A reader’s inquiry feature on the Today’s Facility Manager website, dated November 21, 2013, tackles choosing a roofing contractor for a commercial facility. Naturally, commercial roofing differs greatly from residential roofing, and business owners require the services of a contractor experienced in working on such buildings. The columnist, replying to a reader-submitted inquiry, has this to say:
Personally, I never embark on major commercial roofing work without a qualified independent waterproofing consultant. I use them for system selection, design, contractor selection, and project management. The fee is usually around 5% to 8%, but good consultants will definitely pay for themselves by providing “apples to apples” bidding, avoiding change orders, and getting the installation details right.
Calling in a consultant for new, large-scale installations might indeed be a good move. However, doing so can be a little too costly for jobs as simple as roof repair. Businesses owners should instead consider directly hiring a professional Austin roofing contractor like Willi Roofing Services to identify roofing problems and fix them, all without compromising quality and service.
Naturally, commercial roofs dwarf residential ones. With a bigger surface, commercial roofs suffer from more issues—and not only because they have more square footage that the elements can damage but also because equipment is often installed on the roof itself leading to a whole host of potential problems. Not all commercial roofs are pitched, which often creates or emphasizes any damage or leaks during the occasional winter storm that hits the Austin area, but it also makes it more difficult to see damage from the ground. Additionally, due to the breadth of commercial roofing, it can be very tedious to see to their regular upkeep. Still, businesses that fail to religiously care for their roofs are in for a nasty surprise.
Proprietors who need to have their commercial roofing in Austin repaired should hire an experienced contractor for the job. Due to the massive scale of commercial roofing, it is important to enlist a contractor that does not cut corners. The professional should be able to scour every inch of a roof surface for any flaws, then capably repair it as needed. Retailers should not hesitate to double-check a roofer’s credentials before hiring one, either. After all, the efficiency of their business operations is also at stake. They should not accept anything less than a perfect repair job.
(Article Excerpt and Image fromTricks Of The Trade: Roofing Research, Today’s Facility Manager, November 21, 2013)