Better Commercial Roof Installation and Repair Services in Lancaster, PA

How do I select a roofing contractor for my project?

First and foremost, check references with other reliable businesses and institutions that the potential contractor should be glad to furnish. Don’t just ask to see a list, but actually contact these references. The contractor may select their most favorable references but do a little work to make sure these customers are happy ones.

Also, you will want to seek out a “full-service” contractor—one like us here at Shea Roofing, who is certified to install all types of commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing systems. Full-service roofing companies should also have a good maintenance program, complete with comprehensive regular inspections as part of their roof services.

Most commercial roofing customers will want to avoid a “one product” contractor pushing a specific type of roof that may not be to your building’s best benefit. Take a look at the websites of major roofing materials manufacturers and see which contractor(s) in your area those manufacturers would recommend as certified and competent. In Lancaster, PA, you’ll find that the best manufacturers certify Shea.

How do I know what type of roofing to ask for?

In short, you won’t need to know this. As a general commercial building owner or manager, you most likely are not experienced in roofing—nor are we experts in your business. This means that a customer and their roofing contractor must rely on each other and reach a mutual understanding. The competent contractor will begin the initial discussion with fact-finding questions, such as what expectations you have for your roof project. These better contractors will help you determine the ideal roof for your application.

The best commercial roofing contractors—those who are genuinely invested in your business’s success—will also ask things like, does your roof have a lot of foot traffic? Will there be more penetrations (things like roof drains and HVAC equipment that breaches the roof surface) added in the future? Are there stack emissions/exhaust fumes that will drift back onto the surface to potentially affect the roofing surface and materials?

What are manufacturer warranty terms I can expect?

The discussion of warranties should not be limited to terms of years. Frequently, it is far more essential to know what the warranty does and does not cover. This depth of coverage is sometimes overlooked until roof issues occur, and then the customer may be in for a rude awakening.

In the end, be sure to ask your commercial roofer as many questions as you can think of before signing any contract. Reputable and knowledgeable contractors are more than willing and able to lead the discussion through everything you may want to know—and possibly more specific issues—before making a recommendation.