5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Choosing the right contractor for your commercial roofing project can make all the difference. Whether you’re patching up an existing system or planning a full replacement, asking the right questions up front helps you find someone who knows what they’re doing and who’ll follow through. Commercial roofing is more complex than residential work, so it’s worth spending a little extra time making sure your contractor fits.
Are You Licensed and Insured for Commercial Projects?
Don’t assume all roofing companies meet the same standards. For commercial work, it’s critical that the contractor is properly licensed in your area and carries both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Not only does this protect their crew– it protects your building, too.
What Kind of Experience Do You Have With This Type of Roof?
Commercial roofs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Materials like TPO, modified bitumen, or metal panels each come with their installation process. Ask whether the contractor has hands-on experience with your roof type and if they’ve worked on projects similar in scale. Familiarity with insulation systems, drainage design, and large-format layouts can directly impact how well the work holds up– and how often you’ll need future roof repair.
Can You Share References From Recent Jobs?
Hearing from past clients is one of the best ways to judge a roof contractor’s reliability. Ask to speak with other business owners who’ve hired them recently. Find out how the contractor communicated, handled changes, or dealt with any hiccups along the way. Solid references and a few successful projects under their belt go a long way in helping you feel confident.
What Are Your On-Site Safety Practices?
On a commercial site, safety isn’t optional– it’s essential. Ask about fall protection, training procedures, and how they manage tools and equipment. Contractors should have a written safety plan and follow OSHA guidelines closely. The more proactive they are about protecting their crew and your property, the more smoothly your project will run.
Do You Offer a Warranty and Ongoing Support?
A good contractor doesn’t disappear after the job is done. Ask what kind of warranty they offer– not just on materials, but on the work itself. Also, find out if they offer roof repair follow-up services like inspections or seasonal maintenance. A strong warranty paired with solid post-installation support helps ensure that your investment is protected.
Don’t Skip the Timeline and Communication Details
Aside from licenses and references, you’ll also want to understand how your contractor manages the job itself. What’s the expected timeline? How do they handle material delivery or weather delays? How will they keep you updated– daily reports, weekly meetings, or milestone check-ins? Knowing how and when you’ll get updates can help avoid misunderstandings.
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you choose a roofing contractor who’s not just qualified– but also reliable and easy to work with. In commercial roofing, you need more than just technical skill. You need a partner who communicates clearly, respects your property, and stands behind their work every step of the way.