Roofing Contractors South Jersey work on roofs for compensation. They can be licensed, work alone or with a crew, own their own business, or work for a roofing company.
Professional roofers can offer various services beyond simple roofing installations and repairs. Many are trained to install upgrades like ice-melting systems, skylights, and solar panels.
Whether you own a small business or a large enterprise, you need a reliable commercial roof to protect your building and its contents from harsh weather conditions. Choosing a commercial roofing contractor with experience and a solid track record can help you save money, increase productivity, and minimize downtime.
Commercial roofing contractors often work in the field, so they must follow strict safety guidelines and protocols. In addition, they adhere to established processes that allow them to meet project deadlines and ensure quality.
Local contractors are better positioned to respond promptly to emergency repairs and other urgent concerns. They also have a deeper understanding of the unique climate challenges and environmental factors that can affect your roof. This allows them to recommend the best roofing materials and solutions for your particular location.
A good commercial roofing contractor can provide you with a comprehensive warranty that covers both workmanship and material. These warranties can include no-dollar limit coverage and are available for both new and replacement projects. Ask each bidding roofer to provide a detailed warranty in writing. Then, compare the warranty nuances to see which one offers the best plan for your specific needs.
In addition to a robust warranty, you should look for a contractor that is a member of the local roofing association. This organization can provide you with access to educational classes and an expo hall to learn about the latest roofing techniques and products. It can also connect you with local contractors and manufacturers to help you build a network of partners for future projects.
When selecting a commercial roofing contractor, make sure to check for proper state licensure and proof of insurance. Then, take the time to review client references and reviews before meeting with them in person or getting a quote. It is also helpful to ask for a portfolio of previous projects. You can also look for a contractor that participates in the National Roofing Contractors Association or other industry associations.
According to the 2018 Commercial Roofing Contractor Survey, most contractors employ full-time employees and use on-the-job training for new hires. Other common methods include industry trade shows, manufacturer training programs, and apprenticeships. The survey also found that nearly three-quarters of contractors offer a bonus for on-time performance and use risk-shifting contingent payment provisions in their contracts like liquidated damages or mutual waiver of consequential damage.
Residential
A residential roofing contractor is licensed to perform roofing work for homeowners. This includes installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, or extension of roofs and the application of coatings to protect, waterproof, stop leaks, or increase a roof’s life expectancy. This type of contractor may also perform required roof-deck attachments and may be responsible for preparing the substrate to receive insulation.
A skilled and experienced residential roofing contractor will have the expertise to manage all aspects of your re-roofing project. They will be familiar with local building codes and safety regulations that must be adhered to throughout your project. This ensures that your re-roofing job is performed properly, keeping you safe and protecting your property’s value and resale potential.
Inexperienced and unlicensed contractors are a common source of roofing problems for homeowners. They may do substandard work, overcharge you for materials and labor, or even steal your insurance money. There are also reports of unscrupulous contractors giving homeowner’s fake website URLs that redirected to a free Google site, making it appear as though the contractor is legitimate.
You can find a qualified, trustworthy, and experienced residential roofing contractor by asking for references from friends and family, reading online reviews, and checking out the local Better Business Bureau. Once you have shortlisted your candidates, request a detailed proposal and meet with them personally to discuss your expectations and needs. This will help you determine which candidate is best suited for your project. Be wary of any contractor who demands that you sign a contract with them before they provide an estimate. This is a clear sign that they are trying to take advantage of you and your insurance claim money.
Industrial
Industrial roofing contractors specialize in the installation and repair of commercial roofs for industrial structures such as warehouses, manufacturing plants and distribution centers. These buildings tend to have larger roof areas and complex architectural features that require specialized systems and materials. Industrial roofs also often contain more skylights to provide natural light. This makes the roofs more susceptible to leaks if they are not properly installed and maintained.
A good industrial roofing contractor will have a wide range of experience with different types of commercial roofing systems, including built-up roofing, single-ply roofing (TPO, PVC and EPDM), metal roofing and more. They will also have expertise in the particular needs and challenges of industrial structures, such as ensuring that the roofs meet stringent building codes and comply with local fire regulations.
The largest roofing contractors have national service organizations and a large number of employees dedicated to servicing customers. The smaller roofing contractors will usually have a local office and use more personalized wording in their advertising. For example, a local roofing contractor will advertise as a “locally owned and operated company” while a national contractor will use more general wording and a 1-800 phone-number prefix on their contact information.
Specialty
Specialty roofing contractors can work on more high-end types of structures. These include historic buildings with unique rooflines and unusual roofing materials, such as copper or slate. These materials can be more expensive to source, install, and repair than standard materials, but they can also give buildings an extra level of distinction.
Depending on the state, specialty contractors may need to have different licenses and certifications to work on these projects. Some might have to pass an exam or complete a certain number of years of experience as journeymen, foremen, or contractors before they can get licensed. In some cases, a specialty contractor will need to register with the local building department and have workers’ compensation and liability insurance before starting on a project.
Some states require that all construction contractors, including those who specialize in roofing, obtain a state license. This usually involves passing a trade test and business and law test. It may also require having to register with the local building department and providing proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
In Michigan, contractors who work on commercial and residential roofing must have a state roofing license. The license is required for jobs worth $50,000 or more and can be obtained by passing a trade test. The license must be renewed every five years. Those who work in asbestos abatement must have a special certification from the state.
Residential roofing contractors don’t need a state license to work in West Virginia; however, they must register with the state Department of Labor and Industries Contractors Registration Section. They also need to have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
While the requirements for becoming a roofing contractor vary by state, most states have similar educational and training qualifications. Many have specific trade schools that offer a variety of apprenticeships and other field training programs. Others have specific licensing criteria for roofing contractors that requires a college degree or other education, as well as on-the-job training. There are also some states that only allow a contractor to apply for their roofing license once they have completed the training and apprenticeship.