Very few things are as disruptive to a business as roofing problems. Whether your roof is leaking or has developed some other kind of issue, your budget is sure to take a hit—and your operations could need to shut down temporarily, too.
If a customer walks in and sees buckets all over your floor collecting leaking water, what kind of an impression is that likely to give? Further, if you have to shut down your business in order to have significant roofing work performed, you will lose potential customers who end up going elsewhere for services or goods because your establishment isn’t open.
If you’re conscientious about money, here is the point where you’ll want to sit up and pay attention: Proactively scheduled commercial roofing services can save you a bundle in the long run. It is better to pay a little bit now for proactive repairs than to break the bank later on a full roof tear-off and replacement.
To keep your body healthy, you get regular checkups so the doctor can catch potential problems and address them early. Why would you do any less for the huge financial investment you have in your commercial roof?
That’s why our group makes regular roof inspections and maintenance a priority. Time after time, professional roofers encounter huge, expensive problems that could have been avoided with proper maintenance and a little preventive care.
The following are just some of the benefits of being proactive in safeguarding your roof:
Catch Problems Early: Regularly scheduled maintenance and inspections performed by a professional roofing contractor can help pinpoint developing problems at their early stages—before they snowball into big and costly issues. And remember: A contractor’s eyes are trained to detect things the inexpert eye cannot see.
Extend the Life of Your Roof: Did you know roofs are forced to be replaced prematurely as much as 80% of the time? Keeping up on maintenance and repairs can help your roof last the number of years it was meant to last—and maybe even longer! If it seems time to replace due to old age, look into Elastomeric Coatings.
Protect Your Building: When you neglect your roof’s maintenance, it is not only the roof you’re putting at risk—it’s your whole building. Roof failure can lead to an entire building structure being compromised. Water leakage alone can wreak havoc on a building, and leaks typically start with an unmaintained roof.
Save Money: One of the biggest inducements to take care of your roof is, of course, money. If you’ve ever had to pay for a full roof replacement, you know just how steep the costs can be—not to mention the disruption to your business operations. When you set up a regular inspection and maintenance plan with a licensed, experienced roofer, you can postpone the expense of roof replacement for many years.
Preserve Your Reputation: Perception is everything, and customers will be instantly turned off if your roof looks dilapidated. A shabby roof makes a whole building look shabby—not to mention the impact that leaking and other roof problems have on your building’s interior. Roof problems can cause visual damage as well as bad odors inside your building—a definite turnoff to potential clients!
Tap into a National Association of Reliable Commercial Roofers
When you’re in need of commercial roofing services, you should only seek the aid of a professional that is truly knowledgeable. That’s where the Choice Roof Contractor Group comes in!
We are a recognized, nationwide association of trusted commercial roofing contractors, with qualified, endorsed members located throughout the United States. When you hire a contractor who is an endorsed group member, you can enjoy the following benefits:
One source for all your buildings throughout the country
Your commercial roof is the first line of defense for your building and its valuable contents. In view of this, we cannot overstate the importance of trusting your roof only to a licensed, experienced contractor who has the proper resources to handle any problem that comes up.
So many roofing problems are the direct result of work that was performed by an inexperienced person and not done to code. Building owners can avoid those problems by only working with the very best roofing companies.
Choosing a Reliable Roofing Contractor
So, how do you find a reliable roofing contractor when it’s so hard to find someone good? What should you look for?
Here are some questions you should always find favorable answers to before hiring anyone to perform work on your roof:
Is the company properly licensed and insured?
Do they have a positive track record among their customers?
Are their technicians professionally trained?
Do they have endorsements from top industry associations?
Do they offer non-prorated warranties that you can count on?
Do they offer best safety practices?
Are they certified by the manufacturer whose products they use?
Do they guarantee the work they perform?
Can they handle anything that comes up while servicing you?
Before you shake hands and sign on the dotted line, make sure the answers to these important questions are positive ones.
Your Best Source for Top Commercial Roofing Contractors
Did you know there is a nationwide association of professional roofing contractors from whom you will always receive favorable answers to the above questions? Endorsed members belonging to the Choice Roof Contractor Group must meet stringent requirements before membership is granted to them—which means commercial building owners can always trust that a group member will perform quality work that is backed by some of the best guarantees in the business!
In order to become part of the Choice Roof Contractor Group family, roofing contractors must have a good service record, maintain proper insurance and licensure and follow our standards of excellence.
When you choose a Choice Roof Contractor Group member, you can find peace of mind in knowing you’ll receive quality workmanship and reliable service—every single time! This is possible because of our group-wide accountability model and the way our members share their specialized knowledge with each other. We’re more than just an association of contractors – we work together as a nationwide team to deliver more value, excellence and peace of mind than we ever could independently.
