Top Seven Questions for 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. What are the best options for a roofing system in this climate?
It is estimated that defective design & engineering is responsible for nearly 50% of all roofing failures. Critical consideration must be given to drainage, windage, insulation, fire resistance, thermal expansion, tensile strength, puncture resistance, and watertight performance. Your roofing system should be practical for your building type and location.
2. Is it necessary to tear off the entire roof?
One of the top considerations in re-roofing projects is minimizing the environmental impact by reducing or eliminating waste. There are roofing systems that can actually be put on right over your current roof.
3. Does the roof system moderate temperatures in summer and winter?
Green and vegetative roofing systems as well as solar panels can help control inside temperatures and even make the roof last longer. Lower energy costs can help offset the costs of a new roof.
4. How long is the warranty?Ask your roofing contractor how long is the warranty.
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.Initial reflectance must be at least 65%. After 3-years of exposure to weathering, it must have a minimum reflectance of 50%. Additionally, the Cool Roof Rating Website offers ratings for a myriad of roofing systems and their solar reflectance. Do you research and you’ll know if your selected roofing system is an energy-efficient one.
6. Is my roofing system eligible for Federal tax deductions?
It sure can if it meets the ASHRAE 90.1 standard. The minimum requirements for energy efficient building design (standard 90.1) were established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers. The federal government adopted this standard in 1994. Government facilities require a minimum solar reflectance and 75% solar emittance respectively.
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. Some examples include, but are not limited to: flooring, roadways, park benches, and yes – turned back into new roofing materials.
