Your commercial roof should last for a very long time, provided that it's a quality roof and you take good care of it. There are many things you can do to ensure that your commercial roof will last as long as possible.

By having your roof installed by the right professional, choosing the right roofing material, getting regular inspections, and performing ongoing maintenance, you can take care of your commercial roof. It should last for decades! Here's what you need to know.

Have Your Roof Installed by a Pro

Start by having your roof installed by the right professional. Not all roofers are created equal. When you're looking for a roofer for your commercial property, here's what to watch for:

• Good communication skills. A roof installation is a big and important project. You're going to be working closely with your professional roofer, so be sure they show that they're good communicators by asking the right questions, listening to your answers, and showing understanding of what you have to say.
• Good references. You should always check references when you're hiring a professional roofer. Call at least three references and ask them questions such as: Would you hire this roofer again or recommend this roofer to others? Did the work finish on time? Was the job performed according to the budget, and if not, why not?
• Transparent billing practices. Never hire a roofer that isn't prepared to give you a contract that fully details the scope of the job, the roofer's responsibilities, and your responsibilities. The contract should include information about billing, start and end dates, and how the old roofing material will be hauled away.

Choose the Right Roofing Material

When you find the right commercial roofer for your needs, you should have no trouble choosing the right roofing material. This is because your roofer will recommend the right roofing material based on your building size and shape, the weather and conditions in your area, your budget, and other factors.

Don't choose the cheapest roofing material just because it's inexpensive. Good roofing material should last for decades and deliver value beyond protection from the elements. Ask your roofer about which materials will provide the most energy efficiency, and which materials will last the longest.

Get Regular Inspections

Once the roof has been installed, it's important to perform regular roof inspections - even after just one year of installation. During your roofing inspections, the roofer will identify areas of weakness and make recommendations for repair, remove clutter and debris that may have accumulated on your roof throughout the year.

When the inspection is done, your roofer will also tell you more about the state of your roof, so you can make plans for future maintenance. A newly installed roof shouldn't need much repair, but it should need cleaning and clearing to keep your building's drainage system functioning.

Want to know more about how you can make your commercial roof last in New England? Contact Dutton & Garfield Inc.