4 Common Mistakes Building Owners Make with Their Roof

5 Signs of a Reputable Roofing Contractor

 

You’ve probably heard all the horror stories: contractors that balloon quotes, projects slow to complete, down payment requirements or projects that disappear altogether.

At West Roofing Systems, we have been called out to fix the work of less-than-reputable contractors on numerous occasions for roofs that were improperly installed, shortcut, or even left unfinished.

It leaves property owners and facility managers frustrated, high and dry with a leaking roof. We hate to see that happen. That’s why we wrote this article: to share what you should look for when vetting potential commercial roofing contractors.

 

Open to Sharing Portfolio

You should always ask your contractor to see their past work. This shouldn’t be a problem for someone who is proud of the work they have done. Whether they are in the form of portfolios, case studies or project write-ups; you want to make sure that not only have they completed jobs similar to your facility, but you want to see the type of work they do via photos and videos.

#theWRSway: You can see our case studies online here.

 

 

List of References Available

Any reputable contractor should have a list of happy clients that you can call and ask about their experience. If you do get a list, cross-check the information online to make sure it is valid, prepare a list of questions and make that short phone call. It may not be fun, but those few minutes could save you big dollars in the long run.

#theWRSway: West Roofing Systems has a long list of business partners that can speak to our reputation. Our technical reps also have extensive lists of customer references that represent a wide variety of products and services.

 

 

Properly Licensed and Insured

Any reputable, licensed contractor expects to be asked by customers to see their license or letter of Good Standing up front. If the contractor doesn’t provide a license in the first meeting, don’t hire until you see it.

Another essential aspect of hiring a contractor is to make sure they have the proper license to perform work on your building. Roofing can be dangerous work; you don’t want to be held liable if a contractor is injured on your property.

#theWRSway – West Roofing Systems is licensed to work in 15 states, and we have proof of insurance for any customer who requests to see it.

 

 

Custom Solutions

Your commercial facility is a big investment. If you are paying a contractor to do work on your building, make sure you pick a partner. Find a contractor that will listen to your problems and find the right solution for you.

Whether you have a small budget, or you need to replace your entire roof system. A good contractor will work with you to determine your options and pick the best option for your facility.

 

 

 

Reputable Billing Practices

The payment conversation should be made up front. Depending on the size of the project, there are a few ways a contractor may accept payment, but cash is usually not an option. And if cash is the only option, get away from that contractor right away.

You should be able to agree to payment terms up front; most have a set of terms that you should pay after the project is completed. Paying up front should be a red flag of a disreputable contractor.

 

 

Investing in a commercial roofing project can be a daunting task. But by being prepared and asking the right questions, you can find the right contractor to deliver high-quality work for a good price.

Although it would be just as easy for you to choose a different commercial roofing contractor in your area, choosing West Roofing Systems as a turnkey roofing company will provide you with highly trained teams and award-winning service. Our services are flexible and diverse; we can recoat, repair or replace your facility’s roof so that it lasts decades.

Original Post Here: 5 Signs of a Reputable Roofing Contractor

How Thermal Imaging is Used for Roof Inspections

 

How does your commercial roof look? On the surface, it may seem like your roof is in excellent condition, but many would be shocked to learn that their flat roof has minor leaks that could lead to mold, rot or even structural damage.

Roofing contractors and inspectors utilize the latest technology to get the most information about your roof system. The most common tool we use is thermal imaging or infrared imaging. Thermal imaging allows roofing contractors to see what is happening under the roof membrane.

The last thing you want to do is trap moisture into your roof system. By using thermal imaging on commercial roof surveys, a contractor can see if there is moisture present under the roof membrane and make the best decision on how to proceed with your roofing project.

 

Thermal Imaging for Roof Surveys

[caption id="attachment_26335" align="alignright" width="300"] Infrared Survey[/caption]

Infrared Moisture Surveys give contractors and inspectors the ability to see what is happening under your roof’s membrane without having to damage your roof system.

Thermal imaging has been used since the 1970s to help determine if your facility needs a total roof replacement or if your facility roof can be repaired in the damaged areas. They are an integral part of delivering the best quality roof at a fair price.

Our team at West Roofing Systems perform many, MANY thermal roof surveys for our customers. Our thermal survey team heads out in the evening on a clear night to get the best reading.

There need to be precise conditions for an infrared moisture survey to be successful:

• Flat or low-sloped roof
• The clean and dry roof surface
• Mostly sunny and warm during the day
• Little to no wind
• Clear night

 

 

What Does a Thermal Image Show?

You can see what is happening under the roof surface by the colors that appear on the imaging – whether it is a photo or video. Here are some photos of thermal imaging:

When looking at these images, you can see the color differences

• Cool Colors – Blues and Purples
• Warm Colors – Yellows, Reds, and Oranges

 

The areas in the photo that are shown in warm colors are areas of the roof that are holding in the heat from the sunlight during the day. The brighter, warm colors signify the more moisture that is underneath the membrane. As you can see in the photos above, these roofs need some work.

 

 

Why Roofers Use Thermal Imaging

[caption id="attachment_26334" align="alignright" width="300"] Greg Haas Performing a Commercial Infrared Survey[/caption]

The benefits of utilizing thermal imaging, rather than another survey type, are numerous regarding cost, time and accuracy.

• Detects problems that cannot be visually identified
• Not invasive to your roof system
• Cost-Effective do to advanced technology and short survey time
• Plan a project accurately, saving time and money
• Eliminate unnecessary projects

 

 

West Roofing Systems provides free commercial roof surveys for all of our current and potential customers who are interested in having work done on their facility.

Our sales team and expert technicians perform a comprehensive roof analysis by inspecting conditions, establishing roof assembly through core samples to determine if the project will be on overlay or tear-off, and measuring roof area square footage.

Originally Published Here: How Thermal Imaging is Used for Roof Inspections