After 47 years in this business, we have an incredible amount of experience and have seen it all —from brand-new construction issues to rodents, code violations, structural issues, leaks and material installation mistakes that compromised warranties on commercial roof replacements. 

One recurring issue we’ve seen is when budget contractors simply cover up elements like ventilation in the interest of quick, inexpensive replacements. For example, we’ve come across cases where bathroom vents were covered up entirely instead of being properly replaced or integrated into the new roof. While this might save time and money in the short term, it can lead to significant problems like poor ventilation, mold growth, and costly repairs later on in addition to the building not meeting basic building code requirements. While this is typically accidental and not intentional, it is much less likely to happen with reputable contracts with their own crews. 

The Long-Term Investment of Quality Roofing

Hiring a reputable roofing contractor is more than just choosing someone to install roof tiles or lay down a membrane. It’s an investment in the long-term integrity of your property. Experienced contractors ensure every installation adheres to local building codes and is performed with attention to detail. At any given time we maintain, repair and replace a significant amount of active roof projects on multiple properties at any given time, which means we know how to navigate complex challenges and execute properly. 

The Risks in Choosing a "Value" Contractor

There are a lot of red flags when it comes to commercial roofing contractors, but budget contractors usually cut corners "off the invoice" to keep their bids low. This can manifest in several ways:

• Ignoring Building Codes: Skipping permits or ignoring code requirements can lead to hefty fines and failed inspections.
• Subpar Materials: Using lower-quality materials might save money upfront but will often lead to faster wear and more frequent repairs.
• Improper Installation: Errors like failing to replace flashing, neglecting ventilation, or improperly sealing seams can compromise the roof’s longevity and void manufacturer warranties.
• Unseen Costs: Initial cost savings from a budget bid are often offset by future repair expenses, energy inefficiencies, or even long term structural issues.

Red Flags to Watch For

To avoid hiring the wrong contractor, be on the lookout for these warning signs:

1. Lack of References: Reputable contractors should have a portfolio of past projects and client testimonials.
2. Unrealistically Low Bids: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Not recommending you hire a third party engineer: a third party engineer helps provide peace of mind and is an unbiased research to verify that the job is completed properly throughout the process. 
4. Vague Contracts: A professional contractor will provide a detailed, transparent scope of work.
5. No industry affiliations: Reputable commercial roofing contractors should belong to industry associations in the chapters that they do business in - if they’re not a member they may not be reputable or from the area, which is a major red flag. 
6. Lack of material or warranty certifications: A reputable roofer should be established and certified with major commercial roofing materials manufacturers.

Watching carefully for red flags and choosing a reputable contractor ensures that your roof is built to last, adheres to building code, and protects your investment for the long term. By focusing on quality and compliance rather than price, you can avoid costly repairs and structural issues down the line.

Never forget - what you refuse to pay for up front could cost you exponentially more down the road. Hire experience first!

Check out our industry affiliations page for more about our materials certifications and industry association memberships.