How to find an Expert Commercial Roofer in Reading, PA
Finding the right roofing contractor for your home or business in Reading, PA and it’s surrounding areas is crucial to ensure that your unique property is well-protected. With numerous options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to make the right decision. In this guide, we will provide you with essential tips to help you find the perfect roofing contractor.
Experience and Reputation
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a roofing contractor is their experience. Try to find a contractor who has been in the industry for at least a few years, as this indicates their reliability and ability to handle a large degree of roofing projects, all ranging in size and scope.
Reputation also plays a significant role. Online reviews can be a valuable source of information about a contractor’s work ethic and customer satisfaction. Platforms like Google Business Profiles, Yelp, and Angie’s list offer insights into the reputation of roofing companies. Aim for contractors with at least 4 stars.
When you’re researching roofing companies, it’s important to examine the company’s past portfolio of work to make sure they have the experience to take on the type and size of project/building you have in mind. Some commercial roofing companies simply do not have the economies of scale nor equipment to take on large industrial warehouses, buildings, churches, etc. Their website should highlight recent and past projects and be able to give great understanding of their competencies in the roofing business.
Of course, first hand knowledge of a friend, associate or family member with direct experience with the contractor can also go a long way and provide valuable insight into the integrity of the company.
Make sure to research the roofing company you are considering working with to be sure they have the ability and competency to tackle the project you have in mind!
Understanding Roofing Warranties
Do not place yourself into contract with a commercial contractor without understanding the warranty coverage you will be provided with. When evaluating different roofing contractors, it’s essential to understand the different types of warranties associated with roofing projects.
Roofing warranties can be broken down into two main types of warranties: Manufacturer’s warranty and Labor warranties. Manufacturer warranties guarantee the quality of the roofing materials used for a specific amount of time. Labor warranties, on the other hand, cover issues related to the installation of the roofing system. Make sure you understand the length and coverage of both warranties, as well as any contingencies or maintenance requirements that may affect their validity.
For example, manufacturers warranties which cover the roofing product placed on your roof, may only be valid (especially for larger commercial properties) if you have regular yearly inspections. This is also referred to as regular preventative maintenance. Don’t make the crucial mistake of forfeiting that warranty stipulation and then needing coverage a few years after your roofing system was installed – that could end of costing you big money!
For more detailed information about everything you should know in regards to commercial roofing warranties, we highly recommend you read our previous article A Guide to Commercial Roofing Warranties.
Commercial Roofing Project Highlight - Tennis Court Condo- Reading, PA
The Tennis Park Condominiums is a recent commercial project that J Smucker Contracting completed.
- Roof Size – 20,000 Square feet
- Roof System Installed – 60 Mil. PVC single ply over ISO (Polyisocyanurate thermal insulation)
- Warranty – 20 years
- Unique challenges.
- This project was a multi-tenant living facility, which always can be a challenge navigating the various structures and keeping tenants happy. The project was a complete roofing tear off, so extra care was taken to ensure that the site was tightly sealed every night. This project had over 100 rooftop penetrations, so the complexity in that regards was overcome by our teams experience.
- Some of the roofing substrate was weak. In one case, we even had an employee fall through the rotted deck. This job was a testament to the fact that even if things go wrong on a roofing project, J Smucker will always strive to make sure the customer is satisfied no matter what. We have been back numerous times to provide service work on the other buildings and are proud to be their preferred choice to replace other roofing systems within the complex.
It can be tricky working around residential living spaces. Make sure you hire a competent roofing company that has the experience to smoothly navigate these complex jobs.
Obtaining Multiple Quotes
To ensure you get the best value for your money, like any other service, its advisable to get multiple quotes from a handful or roofing contractors. And this is important – while price is a factor (of course), it should not be the sole determining factor. Consider the value provided by each contractor, such as the quality of materials, comprehensive project details, and professionalism. A reputable contractor should provide a detailed estimate, including size and extent of the project, procedures, and figures. Photos and diagrams of the planned work should also be provided to avoid any misunderstandings or budget surprises. Which brings us to our next important point…
Written Documentation and Communication
When proceeding with a roofing project, it’s crucial that your contractor document every detail and communicates clearly with you. Ensure that all critical information is exchanged through written communication, such as email, to have a record in case of any disputes or legal issues that may come down the line. As they say in the military “Trust, but verify!”
Key details to have in writing would include the specific areas of the roof designated for refurbishment, photos and diagrams of the work to be done, project costs, estimated completion timeline, and any contingencies for unforeseen events – such as unforeseen roof rot in a specific area – what would that cost? – get a square footage estimate in place. At the end of the day you want to be on the same page with everything – so a comprehensive record makes it that much easier, both legally and figuratively.
Each roofing contractor you get a free estimate from should present you with a detailed proposal including photos of all of the issues that will be addressed on your project
Licenses, certifications and manufacturer approval
Check to see if the roofing contractor you are considering is licensed, certified, and approved by the proper state authorities. Moreover, check to see if your contractor is an approved installer with whichever roofing product they’re installing. As stated earlier, this can be crucial if the warranty every needs to be exercised. Some roofing material manufacturers have strict licensing requirements for contractors who install their products. Being approved by the manufacturer ensures that the warranty coverage remains valid and minimizes the risk of future issues. While this aspect may vary depending on the manufacturer, it’s an important consideration to make.
Conclusion - Best commercial roofing services in Reading, PA
Choosing the best commercial roofing contractor in Reading, PA, requires careful consideration of factors such as experience, reputation, warranties, pricing, documentation, and certifications. By following these helpful tips, you can make an informed decision that will ensure the long-lasting protection of your property.
If there is anything we left out and you have additional questions, feel free to give J Smucker Contracting a call. We provide commercial roofing services to Reading, PA and surrounding areas.