. For a contrasting pop of color, opt for reddish-orange shades or lighter tan colors

Accentuate the architectural style of your home with your shingles. Drive around several neighborhoods to get an idea of what color of roofing would look best on your home. Look for houses with a similar shape, exterior, and color as yours. Note which roofing and siding pairings seem to look the most appealing to you, and search online for houses that are architecturally similar to yours

Install a “cool roof” to make your home more energy efficient. Opting for an energy efficient roof can lower the temperature of your attic by 20–40 °F (−7–4 °C). If you live in a warm climate, install this type of roof to help lower your electricity bills and improve the longevity of your roofing materials

Check rules about shingle colors if you live in a residential neighborhood. If you have a local homeowners association, read their rules carefully to make sure your choice of roofing color does not violate any regulations. Even if you don’t have set rules to follow, think about how your roof will look alongside your neighbor’s house

Roofing Calculator – Estimate your Roofing Costs

The roof accounts for as much as 25 to 40 percent of your home’s visible exterior and plays a key role in how your home is perceived from the street. That’s why it is crucial to pick the right shingle color, especially if you want to enhance your home’s overall curb appeal and present it in the best possible light

What to expect: This guide offers practical and proven tips for choosing the right asphalt shingle color to achieve that WOW effect in highlighting the beauty of your home. The advice provided below will help your achieve visual harmony with respect to how well the roof color integrates with the rest of your home’s exterior and its surrounding environment. Let’s get started.

Coordinate with Siding and Shutters

Interior designers don’t randomly pick pretty colors for flooring, cabinets, countertops and walls without regard to the big picture.

Know When to Use Color Blends

Asphalt shingle lines are produced in solid colors and blends. For example, CertainTeed Landmark shingles in Hunter Green show no variation. They’re just deep green

Now, here’s the blending principle: The plainer the siding is, the more a blended color pattern is needed to make your home look interesting and appealing. A solid black roof on a home with dark brown wood siding creates a boring combination