Choose from Among the Best Commercial Roofing Companies in the Nation!
To find a Choice Roof Contractor Group member in your area, call us today at (800) 670-5583 or visit the contact page on our website.
If you’re a commercial or industrial building owner in need of a new roof or looking to put up a new structure, it can seem overwhelming as you debate between the many different types of commercial roofing materials out there in the marketplace. How can you know which one is the best choice for your specific building project?
Some of the most common types of commercial roofing materials include:
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
SPF (spray polyurethane foam)
Asphalt rolls
Acrylic coatings
Keep reading as we explore the pros and cons of these various roofing materials to help pinpoint the right option for you!
EPDM
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing is commonly known as rubber roofing.
PROS: One of the biggest advantages of an EPDM roof is its price, as it is one of the most inexpensive roofing materials available. It is also comparatively easy to install and is very lightweight, so the roof deck doesn’t need to be reinforced. A high-quality EPDM roof can have a life expectancy of up to 20 years.
EPDM roofs are relatively durable and do not scuff or scratch easily. Further, though EPDM roofing material is black and, therefore, absorbs the heat, it is not easily damaged by UV rays.
CONS: Now, for the drawbacks of EPDM roofing. If you’re look for an aesthetically pleasing roof, this is probably not the type you want to choose. When rolled out on a roof, EPDM looks a bit like an unfurled inner tube. The black color, which is the color EPDM most typically comes in, can add a great deal of stress to your air conditioning systems because it absorbs the majority of the sun’s rays and exterior heat. EPDM is available in lighter colors to help it better reflect the heat, but opting for a lighter color will hike up your cost by about 30 percent.
Another disadvantage is EPDM roofs are prone to puncturing, so a hailstorm, falling branch or even a service person with the wrong kind of shoes can tear a hole in your roof. While it’s easy to repair a puncture, water can infiltrate and cause major problems if not patched quickly.
Additionally, it’s important to note that adhesives are used to bond seams. This is a drawback because there are longer-lasting methods available today when using other types of commercial roofing materials. Also, when an EPDM roof isn’t fully adhered, water can travel underneath the membrane. This makes detecting the point of a leak more difficult and also allows a leak to do far more damage to the underlying structure.
TPO
A thermoplastic polyolefin roof(TPO) has become a very popular option, especially among commercial building owners.
PROS: Like EPDM roofing, TPO is one of the more inexpensive types of roofing material and is actually less expensive than EPDM in most cases. Because TPO is white, it helps reflect the sun, thus reducing heat buildup inside your structure.
Like EPDM, TPO is light weight and can also be installed in different ways; it can be directly fastened to the roof deck or fully adhered with adhesives to the roof deck. It is also resistant to corrosion and breakdown, isn’t prone to algae growth or mildew, and it doesn’t need to be pressure washed.
Another huge benefit is having heat-welded seams vs. the use of adhesives. When using TPO, the plastics in the membrane are literally melted together, creating a far more dependable bond between seams. With seams being mostly responsible for roof leaks, this is huge!
CONS: Surprisingly, the drawbacks to TPO roofing are plentiful. First, its quality varies widely from manufacturer to manufacturer, so unless it comes from a highly reputable maker you really don’t know what you’re going to get. TPO also comes in a broad variety of thicknesses, which further adds to the consistency problems associated with this type of roof.
Because the top layer of TPO roofing material is laminated, weak points are introduced that can cause shrinking, cracking, crazing and deterioration. TPO rolls also typically come in small widths, which means there are lots of seams when they’re installed, and this further adds to the roof’s weakness and fosters potential problems.
Another concern is fire. TPO itself is not fire resistant. Watching a couple videos on YouTube will show how dangerous this roofing system can be if the building ever catches fire and proper retardants aren’t integrated.
Overall, many consider TPO to still be an experimental membrane and is currently in the 4th generation of formulation. The Roofing Contractor’s Institute has ranked very high on the singly-ply membranes most problems list.
PVC
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, roofing is composed of two layers of PVC roof material with polyester acting as a reinforcement between the layers. The layers also include additives that make the material UV-stable and flexible, while also preventing curing. Like EPDM and TPO, it is lightweight.
PROS: On a flat or low-slope roof, PVC roofing’s lifespan is comparatively long, and it is also known for its durability. PVC is additionally resistant to moisture, fire, wind and chemicals, and the heat welding installation process used with PVC roofs creates a permanent bond between each roofing sheet and keeps the seams securely together.
CONS: There are a few downsides with PVC roofing. For one, it is an expensive option. PVC also tends to shrink over time, which can pull the seams, lift the corners and cause leaks. In cold weather, an older PVC roof is prone to shattering and puncturing, and PVC roofs can also be difficult to repair, as the hot air welds used on a new PVC roof don’t react well with an old roof.
