As a busy businessman, you don’t have the time or energy to sift through all roofing contractors for your commercial buildings. And let’s face it, choosing single ply roofing contractors can be stressful enough, especially if you’re doing this for the first time.
Not all contractors are created equal, and if you don’t know the right questions to ask, a half-hearted contractor could do more harm than good. But if you do your due diligence by asking the right questions before hiring, you’ll have a better chance at ensuring that your roofing project gets done properly the first time around.
This blog provides a handy list of questions to ask single-ply roofing contractors before hiring to make sure you get the best service possible!
What is single-ply roofing?
Single-ply roofing is a single layer of shingle or other material. The term “single ply” refers to the fact that it is one layer thick and not made up of multiple layers like asphalt shingles.
The single layer can be made out of different materials. The most common types of single-ply roofing membranes are EPDM, PVC, and Thermoplastics. This type of roofing is usually installed on commercial buildings with a flat roofing system.
[Related: 8 Types Of Commercial Roofing: Everything You Need To Know]
Important Questions to Ask Single Ply Roofing Contractors
These questions will help you make the best decision for the best installation experience for your single-ply roofing membrane:
1. What kind of warranty do you offer?
The warranty offered by roofing services is an indicator of how confident they are about their workmanship. Look for companies that offer at least 25 years of warranty on all materials used in their roofs, as well as lifetime warranties on labor. These guarantees show that the company has faith in its own abilities as well as confidence in its products.
2. How long have you been in business?
A good roofing company will be in business for years, if not decades. If they’ve been around for less than five years, they may not yet have built up a solid reputation in your area. But even if they’ve been around longer than that, make sure their references are from recent projects. The older the reference is, the more likely it is that something has changed since then.
3. How many roofs have you installed? What is your average number of installs per year?
These are good questions to ask because it allows you to get an idea of the contractor’s experience. If they have done hundreds or even thousands of roofs throughout their career, then they will likely be able to handle any issues that come up during your job. But if they only install 10-20 roofs a year, then there may not be enough experience to guarantee a quality installation.
4. Will I get a written project estimate before the work begins?
Getting a written estimate is the best way to ensure your expectations are met. This will give you some flexibility in price range so that you can find something in your budget range that still meets your needs and expectations for quality workmanship.
5. What kind of insurance do you have?
Your roofer must carry liability insurance in case anything goes wrong during their work.
6. Do you have any references?
A good roofer will have past clients who can speak positively about their services. Ask these people whether they would hire this contractor again and why or why not. Happy customers mean that the roofing contractor you are eyeing provides excellent workmanship. Customer experience is a great factor to consider when hiring roofers.
7. What materials are used in your roofing system?
It is important to know what types of materials are used, as well as the quality of those materials. You want to ensure that the roofing system will last for a long time and protect your commercial building from any environmental damage or unexpected mishaps.
[Related: 3 Types of Single Ply Roofing for Commercial Properties]
FAQs About Single-Ply Roofing
How long does single-ply roofing last?
A single-layer membrane can last for years with high strength thanks to its highly effective raw material. Typical life spans are between 25 and 40 which corresponds to a building’s service life.
[Related: How Long Does a Single Ply Roofing Membrane Last?]
Is single-ply roofing the same as TPO?
Yes, both are the same. TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) roofing systems are a specific brand of single-ply roofing product. TPO roofing systems are often applied with an insulation board underneath the membrane to prevent mold and moisture from developing.
How is a single-ply roof installed?
Single-ply roofs are usually installed using a combination of adhesives, nails, and staples. The single-ply roofing membranes are laid out on the roof deck and the required amount of adhesive is applied. The adhesive is spread over the entire surface, ensuring that there are no dry spots.
Once the adhesive has thoroughly dried, the next step involves nailing down the edges. This is done by using a hammer to drive nails through the top fabric into the underlying insulation.
Each nail should be driven at least 3/4″ into the insulation below so that it can withstand high winds and heavy snow loads. Once all of the nails have been driven in place, your roofer can now begin stapling down the roofing material.
[Related: Pros And Cons Of Commercial Single Ply Membrane Roofing System]
Choose a Credible Single-Ply Roofing Contractor Today!
To sum it all up, it’s essential to do thorough research and to ask your roofing contractor about all the necessary project details you need before you hire them. After all, you want to make sure that you get everything you need for a good deal.
Asking about the costs, warranty and guarantees, materials used, and other relevant information about single-ply membranes will help. You will learn more about them as a company too.
Are you ready to take the next step? Easy Roof Solutions is here to handle your single-ply roofing membrane installation needs for your property in Phoenix, AZ, and nearby areas!
Contact us today and we can offer you a free estimate. We are excited to work with you!
Ken Byler
Founder of Easy Roof Solutions, LLC. He started in the construction industry at the age of 14 and has been involved in it for over 25 years. His wide experience in commercial roofing speaks for itself.
Outside his roofing work, Ken enjoys being in the great outdoors, traveling to new places, and bonding with his wife and children.
