What Commercial Roofers Do

Commercial roofers inspect, replace, and repair commercial-grade roofs. This is a physically demanding job that requires a great deal of stamina.

Roofers In Wilmington DE work with a more diverse skill set than residential roofers. They are familiar with roofing materials, including metal, asphalt shingles, and built-up or single-ply membranes.

Commercial roofers must take extra care to prevent personal injury and damage to their client’s buildings. They must ensure the work area is clear of common hazards and that all personnel are aware of potential issues. This includes keeping ladders secure and avoiding debris that could cause slips and falls. It also means making sure the work area is properly flagged and marked.

Commercial roofing is a dangerous job. Even small jobs like repairs and inspections can present significant risks. These include falls, exposure to harmful chemicals and other contaminants, and damage to the structure of the building beneath. To minimize these risks, it’s important for roofers to have proper safety training and equipment. They should also know how to handle potential emergencies on the job and be able to communicate with each other in case they encounter a problem while working on a roof.

One of the most common hazards on a commercial roof is slipping. This can occur from many causes, including wet surfaces or debris that hasn’t been cleaned up properly. To avoid these risks, workers should wear proper footwear with adequate traction and safety harnesses. They should also wear hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves.

Another common risk on a commercial roof is falling off the edge of the building. This can be particularly dangerous if the roof is sloped and uneven. To mitigate this risk, all commercial roofers should be familiar with OSHA regulations and be able to use fall protection systems. This includes using freestanding safety barriers, perimeter flag lines, and roof hatch rails.

It’s also important for roofers to stay hydrated while on the job. This is especially true during hot weather when the roof can be very hot. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that workers consume 7 ounces of water every 20 minutes.

Finally, roofers should always work with a partner when performing commercial roofing tasks. This will help to minimize the chances of injuries and reduce the amount of time a worker needs to recover from an incident. It will also help them to spot any problems that may not be obvious to a single person.

Experience

Commercial roofs are much bigger and more complex than residential ones, so it makes sense that they require a professional with years of experience working on them. When you’re searching for a commercial roofing company, be sure to ask how long they’ve been in business and how many projects they’ve worked on. You’ll also want to ask whether or not they have experience working on your specific type of building or roofing materials, as different types of roofs call for specialized knowledge.

Unlike residential roofers, who work in large crews to re-roof homes quickly, commercial roofers usually need to be more independent when performing their duties. This means that the quality of their work and their relationship with clients depends heavily on how well they can manage their schedules. Because of this, it’s important for a commercial roofer to have great communication skills and be able to prioritize tasks effectively.

In addition to communication skills, it’s also a good idea for commercial roofers to have plenty of physical strength and agility, as they often have to climb up on the roof to work. Some roofers may also need to have a high level of concentration and focus in order to complete their tasks. This is especially true for projects that require them to work in a tight space or under time constraints.

One way to improve your chances of landing a job as a commercial roofer is to pursue an apprenticeship program with a local roofing company. These programs are much less expensive than attending a four-year college, and they offer the opportunity to learn on-the-job while earning money.

Another option is to attend a vocational school that offers training in the roofing industry. These schools typically provide a hands-on, real-world approach to learning the trade, and they may also allow students to intern with a local roofing contractor to gain additional practical experience. It’s also a good idea for prospective commercial roofers to join their local roofing association. Skujins says that this organization has helped him build connections with other roofers in his area.

Accessibility

As a commercial roofer, you may need to work on a building that’s several stories high. This means you must take additional safety measures to ensure your own well-being and that those working with you on the job are protected from falling or being injured. In addition to wearing a harness, you should also consider utilizing a safety ladder or other secure method of transporting materials to and from the roof. In addition, you should always wear clothing with no rips or tears to avoid accidental tripping or catching on the roof.

Many clients will have a short list of regular roofers they call for quotes. Getting on these lists and making connections can help you get the roofing work you need. You can find these leads through networking groups, associations, and referrals. Skujins recommends joining a local roofing association as it can be a great way to meet fellow roofers and find out which sites and client lists are most fruitful.

Unlike residential roofers, commercial roofers must have a wider range of skills to address the different needs of commercial buildings. They must know how to inspect and repair a wide variety of roof materials including shingles, concrete, clay tiles, slate, metals, and more. Commercial roofers must also be familiar with the differences between commercial and residential roofing materials to better understand which ones are most suitable for different purposes.

One of the most important aspects of a commercial roof is its structural integrity. A strong roof can withstand severe weather conditions and keep water, heat, and other elements from entering the building. In general, a commercial roof will need to be built from stronger materials than a residential roof because it must be able to bear more weight.

In addition to the structural integrity of a commercial roof, you should also pay attention to its insulation and ventilation. This can help you save money on energy costs and prolong the lifespan of your roof.

In general, you should work with a reliable contractor that has experience handling large scale projects. They can help you navigate the complex permit and code requirements for your building. They can also help you obtain the necessary insurances to protect your business and provide peace of mind for your tenants.

Insurance

Many commercial roofers must take steps to ensure they have the proper insurance for the work they do. This can include a business owner’s policy and general liability coverage. The insurance can help cover the costs of repairing or replacing any property that is damaged while a roofer is working on it. It can also cover medical bills or legal fees if a customer is injured by work done by a roofer’s employees. It’s important for a roofer to carry workers’ compensation insurance as well. This type of insurance covers the cost of medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is hurt while on the job. It’s also required in most states, including New York.

A roofing contractor should also have commercial auto insurance if they use any vehicles for business purposes. This type of coverage offers more comprehensive protection than personal auto insurance and can cover a fleet of vehicles if needed. To save on your commercial auto insurance, make sure you shop around and get quotes from a variety of providers. You can also increase your deductible to reduce your rates.

Another essential type of insurance for a roofing contractor is builders risk insurance. This policy protects properties that are under construction or renovation, as well as materials and equipment that are on the job site. It can also cover any equipment that is being shipped between locations for a project. Many owners will require that the contractor obtain this insurance before they let them begin working on their property.

Roofing contractors should also consider purchasing professional liability insurance. This type of insurance can help pay for legal fees or damages if an employee is sued by a client for advice or recommendations that result in financial loss or damage. It can also cover the cost of a lawsuit if a roofer is found liable for injury or death due to a job-related activity.

In addition to these coverages, a commercial roofer should also secure a surety bond. This is an additional type of insurance that provides a guarantee that the roofing company will perform the work described in the bond. To find out more about the types of bonds that are available for roofing companies, talk to an experienced insurance agent who can offer suggestions and guidance on selecting the best policies for your specific needs.