Overall, PVC and TPO are usually compared a lot since they have similar advantages and are both heat-welded. The main differences are that PTO is more puncture resistant, PVC is more chemical resistant, TPO is better for the environment, and PVC is better for fire resistance. Either choice is usually better than EPDM, though.
SPF
A spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roof is made from a form of plastic that transforms from a liquid into a solid in a matter of just seconds, while also expanding about 30 times as it dries.
PROS: SPF roofing is a sustainable choice that can pay for itself in terms of energy savings. A good multi-layer SPF system (such as spray foam covered with layers of premium acrylic roof coating) has outstanding tensile strength and durability, with a reflective top coat that helps building owners save on energy costs. With proper maintenance and regular roof coatings, an SPF roof can last 40+ years or more. The expansion properties of an SPF roof enable the product to effectively seal off gaps and crannies, making the entire roof watertight and airtight.
Unlike the other options, SPF provides insulation to save both heat and A/C, enhances building structural support while being lightweight, self-curbs around protrusions, and can be used to correct ponding water or more effectively channel water to drains by simply spraying more spray foam in areas that need built up.
CONS: Because SPF roofing is the product of a chemical reaction between two liquid compounds, it must be applied in a carefully calibrated way or the spray foam that results will not last long-term. It can take a roofing contractor a long time to master the application of this specialized system, and specialized training is needed, as well. SPF roofing can also be difficult and expensive to remove – which may be necessary if not properly maintained.
Asphalt Rolled Roofing
Asphalt rolled roofing is commonly used on buildings with low-slope roofs. It is composed of the same materials that are used to make asphalt shingles.
PROS: Asphalt rolled roofing is one of the more inexpensive roofing types, and it is also a relatively easy type of roof to install.
CONS: Asphalt rolled roofing has a very short life expectancy compared to other types of roofs, typically lasting only about 10 years before it needs to be replaced. Since this type of roofing product is rolled out and then stuck together at the seams, problems commonly develop where the rolls join together, which increases the necessity for maintenance and repairs. It’s also not energy efficient.
Acrylic Roof Coatings
Acrylic coatings can be applied to a variety of roof types and are the preferred alternative to replacement approximately 80% of the time. A good system will require a primer, base coat, fabric (either full roof or only on seams), more base coat on top of the fabric to embed it, and then a final top coat. The end result is a seamless, fully adhered membrane that is robust enough to withstand heavy hail and could easily last as long as TPO and PVC with proper maintenance.
Although it isn’t mainstream yet, these coating systems can actually be installed directly to ply-wood in new construction. The fully adhered, water-tight, seamless, and renewable characteristics of a good roof coating cannot be matched by anything else on the market. In fact, one of our original members installed this system on his own newly constructed office.
PROS: Acrylic roof coatings are UV resistant, very reflective and easy to work with. They also provide building owners with a prime balance between performance and cost. Repair couldn’t be any easier as caulk is usually all that is needed. Importantly, towards the end of life, simply putting another layer of “top coat” to the roof could add as many as two decades of new life.
CONS: When weathering is a factor, acrylic products are prone to losing mil thickness. They also need to be applied at 50 degrees or above. Additionally, performance is generally poor in ponding water situations, so flat roofs may need to have depressed areas built-up beforehand.
Choice Roof Contractor Group is an association of trusted and endorsed roofing contractors who are among the best in the nation. The group was founded to provide building owners with more peace of mind while giving contractors a strong base of resources for their companies.
When you’re in a quandary regarding which roofing product to choose for your commercial building, a Choice Roof Contractor member can offer you the professional advice and services you need. The group utilizes products that are created in the United States, keeping along with the trend of providing reliable, local services for business owners and property managers.
Call (800) 670-5583 today to speak with one of our members and to find a CRCG-endorsed contractor in your area!
For a commercial roofing contractor, it can be easy to be swept off your feet when the opportunity to snag a big roofing project comes along—but there are some things you should know before going after a large roof.
Keep Things in Perspective
To begin with, don’t lose your head over the prospect of a big job. Make sure you can handle the scope of the work. If you feel that you can, apportion your resources appropriately. In your quest for a big fish, don’t forget or neglect the “little guys” (your residential customers) who give you small but steady work. You may need them again later.
Weigh the Risks
When you take on a large roofing job, the monetary payback is proportionately large, yes—but a big job also means greater opportunity for error with bigger consequences as a result. If you are relatively inexperienced, take every detail of a big project into consideration before you agree to take the project on.
Be Prepared
The Boy Scout motto is a great maxim for roofers, too. Be prepared and organized every day. Keep tabs on weather forecasts and plan accordingly; check and double-check your equipment and materials lists to make sure nothing is forgotten before you head out to the job site; and make sure you have enough materials for the job.
