6 Questions Commercial Roof Owners Must Answer

When you call a roofing contractor to advise you on the maintenance, repair or replacement of your roof, they should ask you a series of questions to best understand your goals and expectations. The more property information you can provide to the roofing company, the better the solution for your business. A reputable roofing contractor will approach your roofing project strategically, creating a plan that aligns with your budget and objectives. By asking roof owners questions such as the ones below, they can develop the best strategy for each unique situation.

1. What are your plans for the property? The best solution for your roofing needs may depend your short and long-term occupancy plans – do you expect to own the building for the next three decades, or do you plan on selling in the next fiscal year? Is this specific property a necessary part of your business, or can you move to another location if a better solution appears? Understanding these types of general plans and time frames will give your contractor valuable insight into the best solution for you.
2. What is kept under the roof? In other words, the purpose of the building is integral into the level of its maintenance. If people live and work in the building, the recommendation may be vastly different than if industrial grade materials are stored below. The total dollar value of the equipment under the roof may also dictate the required level of protection or climate control.
3. What is your “roofing philosophy”? Roof owners hold varying opinions on maintenance. Some adhere to strict maintenance schedules, routine “well-checkups”, and rapid resolution of issues. Others, however, have a policy of reactive maintenance. While most roofing contractors would prefer their clients were on the proactive end of that sliding scale – such as signing up for maintenance programs – any approach is acceptable as long as strategy and expectations are aligned and outlined clearly.
4. What is the story behind the current roofing system? The best roofing contractors will want to understand the history of your roof, in order to provide the best recommendations and solutions. Building owners or property managers should be ready to provide the installation date, the age of the roof, the company that installed the roof, any relevant warranties, the status of those warranties, and any known issues, past or present. It is also helpful for the roofing contractor to be furnished with as-built or design documents, maintenance records and photos if they are available.
5. What’s is in the budget for roof repair or installation? A professional roofing company needs to understand your budget in order to make the most appropriate recommendation. Your budget may dictate whether your roof is repaired or replaced – but whatever the situation, the contractor will provide you with your best options given your financial reality.
6. What additional renovations or additions are planned for the building? If there are plans to renovate or alter the building in the near future, your roofing professional needs to understand the scope of the project. Any additions or changes to the structure that may affect the roof – including roof penetrations and drainage systems – could impact the plan for your roof repair or replacement. You may wish to put off any significant work on your roof until the project is complete. You may aso choose to coordinate with all participating contractors to perform all the work simultaneously, or in the appropriate order.

At Unicoat Industrial Roofing, we specialize in roof coating systems that repair many major roof issues efficently and affordably – without requiring a full roof replacement. This process is not only attractive financially, it can also extend the life of your roof by decades. Are you ready to learn more? Call us today.