Why a Professional Commercial Contractor? 

A professional is recognized as a person who has a specialized body of knowledge and has received intensive training in a particular field. Another common way of determining that people are professionals is by contrasting them with amateurs, and that's exactly what we'd like to talk to you about.

The roofing technology has changed markedly in the last 10 years. New roof coverings, insulation materials and innovative application techniques demand the education and expertise of a professional.

Roofing is a relatively "easy-entry" business. Frankly, not all roofing contractors are professionals, and too many home and building owners have paid dearly for using amateurs. You don't have to do more than glance at the Yellow Pages to see that there are hundreds of people calling themselves roofing contractors. A year-to-year comparison of the Yellow Pages will show you that many contractors do not stay in business for very long.

Roofing is a complicated and demanding trade. A professional roofing contractor must have knowledge of materials and building technology, and a trained and skilled work force to give the best possible service to his/her customers.

Because an informed customer is a good customer, find out as much as you can about the contractor you are considering. To get the job done right the first time, and to avoid costly repairs later, insist on a professional.

What Can a Professional Roofing Contractor Offer Me?

A professional roofing contractors may have a large or small business. They may have been in business 100 years or just a few years. But all have some traits in common. Professional roofing contractors are:

Well Established: A professional roofing contractor will have a permanent place of business, a telephone number, a tax identification number and a Florida Roofing Contractors License.

Experienced and Knowledgeable: The contractor should be an experienced problem-solver, with a thorough understanding of his/her industry. Roofing skills cannot be learned overnight. There are accepted methods for installing flashing around pipes, vents and chimneys. Often, roofing materials are incompatible and can cause problems if applied by an amateur.

Insured and Committed to Safety: Roofing is a dangerous business. A sloppy operation can endanger workers and bystanders, and cause property damage. Don't be shy about asking the contractor for proof of the insurance he carries. Beware the low bidder who's cheap because he doesn't have complete insurance, including workers' compensation coverage. Too many unsuspecting home and building owners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured contractors.

Committed to Education: The roofing industry offers a variety of educational programs that a professional roofing contractor will have attended. More important, the best roofing contractor is only as good as the workers who actually install your roof. Insist on having trained, experienced roofing mechanics, instead of laborers employed for one or two interim jobs.

Using Quality Materials: In today's market, you can buy dozens of different types of roofs. A professional roofing contractor is interested in more than simply getting the job done and moving on; he/she will offer service after the sale and application. Ask for a fair guarantee, written in language you can understand. A guarantee is only as good as the company giving it. What good is a guarantee when the roofing company that did your roof is out of business? A professional roofing contractor with a proven track record will still be in business should a problem arise.

A professional maintenance program: Professional roofing contractors will offer periodic maintenance inspections throughout the year. These inspections will help ensure that your project complies with the standards specified in the warranty. A maintenance program usually consists of a detailed visual examination of the roof system, flashing, insulation and related components to identify any potential trouble areas.

What Can I Do to Make Sure I'm Working with a Professional?

Be sure you're comfortable with the contractor and the roof system he/she is suggesting. A pro is going to be happy to answer your questions.

Check customer references. When making the final selection, ask the roofing contractor for a list of recent clients. Check with these customers to see if they were completely satisfied with the quality of materials and workmanship provided.

Check financial information. A professional roofing contractor will give you the names of creditors and banking references. Make sure the roofing contractor is a responsible business person.

Call the Better Business Bureau. You will find out quickly if there have been a lot of complaints about the contractor or if any complaints have not been satisfactorily resolved.

Insist on a written proposal. You'll get it from a professional roofing contractor. Examine it to make sure you think it is complete and fair.

Application expertise. Have your contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm has licensed or approved applicator agreements. Some materials require special application expertise to provide a quality roof system that will last.

Provisions for on-site supervision. Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required and the estimated time of completion.

How Do I Find a Professional Commercial Roofing Contractor?

Ask colleagues who have had roofing work done about their satisfactory experiences with contractors, and ask those contractors for bids on your job. Or go to our Membership Directory.

The West Coast Roofing Contractors Association is not in a position to make recommendations as to its members' skills, experience and capabilities. Home and building owners should base their decisions on the qualities they deem most important in a roofing contractor. 

Click here for a Roofing Contractor Qualification Statement.