Prioritize Your Repeat Customers
Don’t let big dollar signs dictate your priorities. Repeat customers aren’t easy to come by in the roofing business, so when you have them, make sure you put them at the top of your list and cultivate those relationships. Bigger contracts and their big paychecks will come and go, but ongoing/residual business is priceless.
Put Service Above Dollars & Cents
Whatever other goals you may have, always keep your eye on giving customers good value. Focus on providing top quality at the best possible price and satisfied clients and a good reputation will follow – along with valuable referrals.
Do Everything It Takes to Develop—and Deserve—a Good Name
If you want a good reputation, be a good contractor. That may sound simple, but it requires always being on top of things. Word-of-mouth advertising is the best there is, and when customers have a good experience they’ll spread the word about it. In everything you do, be trustworthy, be dependable and be honest. Go the extra mile for your customers and start creating a long line of clients who have had a good experience working with you.
Tap into a Nationwide Network of Resources
Whether you’re a veteran roofing contractor or new to commercial roofing, joining forces with a nationwide network of professionals can enhance your business in countless ways.
The advantages of belonging to the group are many and varied and include:
Off-site and on-site assistance from veteran roofing contractors
Commercial roofing marketing strategies
Help with bidding and job completion
Enhanced credibility our nationwide reputation for excellence
Access to the group’s popular roofing lead generation program after qualification
Helpful support from strategic partners and suppliers
Professional commercial roofing training
Discounted pricing on energy-efficient, long-lasting roofing products
Job referral opportunities through network connections
And much more!
To learn more about Choice Roof Contractor Group, membership benefits and how to become an endorsed member, call (800) 670-5583 or visit our Contact Page. We look forward to helping you grow your commercial roofing business and achieve your professional goals!
Businesses are growing by leaps and bounds with the expert support, added credibility, and comprehensive resources offered through our network of endorsed roofing professionals.
Rufus began working for various residential-focused contractors at the young age of 14. Later he started his own business and eventually landed his first commercial job, which was a 14,000-square-foot metal roof. After seeing how much better everything was, he began moving from residential to commercial roofing work.
Rufus was one of the very first members to join up with Choice Roof Contractor Group when the association was first getting off the ground. Belonging to CRCG has revolutionized his business.
“It’s been huge,” he said.
He went fully commercial in 2012 and has never looked back.
Getting Professional
For Rufus, the benefits of belonging to a professional network like Choice Roof Contractor Group have been manifold, including:
Interaction with other professional roofing contractors
Knowledge of what actually works in commercial roofing marketing
How to consistently close large commercial contracts
Help with bidding and completing jobs
High quality sales material to print and email to prospects
“For us to be able to have all that as contractors, without creating it all on our own—that’s huge,” he said.
Another benefit of belonging to Choice Roof Contractor Group is having access to the professional marketing services of Top Roof Marketing, which caters specifically to commercial roofing contractors.
Rufus said he gets about 50 percent of his sales leads through his website, which was built and is maintained by Top Roof Marketing. The services offered through Top Roof Marketing, including regularly published blogs with targeted keywords and social media distribution, have even helped him expand his business to other states.
Because his business website is so polished and professional-looking, Rufus said, it makes it appear that he runs a huge operation—when, in fact, his business is not quite as large… yet.
“I’ve had quite a few customers comment on how my website is set up and that they really like it,” he said.
Without the support and benefits of Choice Roof Contractor Group and the expert services of Top Roof Marketing, Rufus said, he wouldn’t have the successful business he enjoys today.
“I would probably be doing OK,” he said, “but I wouldn’t be doing as well.”
Living the Good Life
With the help of Choice Roof Contractor Group, Rufus has been able to build a very successful roofing business in a relatively short amount of time, experiencing success that many roofing contractors only dream of. He attributes a great deal of that success to his membership in Choice Roof Contractor Group.
“It definitely has had a big impact in my business,” he said.
The support, training to do more advanced installs, and expert consultation available through the group has greatly increased his business savvy and confidence.
In addition to enjoying professional support, training, and interaction, endorsed members also have the added bonus of access to commercial roofing leads generated through the association. While getting regular leads isn’t a guarantee and contractors need to always be proactive in soliciting new business contacts, Rufus said, when a lead comes through the group it is always a very high quality lead.
The success Rufus has experienced since joining Choice Roof Contractor Group has enabled him to have the kind of lifestyle he wants and the freedom to spend time with his family, travel and enjoy life in all kinds of ways.
“It has allowed us to do pretty much anything we wanted,” he said.
