Your commercial building is an essential part of your business. Even if the building isn't open to customers, it's still where daily operations are centered. This means you want your building to be safe and comfortable for all occupants whether it's tenants or your staff.

Thankfully, structural issues are rarely a problem. In other words, you don't need to worry about a potential collapse. However, the roof is a different matter. From loose or missing tiles to leaky patches, sometimes you need to run an online search for a commercial roofer near me.

Unless your commercial building is located far away from civilization, think outside the borders of an unincorporated village, a simple online search is going to bring up plenty of roofing companies in your area.

So, how do you know if you're going with the right commercial roofing service? After all, there has to be a better way than randomly selecting a company and hoping for the best.

 

Verify Certification, Licenses, and Insurance

Okay, this can seem like a lot to verify especially since most roofing companies proudly list their certifications and licenses on their websites.

Sometimes, the first thing that pops up on a webpage is a list of qualifications, which is helpful but it also doesn't necessarily mean the roofing company went through all of the required training. Don't forget, you can include just about anything on a website and it's up to the consumer to verify if the information is true or false.

Every state has different licensing and certification requirements for commercial roofers. Some states require all roofing contractors and subcontractors to go through training, others require a license. Colorado doesn't require commercial roofing companies to be certified or licensed. The only requirement is a business license. All companies, regardless of the industry, must have a valid business license.

To make it a little more confusing, Colorado also lets individual cities decide if commercial roofers are required to be licensed or certified. Before hiring a roofing contractor it's a good idea to check with local ordinances. You may find that a license is a requirement or at least one that allows the roofing company to pull a permit—and yes, you're going to need a permit to replace a commercial roof.

When it comes to insurance, all roofing companies must carry at least workers' compensation, since this is a state and federal requirement. However, it's a good idea to check if the commercial roofing service carries additional insurance on their staff. This ensures if an accident occurs and it results in injuries and/or property damage, everyone is covered and you don't need to file a claim with your business insurance.

Even though you carry business insurance to avoid paying out of pocket for damages, a claim due to a roofing accident can cause your premiums to significantly increase. The last thing you need is to add higher insurance costs on top of a commercial roofing bill.

Look for a commercial roofing company that carries workers' compensation, general liability, and a surety bond.

 

Ask About Warranty Information

Not only do you want to know about the warranty, but it's something your business insurance agent is also going to ask.

Remember, your commercial roof is covered by your business insurance, which means you need to follow the insurance provider's instructions and it includes ensuring the roof is guaranteed to last anywhere from about 5 to 30 years. Every commercial roofing service will offer a slightly different warranty.

The warranty guarantees the roof will last and if a problem develops, the roofing company will return and make the necessary repairs free of charge. You also want to ask about product warranties. These are different from what's offered by the roofing company. Combined, the various warranties can ensure your roof is covered for years.

 

Get Several Quotes

Don't get just one or two quotes, unless there are only a couple of commercial roofing companies in your area. Go ahead and contact everyone. The more quotes you gather the better your chances of getting the best price for your commercial roof.

This is also a good time to ask about the roofing contractor's years of experience. There's nothing wrong with going with a new company, but this is also when you want to learn more about their training and certification.

 

Finding a Commercial Roofer Can Be Easy

While finding a commercial roofer requires some research, the process isn't difficult. By asking plenty of questions, reading reviews from previous clients, and comparing quotes, you can make an informed decision.

Taking these steps ensures that you choose a reliable roofer who can meet your specific needs and provide quality service.