Commercial Roofing: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Commercial roofs protect a business building from weather elements like snow, hail, and rain. A bad choice when working on a commercial roofing project could lead to leaks which can cause damage to stored goods and may require expensive repairs.
Making the right choice will help you get the most out of your investment, and for many years, you may only need to maintain and do minor repairs. According to Guardian Roofing, a firm with professionals for Commercial Roofing in Houston, properly installed commercial roofs can last as much as 40 years.
Whether you are considering installing a new roof, maintenance, or repair, below are the common mistakes to avoid;
Inadequate budget and overspending
Just as it is for any other project, budgeting for commercial roofing is ideal. However, this should be done properly.
You might be trying to reduce overall expenses and, in the process, try to cut corners by buying substandard material or hiring someone who you think will charge lesser than the competition.
Avoid inadequate budgeting for your commercial roofing project. The cost might be expensive, but worth it in the long run.
Trying to reduce spending on essential things may drastically reduce the roof’s lifespan and could require more frequent maintenance than usual. You will end up spending more than necessary.
Also, do not overspend on the project. Consult a professional commercial roofing firm for the most affordable quotation based on the building’s specific needs and purpose.
Lastly, have a contingency budget for the project. This should be between 10 to 20 percent of the total budget. The reason is simple, things might go wrong, materials prices might increase along the line, and with such money set aside, you can handle any surprises effortlessly.
Hiring bad roofer
Hiring a roofing contractor at a fair price compared to market pricing is okay. Meanwhile, if the charged fee is too good to be true, you may get a service equivalent to the amount paid.
Roofing contractors that work cheaply usually outsource the task while trying to supplement the shortages by cutting down on costs in other areas. For instance, they may use substandard roofing material for the project.
Such contractors may abandon the project mid-way when they exhaust the budget. This will not only disrupt your business but also cost you more to hire another contractor to correct their errors and finish the roofing.
Things to consider when hiring a commercial roofing contractor
- Proof of license, certifications, and insurance cover.
- Fairly priced and budget-friendly quotation
- Possess the required experience for the project.
- Ability to ask the right question and offer the best option for the building requirement.
- Reachable and easy to communicate with.
- Positive testimonies from previous clients.
Not obtaining the required permits
Check the law in your location to confirm if you will need a permit for a commercial roof installation or repair.
A roofing permit is a document indicating that the relevant authority has approved the structural changes for a commercial building.
If needed, you must obtain it before commencing the repair or installation of the commercial roof.
In most areas, minor repairs do not require a permit. Also, you may not need a permit if the work is not considered structural. Installation of a new roof usually requires permits.
A licensed roofing contractor can apply for a permit on your behalf. Before the work commences, ask the contractor for proof of the permit. Failure to obtain a permit before starting the project can result in a fine. The fine may be double the price of the permit fee.
This can delay your project, earn your business a bad reputation, and could increase your expenses.
It is also a way to subtly confirm if the contractor has a genuine license.
Not requesting for warranty
Commercial roof warranties reassure building owners that any issues arising after installation or repair will be fixed without them incurring additional financial burdens.
Typically, manufacturers of roofing materials offer a 10 to 25 years warranty on their products. Aside from issues with roofing materials, problems can arise due to the workmanship. That is why reputable roofing contractors offer two years warranty after the installation.
Ensure you have a written contract with the contractor before work begins. A contractor who cannot offer a warranty to assure you of the quality of their work is not worthy of being hired.
Do not make the mistake of hiring such, irrespective of how much they might try to sweet talk you with convincing testimonies from previous clients, which may not be true.