Because endorsed Choice Roof Contractor Group members like Rufus use high-quality Conklin roofing products and enjoy discounted pricing, an added perk of association comes in the form of manufacturer roofing leads, valuable referral commissions and even special trips from Conklin. Rufus has won vacations through Conklin for reaching certain targets. For instance, in the first year of going fully commercial, he was given a weeklong vacation paid for by Conklin with other “Preferred Contractors” who bought more than $125,000 worth of product. Last year, he achieved “District Manager” level, and once again he enjoyed a paid vacation in Cancun courtesy of Conklin.
Interesting fact: Early on, at age 22, Rufus was introduced to Conklin roofing products. This was before our group was fully established. When commenting on his experience with the manufacturer, he said “The products that we use—I mean, I wouldn’t use anything else. I haven’t had one roof that failed on me. … It just comes back to doing it correctly.”
You Can Benefit, Too!
Rufus’ success story is just one more example of how Choice Roof Contractor Group is benefiting roofing contractors throughout the United States. Our endorsed members enjoy various exclusive perks, such as:
Off-site and on-site assistance from veteran roofing contractors
Commercial roofing marketing strategies
Our popular roofing lead generation program after qualification
Helpful support from our strategic partners and suppliers
Additional credibility from our nationwide reputation for excellence
Professional commercial roofing training
Discounted pricing on energy-efficient, long-lasting roofing products
Job referral opportunities through connections in our network
And much more!
If you’re interested in finding out how your roofing business can benefit from being part of the group, give Rufus a call at (701) 500-9399. He would also be happy to share exactly how he was able to grow so quickly.
Flat roofs are a popular choice for commercial and industrial buildings for various reasons, including their budget-friendly cost in comparison with other commercial roof types and the fact that they essentially provide an extra floor of usable space for housing storage facilities, HVAC systems and more. Flat roofs are also easier to access than pitched roofs when repairs need to be made, gutters need to cleaned, solar panels need to be installed, etc.
In addition to their benefits, flat roofs also come with a common set of problems that can develop over time, requiring flat roof solutions to be administered by a professional roofing contractor.
Common Flat Roof Problems
Just as any roof will, a flat roof will eventually develop problems that need the attention of a professional roofing contractor. Drainage is a common issue with flat roofs, for instance, as they do not drain as efficiently as pitched roofs do. This can lead to the problem of standing water remaining on a roof for longer periods of time, which can contribute to the accelerated breakdown of roofing materials and eventually lead to leaks, particularly along the roof’s seams and protrusions. If standing water is remaining on your flat roof for more than 48 hours following a rainstorm, you need to schedule a flat roof repair right away. You should also call in a professional roofing contractor if you notice cracks, blistering, tears or damaged flashings.
Various catalysts can cause flat roof problems, including:
Pooling water
Storm damage
Improper previous repairs
UV damage
Aging
Straight-line winds
Excessive weathering
Building movement
Loose membrane bonds
Flat Roof Solutions
When your flat roof develops problems, it is important to call on an experienced professional to address the issues using high-quality roofing products. When it comes to your roof, there are no cheap band-aids that last long term—it’s important to have the job done right the first time. Hiring an inexperienced person to do shortcut work on your roof can actually lead to much bigger problems down the road.
Time and time again, the experts belonging to the Choice Roof Contractor Group encounter roof damage that is the direct result of previous repairs that were not done properly and were not done to code. Your roof is a significant financial investment and a crucial component of your commercial building. As such, it needs to be safeguarded and properly maintained by experts who know what they’re doing.
When roofing work needs to be performed, you can always find a well-trained contractor among our endorsed group members. We are a nationwide association of trusted roofing contractors, and our members use top-quality Conklin roofing products on commercial jobs for the simple reason that Conklin products are the best in the industry.
Conklin offers various products that are specifically tailored to address common flat roof problems, such as:
Kwik Kaulk: This premium latex caulking compound is ideally suited for filling holes and cracks around the joints, flashings and fasteners of a roof prior to the application of a Conklin Roof Coating System. Kwik Kaulk’s unique formula is designed to seal any leak-prone areas, remains flexible and cures to a durable finish. Kwik Kaulk can also be tinted to coordinate with a building’s paint.
360-S: Conklin’s 360-S urethane sealant is a single-component, moisture-curing elastomeric urethane sealant that is ideal for expansion and control joints. 360-S offers superior adhesion for many surfaces and cures to a robust, long-lasting finish.
Conklin roofing products are designed to stand up against Mother Nature’s harshest offerings, including extreme temperatures, intense UV rays, rain, wind and hail. When full roof replacement or restoration is needed, there is a full catalog of Conklin roofing products.
When you’re in need of flat roof solutions, you can rely on the services of a Choice Roof Contractor Group member to get the job done right using the very best products and procedures.
