Want to learn about commercial roofing? This blog series will explain the basics in a nutshell for commercial property owners and building managers.

1. MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY BETTER: A STARTER GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL ROOFING

2. MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY BETTER: A STARTER GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL ROOFING
PART 1
Choosing the Right Roofing System
As a commercial property owner or
buildingmanager,itisessentialthatyou
know the basics of commercial roofing
to make the right decisions when
needed. We’ll be beginning this starter
guide with a discussion of the points
you have to take into consideration
when choosing a roofing system.

3. MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY BETTER: A STARTER GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL ROOFING
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOFING SYSTEM
SO, HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT ROOF?
Consider the following:
• Budget. Costs will always be a major factor in your
decision because you’ll always have to work with a
budget. Just keep in mind that the budget you set will
determine which options will be available to you so be
open to making adjustments to ensure you get what
you need. You may have to make a compromise to
meet your budget but working with the right roofing
contractor will ensure that you won’t skimp on quality.
• Roof Type. Many times, property owners and
building managers don’t get a say in the kind of roof
they’re dealing with because they might not have
been around yet when the property was originally
built. Even so, it is important that you get to know the
roof you currently have so you can act accordingly
regarding its care. Take the time to assess the pros
and cons of other commercial roofing systems as well
because that will help you in choosing a replacement
should you be due for one. Flat or low-slope roofs are
common choices for commercial roofing so those
options are a good place to start.

4. MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY BETTER: A STARTER GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL ROOFING
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOFING SYSTEM
• Roof Material. The roofing material you
choose should be guided by the purpose and
characteristics of your building. If it is a low-slope
structure, for instance, then it would be best to go
over materials that are best suited for low-slope
roofs for optimum performance. Don’t forget to
factor in local climate as well since the roofing
material you choose can not just protect your
property but also help turn it more energy-efficient.
• Life Expectancy.You’re going to want to have the
longest-lasting roof, of course, but remember that
those that last the most are also usually the most
expensive. This means assessing how much you
want to invest in a roof.For sure, an expensive roof
will be worth the investment if you’ll be sticking
around for a long time. If you’re not thinking long
term, then a more affordable roofing option will be
suitable.
In the next part, we’ll be talking about the
installation process so you’ll know what to
expect after finding the right commercial
roofing for you and your property.

5. MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY BETTER: A STARTER GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL ROOFING
PART 2
The Installation Process
Gettingaroofisasignificantinvestment
so it’s important to ensure that you’re
getting exactly what you’re due, and
a part of that involves understanding
how the installation process is carried
out. You don’t necessarily have to be
around when the actual installation
happens but knowing what it entails
may help give you peace of mind.

6. MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY BETTER: A STARTER GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL ROOFING
THE INSTALLATION PROCESS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Exact installation processes may differ depending on your
roof’s design and the roofing material that will be used.
Generally, however, you will experience roof deck preparation.
Prepping your roof for an installation is crucial because it
ensures that everything is done right starting at the beginning.
The kind of preparation to be made will depend on the current
state of your roof. For roofs generally in good condition and
would allow roofing over, simply cleaning the area may
suffice. If you have existing damage, preparations will involve
removing your old roof first and replacing underlayment (if
needed) on top of the usual cleaning before a new roof could
be installed. If you’re opting for heavier roofing material than
what your property previously had, then reinforcing or adding
structural supports may be in order.
AN IMPORTANT REMINDER
If you have tenants currently occupying your property, don’t
forget to inform them of the roof work you will be doing. It is
likely they will be unaffected by the process (unlike in the case
of a residential installation) but there will still be some noise
and that may affect their activities for some days. Make sure
you inform your tenants in advance too to give them ample
time to prepare for contingencies come installation day. Be
very clear as to how long the installation will last. Make sure
that your contractor adheres to the agreed-upon schedule as
well because disruptions cost business so you wouldn’t want
to drag the installation out.
Given the role that a contractor will play in installing
your commercial roof, it is important that you find the
right one. Head on over to Part 3 to learn more!

7. MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY BETTER: A STARTER GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL ROOFING
PART 3
Hiring the Right Contractor -
Qualities to Look for, Questions to Ask
Finding the right contractor to do your
roofing installation will determine the
success of your project. No matter how
prepared you are for the installation or
how great your chosen roofing system
is, these would not matter if you don’t
get the right contractor to do the job.

8. MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY BETTER: A STARTER GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL ROOFING
HIRING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR - QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR, QUESTIONS TO ASK
QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR AND QUESTIONS TO ASK
To assess certain qualities, you can ask a roofing
contractor you’re interested in the following
questions:
☑ How long have they been in the
industry?
☑ Do they specialize in commercial
roofing?
☑ How many projects have they
completed in your area?
☑ Are they connected to any trade
associations?
☑ What kind of training do their staff
undergo?
☑ Are they licensed, bonded, and
insured?
☑ Do they have a federal tax
identification number?
☑ Do they have a permanent business
address with a working phone
number?
☑ Can they provide you with
certificates of insurance (should
be current) that cover worker’s
compensation and liability?
☑ Do they use manufacturer-
warrantied materials?
☑ Do they offer warranties for the
installation itself?
☑ Do they follow local and state
building and safety regulations?
☑ Do they use quality, state-of-the-art
equipment?
• Expertise
• Credibility

9. MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY BETTER: A STARTER GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL ROOFING
HIRING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR - QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR, QUESTIONS TO ASK
• Track Record
Aside from simply getting answers to these
questions, take into consideration as well how a
roofing contractor talks to you.You’re just making
inquiries at this point but how they deal with
you during this phase will give you an idea on
the level of customer service they are capable
of. Not to mention that building good rapport is
important. You need to be able to talk to your
roofing contractor, after all, if you want to ensure
that you’re satisfied with your commercial roofing
installation.
• Price
☑ Can they give you samples of
their previous works similar
to the project you want done?
☑ Can they provide you with multiple
references?
☑ What’s their Better Business
Bureau rating?
☑ How does their rate compare to
others?
☑ Can they match estimates?
☑ Are you getting value for your
money?

10. MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY BETTER: A STARTER GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL ROOFING
INTEGRITY ROOFING AND EXTERIORS
309 Small St., Suite 1 Harrisburg, IL 62946
Local: (618) 294-8503
Toll Free: (888) 879-5910
www.integrityroofingandexteriors.org