Recently an acquaintance was pointing out the poor craftsmanship on a project that was constructed just a few years ago. Loose tiles and poorly fitted finishes were starting to show. He made a statement that should reverberate throughout the construction industry but often falls on deaf ears: “You can’t hire your brother-in-law to do the job then toss him some materials and a how-to manual.”

Certainly, relationships, industry references, quality and reliability percolate to the top of the selection criteria, but in the commercial arena where risks are often measured in 7 figures, the prequalification process for a roofing contractor or service provider should be more purposeful and deliberate.

So what are the criteria for selecting a qualified roofing contractor?

The first step is to identify reputable roofing contractors that service your area. Roofing system manufacturers and industry related organizations are able to provide recommendations that you may find useful.

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Not too many years ago, options available for TPO roofing systems were white or white, adhered or fastened, and 45-mil or 60-mil. In many situations, the choice between even these limited options was heavily influenced by the cost of one option over another. Technology improvements, increased manufacturing efficiencies, and improved system performance have not only increased the number of choices available for TPO roofing systems, but have also narrowed cost differentials. As a result, buyers must be better informed to ensure they make choices that best fit their requirements.

Are Thicker Membranes Worth the Investment?

The installation cost of the next available thicker membrane will usually be limited to the incremental cost of materials. While some short term savings can be achieved with a thinner membrane, it is important to consider the cost of the roof over its entire lifecycle.

According to a report prepared by Carlisle Syntec, the leader in single-ply roofing, entitled The Thick and Thin of TPO Roofing, a thicker membrane will reduce maintenance and repair costs during the lifespan of the roof. Technically speaking, according to Puncture Tests using Federal Test Method FTM 101-C, a 60-mil membrane requires 350 foot pounds of force to puncture, compared to only 300 foot pounds of force for a 45-mil membrane, and this 12% increase can make a difference on a roof with heavy foot traffic.

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As the economy changes, many enterprises are under pressure to streamline their operations. Budget constraints and downsizing lead to greater responsibility placed on fewer people: where only a few years ago a facilities manager for a large retail chain might have been in charge of 50 stores, now he may be responsible for 150.

Running with a thinner staff presents several challenges to an enterprise and its stewardship of complex, high-dollar assets such as a roofing system; namely:

• Thin staffing results in less time in the office and a need for greater mobility
• More responsibility on staff with less experience can impact wise decision making
• Turnover can hurt continuity

Fortunately, asset management technology is advancing rapidly to meet these challenges, even in an industry as seemingly low tech as commercial roofing. Roofing companies can now work with software that makes it easier and more convenient for you to understand the condition and needs of your roof. Often these are complete mobile technology solutions for managing all roof repair needs.

Accurate, real time reporting is one of the best benefits of modern roof management technology. The ProVigil Condition Report (a feature in the technology we use in our ProVigil Roof Protection Program), for example, leverages sophisticated technology to document roof conditions and repairs. It generates a consultant-grade report that itemizes each deficiency, the required remedy, photos with a detailed explanation of the damage, and a quote that conveniently summarizes budgeted costs all in one place for planning and budget purposes. The report can be viewed online anytime as a printable PDF from your desktop or your mobile device.

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