When you work with a professional Choice Roof Contractor, you’re not just partnering with that contractor. You’re utilizing a database of knowledge from contractors around the country, providing valuable resources for business owners and property managers.
When you are ready for a free estimate, inspection or more information, give one of our knowledgeable members a call today at (800) 670-5583. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you find the best options for your commercial roofing needs! You won’t be disappointed with a Choice Roof Contractor on your side.
Metal roofs are a common choice for commercial and industrial buildings, as they are known to be durable and comparatively low-maintenance. However, like any type of roof, a metal roof will eventually develop problems and require the metal roof repair skills of a professional to address them.
The following are some common contributors to metal roof problems that necessitate the immediate services of a knowledgeable roofing contractor:
Rust
Improper previous repairs
Weather damage
Entrapped moisture
UV damage
Roof movement stress
Any of these factors can create issues that will snowball into huge problems if not promptly attended to, and it’s important that an expert addresses them right away.
When it’s time for metal roof repair for your commercial building, do you know how to select the right contractor for the job?
Who You Hire Matters
Let’s face it—most people aren’t professional interviewers, and they aren’t professional contractor recruiters, either. So it may seem intimidating to choose a roofing professional to attend to your commercial building. But it absolutely, unequivocally matters whom you select to repair your roof—and the research you do before hiring a contractor matters a lot.
Reputable roofing contractors constantly encounter roof issues that were the direct result of improperly performed previous work that was not done to code. And guess what? Improper repairs can actually lead to more severe problems than the one you started with. When it comes to your roof, cutting corners with quick fixes is never the right way to go.
To help you choose the right roofing company for your metal roof repair and other roofing needs, here are some questions you should find favorable answers to before shaking hands with any contractor and saying, “You’re hired”:
Is this contractor insured?
Do their crews have access to the experience needed?
Are the company’s workers certified and well-trained?
Do they have a good reputation with past customers?
Is this company certified by the manufacturers whose products they use?
Are they affiliated with and endorsed by a reputable roofing association?
When you choose a contractor who is an endorsed member of Choice Roof Contractor Group that has been reverified to meet or exceed our requirements, these and other important questions will always have “yes” answers!
Choice Roof Contractor Group is a nationwide association of trusted roofing professionals that are located throughout the United States.
In order to join the group, contractors must meet strict standards—which means any endorsed contractor has passed our guidelines to be considered eligible for membership. We also check their insurance and require them to commit to our high standards for excellence.
Some of the benefits of hiring a Choice Roof Contractor—and they are plentiful—include the broad range of expertise that is available to our members. Not many contractors can call on a nationwide pool of experts for input on a particularly tough roofing job—but our members always can.
Find a Contractor You Can Trust
To find a Choice Roof Contractor Group member near you, give us a call today at (800) 670-5583 or visit the contact page of our website.
When you’re in need of commercial roof services, do you feel confident hiring a contractor? Many commercial building owners don’t, so if you feel at a loss when it comes time to engage a roofing professional, just know you’re not alone.
Who you hire is extremely important—we can’t stress that enough. Hiring a roofing contractor isn’t as simple as paying someone to mow your lawn or cut your hair (i.e. “If they mess up, it will grow back”). A roof is a huge investment and a long-lasting fixture on your commercial building; if the job isn’t done right, you will be paying the price for years to come.
There are many things to be considered before signing on the dotted line for commercial roof services.
Things to Consider Before Saying, ‘You’re Hired’
Hiring the wrong contractor can mean much more than shoddy workmanship—it can mean legal battles, the need to bring in other contractors, and ongoing roof repair expenses in the coming years to address the problems resulting from the initial poor workmanship.
Before you forge an agreement with any roofing contractor, you need to qualify the work of your candidates. For instance, it is important to pre-qualify their safety programs.
What kind of training does your contractor have, and what kind of safety protocols are in place? A lack of either can have devastating results for you as a building owner. For instance, if a poorly trained contractor sustains a severe injury on the job, damages your building or causes a catastrophe like a fire, you could end up on the losing end of litigations and liability claims.
To protect yourself and your business, perform your due diligence and find out the following facts about your prospective contractor’s past performance:
Experience Modification Rate: One way to determine a safe contractor is through their experience modification rate, or EMR. This is what insurance company’s use to rate a contractor’s prior claim experience. An EMR below 1.0 indicates a contractor with good performance, while 1.0 is average and greater than 1.0 shows poor performance.
Accident history: OSHA requires companies to track their accidents, so do some research there and make sure a prospective contractor falls below the national average within the roofing industry. Bear in mind, companies self-report to OSHA and some are not honest, so compare a contractor’s EMR with their OSHA low incidence rate to get a more accurate picture.
