Any roofing project is a major financial commitment; in fact, it involves processes that can be more complex than you might have thought. There’s more to a roof repair than just sealing gaps, just as a roof replacement involves more than just a shingle tear-off. Nowadays, reliable roofing is all about taking advantage of innovative roofing materials and a systematic approach that focuses on protecting your most important investment—your residential or commercial property.

Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, there’s a lot you need to consider to make sure your roofing project is geared towards success. We discuss each one in detail below.

Hire the Right Roofing Contractor

The success of a roofing project depends on several factors, including the reliability and expertise of the roofing contractor you hire. Before you make this important decision, see to it that they have the following criteria:

• Permits and Licenses

A reputable roofer has the necessary license and permits to do business in your area. It means that the company adheres to state and local regulations and it passed the requirements of being a roofing contractor. If they can’t show you any of these, best to proceed to the next available roofer.

• Insurance

Qualified roofers make sure to take all the necessary precautions. However, given the inherent dangers of the trade, accidental injuries or property damage can still occur. As such, they carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance to protect you from these untoward incidents.

• Certifications

One of the best ways to determine if you’re working with an asphalt shingle roofing expert is to check if they are certified by GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. Its Master Elite® certification program has stringent requirements, so much so that only 3% of all roofing contractors have this distinction.

Plan the Project Scope

If you are a business owner or a facility manager and you are planning to repair, replace, or maintain your roof, be sure to first devise a proper and well-communicated project scope. A thorough plan enables you to fully understand all the important components of the project. It also allows the prospective contractor to come up with accurate estimates.

See to it that the plan is complete with all the necessary details, including the scope of work, safety expectations, and warranty information. Missing an item can impact the project and affect the performance or the warranty coverage of the commercial roofing system. Depending on how complex and lengthy the project will be, make sure to hold meetings with the roofing contractor. Here, you can review the schedule and discuss issues like change orders and potential delays.

Note the Weather

Weather is one crucial factor to consider when planning an exterior home improvement or commercial construction project. It can play a vital role in your roof repair, replacement, or maintenance and can impact its timeline. Truth be told, the best time of year to do this is whenever you’ve been able to adequately plan for it.

Ideally, the peak season for roofing contractors usually falls between late summer and fall. For most areas of the U.S., spring is the best time of year to get your project started. Then again, weather can be unpredictable, which is why you need to work with a contractor that has a better understanding of the local climate. Work with one that can adjust start times and workdays based on extended forecasts and temperature conditions.

A qualified roofer also has measures in place in case of adverse weather in the middle of the project. For instance, if there’s a sudden downpour while the roof replacement is ongoing, the roofing team will take the necessary steps to protect the exposed decking from moisture. Also, the group will make sure the wood decking is completely dry to ensure proper adhesion of the new roofing material. Doing so with moisture still present may lead to problems such as rot and mold, shortening the lifespan of the new roofing system.

Prepare Your Property

Participating in your roofing project actively opens up the path towards its success. To make it easier for your chosen team of roofers to execute your project plan smoothly, see to it that your residential or commercial property is ready for installation day.

For one, make sure that there’s available space in your property that will serve as the staging area for your contractor’s materials, tools, and equipment. In residential roofing projects, the driveway may work, but the roofer will inform you beforehand about the amount of space they need. Days or weeks before the start date, clear the allotted area of any debris and other valuables that might get in the way of the installation crew.

Although relocating your family during a repair or replacement isn’t necessary, you must have measures in place to prevent any of your family members from wandering into the work area. Be sure to keep your children and pets in a secure area away from all the mess.

As a business owner or facility manager, the focus of your preparations should be on providing proper roof access to your contractor and ensuring the peace and safety of all building occupants. For one, the ground level must be cordoned off to keep pedestrians and employees away from materials and potentially unsafe conditions. You want your business to continue while the project is underway as well. As such, discuss with your contractor your expectations regarding offensive language, loud music, and other behavior that is deemed unacceptable and disruptive of your daily operations. Of course, you’ll also need to inform your tenants and employees of the contractor’s working hours. Sending out a memo will help prevent inconvenience among your occupants.

More importantly, make sure to talk to your chosen contractor about their commitment to cleanliness. Keeping a clean job site promotes a safe, hassle-free environment for your family, employees, or tenants. You’ll want to have a clear understanding of where dumpsters will be placed for collecting old roofing materials and components. Potential injuries and property damage may occur if pieces of tear-off debris and stray nails and fasteners are dropped or scattered in your yard, driveway, parking area, or sidewalk.

It is in your best interest to make the most of your residential or commercial roofing project, starting with ensuring the whole process is a success. A variety of factors can affect how well your roof performs over the years, but none more than whether or not it is installed correctly. At DePalma Construction, we work with the best when it comes to roofing materials and craftsmanship so you can rest easy knowing your roof is built to last. Call us today at (717) 275-9589 to get started. You may also fill out our contact form to request an estimate.