When it comes to commercial roof repairs and installations, it is always advisable to seek expert advice. Unless you run your own roofing company, it is much better to leave these tasks in the hands of qualified professionals than try to do everything yourself. Not only will this ensure high-quality results, but it will also guarantee your safety.
However, bear in mind that the quality of the end result will depend on the roofing company you hire. Unfortunately, not all roofers are the same; while some will indeed be committed to providing you with an outstanding roof repair, others are just out to make some quick money. Therefore, in order to find a commercial roofer you can trust, you should conduct a little research before coming to a final decision.
Here are five things to consider when hiring a commercial roofer.
1. The scope of your roofing problems
Some tradespeople exaggerate the scale of a roofing problem in the hope of fleecing more money from their customers. This is why many reputable roofing specialists will recommend that you take a good look at the problem yourself before seeking any help. Alternatively, you could ask a DIY enthusiast to assess what repairs may be necessary.
For instance, if the roof of your office or commercial establishment springs a leak in just one small area, it is unlikely that you will need extensive repairs or a complete re-roofing. By assessing the problem first, you can protect yourself against unscrupulous roofers and avoid spending more money than you should.
2. The roofer’s credentials
Once you have established that you are going to need a professional roofer, you need to make sure you carry out some research and check their credentials. First, check that they are licensed and insured, as we are at Kingsley Roofing Services. It would also be helpful if the roofing company has the relevant accreditations and is a member of a reputable trade association, such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. Most importantly, make sure they specialise in repairing commercial roofs.
If a roofer only gives you their mobile number, this is a huge red flag. It could indicate that if something goes wrong, they will quickly disappear without a trace. Therefore, always ask professional roofers for their full contact details, including their address and telephone number. This will help you determine whether they are indeed a well-established roofing company.
3. The roofer’s work experience
One of the factors that separate reputable commercial roof repair specialists from the rest is their experience. Roofers who have been around for quite some time is often more proficient than beginners as they will have worked on numerous roofing projects in the past.
Therefore, before making a commitment, ensure the roofer has relevant experience, especially in relation to the job you want them to do. Ask lots of questions and find out whether they have dealt with similar roofing issues in the past. This will enable you to gauge their ability and give you the reassurance that you have chosen the right person for the job.
4. The roofer’s previous projects
Besides asking about the roofer’s experience, it is also a good idea to look at examples of their previous work, especially those related to your current issue. This will help you determine the quality of their workmanship, as well as their skills and experience.
A trustworthy roofing specialist will usually be keen to showcase their work. On the other hand, if a roofer refuses to show you photos of previous work or claims they don’t have any, you are probably better off looking elsewhere. There is a risk that this particular roofer is not very good at what they do, hence the lack of any visual proof.
5. The written estimate
As a business owner yourself, you will be well aware of the importance of obtaining written estimates or drafting a preliminary agreement before finalising a transaction. For this reason, before any work is carried out on your roof, make sure you ask for a written quotation. This should detail the pricing structure of the repair and explain how the price was calculated.
A written estimate can reduce the risk of the company charging you for unnecessary extras. It will also enable you to compare roof repair costs, so you can determine which roofer is offering the most reasonable prices.
Bear in mind that estimates can change once the roofer starts work on your roof and exposes the structure underneath. If they find that the problem is worse than initially anticipated, they must confirm the new commercial roof repair quotation in writing. They should also inform you of the steps they need to take to address the issue.
Research is Key to Finding a Good Commercial Roofer
Because repairing the roof of your commercial establishment is a serious undertaking, it should always be done by a professional. However, it is important to remember that not all commercial roofers provide the same quality of service. If you want excellent results and greater value for your money, make sure you conduct some research and consider the factors discussed above to find a commercial roofing company you can rely on.
At Kingsley Roofing Services, we have highly skilled and qualified craftsmen with extensive experience in roof repairs and installations in Northampton and beyond. If you need any help fixing the roof of your commercial property, contact our specialists today, so we can discuss how we can be of assistance.