Citations: OSHA also keeps a database of citations that have been issued to a contractor, which can be accessed at www.osha.gov. Keep in mind, smaller contractors may not have any activity on the OSHA site, but that doesn’t mean they’re a safe contractor.
Quality Insurance: Reputable insurance companies will not typically take on a contractor with a poor performance record, so find out whether a contractor is insured by an A+ rated company. It is also important to check the exclusions on a contractor’s insurance policy and make sure you would not be left without coverage should you need to file a claim.
Financial Track Record: Take a look at a contractor’s financial statements going back at least three years if possible. A good contractor doesn’t lose money, so healthy financial statements are a good indicator that a contractor is doing solid work, working safely and satisfying customers—addressing their concerns and attending to them rather than filing for bankruptcy and leaving them to deal with the issues on their own.
Training and Equipment: A good contractor can easily produce documentation showing that his technicians are properly trained and certified and that his company has safety programs in place. A reputable contractor will also have the proper safety equipment to protect his workers as well as you and your employees.
Final Meeting: Before a contractor begins work on your roof, have a meeting during which the contractor presents his safety plan. If the contractor is unable or unwilling to give you a written safety plan, that is something to be concerned about since it indicates he does not intend to use proper safety procedures. Once you have a safety plan in hand, make it clear that your company will be checking on the contractor and his crew to make sure the safety plan is being followed.
When you’re in need of commercial roofing services, there is an easy way to find a reputable contractor: Choose a Choice Roof Contractor Group member.
Choice Roof Contractor Group is a nationwide association of endorsed roofing contractors located throughout the United States.
When you shop among Choice Roof Contractor Group’s endorsed members, finding the right contractor becomes an incredibly simple process. Our members must meet certain requirements to belong to the group. From among our trusted members, you can find a contractor in your area that will perform great work and adhere to best safety practices, and their work can be further backed by an industry-leading guarantee and manufacturer-backed warranties.
To schedule a free estimate, a roof inspection or for more information, contact one of our knowledgeable members today at (800) 670-5583.
Whether you’re a veteran roofing contractor or a new hand looking to break into the business, it can be difficult to find the right fit as you search among commercial roofing companies hiring new recruits. As with any job market, the available positions can be few while the applicants are plentiful. Also, keep in mind that there are many different kinds of commercial roofing skills for different systems. As you venture forth in search of the right job with the right company, keep some of these tips in mind to bolster your efforts.
Search Smart
When you’re looking for a position with a commercial roofing company, be thorough in your job search efforts. In addition to checking out ordinary job boards and classified employment postings in your area, you should also be scoping out opportunities on nationwide specialty roofing and construction job boards. Many companies do their applicant searching through these specialty employment sites, so you may never see their jobs posted in a more conventional place.
It is also wise to contact employment agencies in your area. Roofing companies may choose to hire through an agency rather than openly advertising their positions, so you want to make sure you’ve made contact with agencies nearby and that they have your resume on file.
Finally, visit the roofing companies in your area in person, whether or not they’re hiring at the moment. Build relationships with the individuals in charge of hiring and follow up with them occasionally. When they do find themselves in need of a new employee, you want to be the first person who jumps to mind.
Stand Out From the Crowd
When you’re job searching, the last thing you want to be is passive. Turn passivity into proactivity and make sure you stand out from the other applicants who are vying for the same jobs as you. For instance, don’t just mail in your resume—hand-deliver it to the companies you’re interested in, and, while you’re there, ask to meet with the hiring manager. Make the most of every opportunity to leave potential employers with a positive impression of who you are and what you could offer them as an employee.
Further, once you’ve planted the seed by contacting a company and submitting an application or resume, don’t just leave it at that. Nurture the seed by following up respectfully but consistently with phone calls and emails to let the companies know you’re very interested in working for them.
Make Your Own Way
There is another option you may not have considered over the course of your job search: forming your own commercial roofing business. Could you be your own boss? With the right support, it’s not as difficult as you may think!
Choice Roof Contractor Group is a nationwide contractor network with a strong reputation of excellence, and we help roofing contractors throughout the United States build successful commercial roofing businesses. We provide our members with a host of valuable tools to help them form their own companies or expand existing roofing businesses. Our members have access to:
Mentorship from successful roofing contractors – via phone, sending pictures/video, or on-site at your roofing project wherever it may be.
Sales coaching and proposal templates to help you successfully bid on jobs and close sales.
Discounted pricing on Conklin roofing products—one of the most trusted commercial roofing systems in America.
In-depth roof systems training.
Lead generation to connect you with business owners who are looking for roofing services in your area.
Effective sales materials and presentations.
High-quality marketing support, consulting and service.
Discounts from trusted partners and suppliers.
A nationwide reputation you can tap into through the continued excellence of our members.
