Whether your roofing system has reached the end of its service life, sustained damage from a bad storm, or has ponding water that lasts for days after rain, you know that commercial roof replacement or repair is inevitable. As you search for a commercial roofing contractor that works on flat, low-slope, or specialty roofing materials, you may wonder what you need to look for in a roofing estimate and how the whole process works.
Today’s blog post will help you learn more about what to expect from roofing companies who offer you estimates, so you can have the peace of mind you deserve that you are selecting the right contractor for the job. After all, a roof protects your business from the elements and helps with your building’s energy efficiency. You want to ensure that you understand every component of the roofing job, starting with the estimate.
We’ve helped businesses like yours for over 60 years at Heidler Roofing. We know what it takes to repair, restore, or replace your commercial or specialty roof and have the skilled craftsman to do it. You can count on us for reliable and reasonable roofing estimates for your business. Get started today by scheduling your roof replacement or repair estimate.
1. What Should Be Included in a Roofing Estimate?
When you receive a roofing estimate from a commercial roofing contractor, it should include all aspects of the replacement process. Your roof estimate should include things like:
- How many layers of your existing roof need to be torn off
- How the contractor will protect the property around your roof while it’s being worked on
- If deteriorated decking needs replacement
- Specific roofing system components and materials
- Labor and Material costs
- Cleanup and removal costs
- Warranty information
- How long the estimate is valid for
- A proposed project timeline, with the awareness that current supply chain shortages and price escalations may affect your roofing project
- Payment terms
- The contractor’s license and insurance information
At Heidler Roofing, we try to provide roofing estimates that are as close to the final cost as possible so that you can accurately budget for your roofing work.
2. What Happens During the Roofing Estimate Process?
Getting you an accurate estimate begins with you scheduling an appointment. After we arrange the date and time with you, one of our experienced estimators will meet with you to understand the scope of work required and what roofing materials best suit your project.
We have experience with commercial roofing materials, such as EPDM, TPO and PVC, and built-up roofing (BUR). We can also handle roofs with specialty materials, like cedar shakes, clay tiles, and copper roofs. So get in touch with us today to see how we can help your business in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States get the type of roof to help your business stay dry.
After we understand what you want in a roof, we’ll actually go on your roof to measure the roof area. We’ll determine accurate square footage to ensure we order enough of the materials you need but not an overabundance. We’ll also perform a roofing inspection to check for areas of damage, the number of vents, issues with flashing, and other problems that could increase your roof replacement costs. We then complete the assessment with all the necessary information and discuss our findings with you.
3. What Do These Roofing Terms Mean?
You may see some terminology on your roofing estimate with which you are unfamiliar. We have an in-depth blog post that goes over 24 of the most common roofing terms and their meanings, but we’ll highlight a few here for you:
- Ballasted—A roofing system that uses loose aggregate material (like stone, rock, or gravel) as weight or ballast to hold the roof membrane in place rather than glue or fasteners.
- Cover board—An insulation board used on certain roofs, like ones with a single-ply membrane system.
- Felt—In BUR types of roofing systems, felt is a fiber-based, flexible sheet meant to be layered.
- Flashing—The components used to weatherproof and/or seal the edges of a roof system at the perimeter of the roof and around protrusions, such as drains, valleys, expansion joints, or rooftop equipment.
- Ice dam—Ice formation at the transition between warm and cold roof surfaces. Ice dams form when previously melted snow and ice refreeze during the winter.
- Planishing—An advanced metalworking technique that involves shaping and smoothing sheet metal over a stake.
- Substrate—The surface on which roofing or waterproof membranes are applied.
- Termination clause—A contract line that outlines why and how a roofing contractor or business owner wants to end the contract.
- Thermal stress—As temperatures change from season to season, the roof system will expand and contract. Over time, this causes strain on the roofing materials and will eventually lead to damage.
- Underlayment—A felt or sheet material installed between a roof deck and roof covering.
- Vents—Roof vents are openings or devices that permit air to exit an enclosed structure.
4. Is It Normal for a Commercial Roofing Contractor to Ask for a Deposit?
Yes, it is absolutely normal for a roofer to ask for a deposit before starting work. Your roofing estimate should outline your terms of payment. Some contractors may ask for 10-25% of the total price before beginning work.
A red flag to watch out for is if your contractor asks for more than 33% of the total cost or even for you to pay in full before work starts. There should also be terms established that outline what happens if delinquent payments occur.
5. Does Roofing Work Come with Any Warranties?
Yes, the roof installed on your building will come with warranties and guarantees. You’ll typically have coverage under both a workmanship and material warranty. Depending on the contractor and materials, these guarantees can last up to 20 years or more. It protects you from paying for roof repairs for certain damages, although most manufacturers stipulate that only a certified roofer, like Heidler Roofing, perform maintenance and work on your roof.
Need a Roof Repair or Replacement Estimate? Contact Heidler Roofing Today!
Now that you know what to look for in a roofing estimate, you have prepared enough to start getting quotes for your new roofing job. Keep in mind that a good contractor will go on your roof and inspect it before quoting a roof replacement or repair job. They should also speak with you about the types of roofing materials you want and provide the payment terms for the contract.
When you’re ready to get roofing estimates, contact Heidler Roofing to schedule your appointment! We’ll arrive on time at your location with a professional roofer, prepared to evaluate and provide an accurate and reliable roofing estimate. With over 60 years of experience in commercial and specialty roofing, you won’t be disappointed by the professionalism and craftsmanship of our team. Get started today to schedule your roofing estimate!