Seven Questions to Ask Your Commercial Roofing Contractor
Here is our list of the Top 7 Questions every client should ask their commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing contractor:
1. Which roofing system is best for our climate and building needs?
Defective design is responsible for almost 50% of roofing failures. Critical consideration must be given to drainage, windage, insulation, fire resistance, thermal expansion, tensile strength, puncture resistance, and watertight performance. Some systems may not be practical for certain building types and locations.
2. Is tearing off the entire roof necessary?
Minimizing the impact on the environment should be considered when re-roofing. There are roofing systems that can actually be put on right over your current roof.
3. Will the roofing system help lower energy costs by moderating temperatures?
Cool roofing systems, green roofing systems, and solar-integrated roof systems can help moderate indoor air temperatures, even if your building doesn’t have air conditioning. The end result would be reduced energy costs and may even improve employee health, well-being, and morale.
4. How long is the roofing system under warranty?
Do you know how long your warranty is? Ask!. Find out if it covers the entire roof system, including installation defects. Sometimes warranties have exclusions and fees for things like ponding water and additional damage that may have been caused.
5. Is the roofing system Energy Star Compliant?
At the government’s Energy Star Website, you will find details regarding the minimum standards for the minimum reflectance during specific periods in the roofing system’s life. 65% initial mimimum reflectance and 50% reflectance after 3-years of exposure to the elements are minimum requirements. In addition to the Energy Star website, you can visit the Cool Roof Rating Council Website for ratings of various roofing systems for solar reflectance. Do you research and you’ll know if your selected roofing system is an energy-efficient one.
6. For what Federal tax deductions might my roofing system afford me?
If it meets the ASHRAE 90.1 standard it does! The standard 90.1 was established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers – the minimum requirements for energy efficient buildings. This standard was adopted by the federal government in 1994. The minimum solar reflectance requirement is 70% and the minimum solar emittance level is 75% for government facilities.
7. Does the manufacturer of the roofing materials for my project have a recycling program?
Several manufacturers have created recycling programs to collect materials once the roofing system and reached the end of its useful life. You would be surprised at the types of products that are created from old, worn-out roofing materials. You will discover that they will include flooring, park benches, roadway materials, even new roofing materials.
