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Questions to Ask a Commercial Roofing Contractor
The contractor matters more than the membrane. These are the questions that separate commercial roofing professionals from risks — ask them before you sign anything.
Experience and specialization
- How many commercial projects like mine have you completed in the last two years?
- Are you experienced in the specific system you're proposing (TPO, EPDM, PVC, mod-bit)? How many of those installations?
- Can I visit or call references for similar buildings — ideally 3–5 years old, so I can ask how the roof is holding up?
- Do you self-perform the work or subcontract? Who supervises on-site daily?
Business legitimacy
- Are you licensed for the jurisdiction where my building sits? (Colorado licensing is local — Denver, PPRBD, and other jurisdictions each have their own.)
- Can you provide certificates of insurance — general liability and workers' comp — naming us as certificate holder?
- What manufacturer certifications do you hold, and what warranty tiers do they unlock?
- How long have you operated under this business name?
More on vetting: how to verify local roofing contractor requirements.
Project specifics
- Will you take core samples before finalizing the scope?
- Tear-off or re-cover — and why do you recommend it for my roof?
- How will you handle drainage and ponding?
- What's the phasing plan — and will every section be dried-in daily?
- How do you protect the building interior, landscaping, and tenants during work?
- What's the weather protocol if storms hit mid-project?
Talk to a Colorado roofer. Vetting contractors now? One call connects you with an independent commercial roofing professional — and you can run these very questions past them.
Commercial terms
- Is the bid on fixed specifications I can compare apples-to-apples with other bidders?
- What are the payment terms? (Be wary of large upfront deposits.)
- What workmanship warranty do you provide, in writing, and what does it cover?
- Who handles permits?
- What does closeout include — walkthrough, punch list, warranty registration, as-builts, maintenance handoff?
Read every contract with how to read a roofing contract before signing.
FAQs
What's the biggest red flag when hiring a commercial roofer?
No core samples before a major scope, vague specifications you can't compare, pressure to sign immediately, or unwillingness to provide insurance certificates and references.
Should the lowest bid win?
Rarely. On identical specs, a much lower bid usually means thinner membrane, skipped details, or inexperienced labor — the most expensive bid is often the cheap one.
How do I check a contractor's past work?
Ask for addresses of similar projects 3–5 years old, then drive by — or better, call the property managers and ask how the roof and the contractor performed.
Related reading
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