And much more!
You can be your own boss, and you don’t have to do it alone! Choice Roof Contractor Group is here to offer the tools and expertise you need to build your own successful commercial roofing business or connect you with a member who is hiring. Call us at 800-670-5583 or use our contact form today to find out how our group can help you succeed! We look forward to talking with you!
You might be the best commercial roofing contractor who ever picked up a caulking gun—but without a proper marketing strategy, you’ll be like the proverbial old maid who sits by her phone waiting. If you’re wondering how to get commercial roofing leads, there are various tried-and-true ways to attract new customers and successfully build your business.
Direct Mail
The Internet has greatly changed the world of marketing, but there’s still much to be said for direct mail advertising rather than merely sending out literature. Research has indicated that direct mail can more effectively connect contractors with potential customers and prompt a higher response rate than many other forms of advertisement.
The reason direct mail is so effective is because it can be specifically targeted. You can select the businesses and companies you wish to send materials to by purchasing leads through mailing list distributors to get your message to the right potential clients (and avoid spending money on ones likely to never respond or don’t have a big enough roof). This can be done relatively quickly to generate high-quality leads whenever your business needs a shot in the arm.
Did “Junk mail” not work for you in the past? You’re probably missing a good offer, using a poorly tested design, targeting the wrong businesses, and/or have a website showing far too much residential. Direct mail advertising has been a consistent winner for most of the contractors in our group, but only when done correctly.
SEO (Ranking Higher in Google)
Search engine optimization (more commonly known as “SEO”) is key for driving traffic to your website and getting your message in front of the right potential clients when they need service most.
Today, the majority of purchasing decisions are influenced by the Internet. When a business is seeking a commercial roofing contractor, one of the first places they will look is online via a search engine like Google or Bing. If your website is “optimized” to get top listings on these search engines for many different keywords, you will generate considerably more leads.
In addition to the information your website contains, being active on social media will help your search result rankings and improve your overall online presence. Regularly publishing content on Google+, Facebook, etc. will help increase your rankings and get you more business.
Door Knocking
Yes, door knocking works in commercial and it definitely deserves to be on this list. It doesn’t cost much more than your time and can work extremely well when done right. With the right approach, literature, clothing (hint: NOT dress pants and a button-down shirt), and smile you can walk plenty of roofs.
Carl Humes, one of our endorsed members in Texas, had a lot of residential door knocking experience prior to joining our group. When there weren’t any fresh storms earlier this year, he worked on perfecting his commercial door knocking strategy. A lot of things he was told by others simply didn’t work. To hear his best tips, listen to the Cold Calling Group Call he hosted.
Member of Commercial Contractors Association
Belonging to a reputable nationwide contractors association like the Choice Roof Contractor Group will also greatly help you get quality sales leads.
Because of this group’s respected reputation and online presence, companies come to us to find roofing contractors in their regions through our website, which means our endorsed members get high-quality referrals. In 2016 alone, our site generated about 300 leads.
Partner relationships to generate additional marketing leads is also very helpful. For instance, our group of contractors has a special relationship with Top Roof Marketing. They enjoy the benefits of access to this firm’s professional marketing services, which are specifically focused on advertising campaigns for commercial roof contractors. Services include high-quality print materials, professionally constructed websites, both direct-mail and email marketing campaigns, SEO, public relations services, and social media marketing.
Information about joining the Choice Roof Contract Group can be found on our Contractor’s Network page.
Walking more roofs and providing more estimates doesn’t mean your company will grow. One of our founder’s favorite quotes is “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”. In other words, you need to be prepared before you can get “lucky”. Don’t spend a bunch of time and/or money on generating leads if you’re not prepared to close.
Do your handouts show your main focus is on commercial? How about the website?
Do you have the right training and credibility to earn a building owner’s trust?
Will someone knowledgeable help you if you come across something new?
What will your prospects see if they type your business name online?
These are just a few of the top things to consider. Our group helps contractors with all these things including presentations, photo books, ongoing support from commercial veterans, group calls about specific marketing approaches, and trusted references.
Get on the Fast Track to a Successful Business
If you’re looking for help to generate and close commercial roofing leads, the experts at Choice Roof Contractor Group are here to help you! Becoming an endorsed member includes many valuable advantages, such as:
Professional marketing services specifically tailored for the commercial roofing business.
Sales leads through an SEO-optimized Web presence.
Association with a longstanding organization that boasts nationwide credibility.
Life time mentorship with other professional roofing contractors throughout the U.S.
Expert sales coaching.
Discounted pricing on top-quality roofing products.
Access to our robust media gallery for your marketing efforts.
Visit our Contractor’s Network page or contact us today to learn more about the business-bolstering benefits of becoming one of our respected members!