Your business depends on a reliable commercial roof to keep your people and assets protected from the elements. It’s just as important as the roof over your home, which is why you shouldn’t settle when it comes to finding a roofing contractor. Roofing contractors can often get a reputation for providing bad service, being hard to work with, or cutting down on quality to reduce costs. Here are four things to consider when you’re trying to pick a quality commercial roofing contractor. 

1. Check the Company’s Insurance Policy

There are risks when someone is working on top of a building, which is why it’s crucial to check their insurance policies before you consider doing business with them. A contractor without insurance not only shows that they’re cutting corners, but it also puts them as a liability for you. If an injury does happen and your contractor doesn’t have insurance, that could mean a lawsuit for you and your business.

Any roofing contractor you’re looking to work with should have basic insurance, such as general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Don’t hesitate to ask for a copy of their insurance certificates to ensure they’re up-to-date, and make sure they’re properly licensed and bonded to work in your state. This is a factor some business owners might not think about or care about, but it can save you headaches, money, and a potential lawsuit in the long run. 

2. Learn About Your Extended Warranty Options

Any quality roofing contractor should want to make sure they get the job done correctly to deliver a long-lasting roof and give you peace of mind through extended warranty options. If a contractor doesn’t offer extended warranties, consider the reasons why not. A contractor may not offer warranties because they know the work they do or the materials they use are poor quality, so they’re trying to get your money and get out. You shouldn’t hire someone who isn’t ready to back their work. 

If a contractor does offer extended warranties, how do you know if you’re getting a good deal? The average commercial roof lasts 15-20 years depending on your location and the climate. Ideally, you should look for a contractor who offers at least 15-year warranties. This helps ensure that the work your contractor does is quality, and you won’t have to worry about paying for roof repairs if something does damage it. 

3. Read About the Contractor’s Experience

Properly installing a roof is beyond a typical handyman or general contractor’s expertise, especially for commercial roofs. There are so many components that go into the installation and maintenance of a roof that you should look for trained and experienced professionals. Hiring someone without experience could cost you more in the end to make up for leaks or damages from a poor job. 

While you’re looking for a contractor, read about their experience and request to see their portfolio. An experienced, trustworthy contractor should have examples of the work they’ve done and would be happy to show you. Experience is important for any service, but it’s critical for something as important as choosing the right roofing contractor. An experienced contractor could make a big difference for the duration of your roof and the overall quality of its installation. 

4. Look at Online Reviews & Read About Their Customer Service

It’s important that your contractor meets your expectations for the first three criteria, but arguably the most important factor to consider is the contractor’s customer service and testimonials from past clients. Your contractor promising something like an extended warranty doesn’t mean much if they don’t follow through or you can’t get them on the phone. That’s why reading past clients’ reviews or testimonials can help you confidently find the right contractor. 

The web gives you plenty of opportunities to read people’s reviews of a company. You can read about your contractor through Google reviews, Facebook reviews, reviews or testimonials on the contractor’s website, third-party sites such as the Better Business Bureau, and more. Keep in mind that if someone does leave a bad review, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re a bad contractor. See how the contractor treats the client and follows up with them if the conversation is posted online. 

You deserve a roofing contractor who’s passionate about helping clients and the work they do. One of the biggest factors that will make or break your experience with a roofing contractor is their focus on customer service. Putting your budget and needs first, being available when you call, and making sure you’re satisfied with the service are important qualities in a contractor. 

Choose a Reliable Midwest Commercial Roofing Contractor 

Now that you know what to look for in a commercial roofing contractor, look no further to find a reliable contractor in the Midwest. The Duerson Corporation has been installing, maintaining, and repairing roofs since 1986. We’re a family-run business that puts our customers first. Our company is fully licensed and insured, with 15- and 20-year warranties on our Duro-Last roofs. You can confidently choose Duerson knowing we’ll provide quality service and products through an ongoing relationship. If you need a commercial roofing contractor you can trust, contact us. Our roofing professionals would be happy to give you a free roof inspection and estimate.