What to Look for When Hiring a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Commercial roofing is a different discipline from residential work in almost every respect: the scale, the available systems and materials, the weatherproofing requirements, and the technical complexity of installation all demand a higher level of expertise. Choosing the wrong contractor doesn’t just result in a poor roof, it can compromise the integrity of your entire building. Here’s what to evaluate before you sign anything.

Licensing

A qualified commercial roofing contractor must hold a valid license for the states in which they operate. Licensing isn’t a formality, it requires contractors to pass rigorous testing covering the essential elements of installing and maintaining a range of roofing systems. Before hiring anyone, verify their license is current and applicable to your state. In Tennessee, you can confirm contractor licensing at verify.tn.gov.

Experience

Licensing tells you a contractor meets minimum standards. Experience tells you whether they can actually deliver on a complex commercial project. When vetting candidates, ask for references, request examples of comparable projects they’ve completed, and look for contractors with at least ten years in the commercial roofing industry. A company with a long track record has encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven’t faced yet,  and that experience shows up in the quality of their work.

Insurance and Bonding

Before any contractor sets foot on your property, confirm they carry general liability insurance, workers’ compensation for all employees, and performance bonds. These aren’t optional protections, they’re what stand between you and significant financial liability if something goes wrong during the project. Request certificates of insurance and verify directly with the issuing agency that coverage is active through the duration of your project.

Safety Standards

A contractor’s safety record and protocols tell you a great deal about how they run their business. At LaFerney, safety is built into the planning process for every project. Each site is evaluated for potential hazards before work begins, covering environmental conditions, ventilation, exposure risks, and excursion limits.

LaFerney operates as a strictly drug-free workplace and adheres to all OSHA requirements. Every crew member is equipped with appropriate safety gear including hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots, with barricades or fencing deployed on sites that require them. Special insurance requirements such as fire spread and wind uplift certifications are available upon request, and LaFerney has the resources to address engineering requests when needed.

About LaFerney Commercial Roofing

Don H. LaFerney founded the company in 1976 on the principles of expert craftsmanship and integrity. Over more than four decades, LaFerney has grown into a recognized leader in commercial roofing across the Southeast, staying current with advances in roofing technology, safety standards, and industry best practices while maintaining the commitment to quality that has defined the company from the start.

To learn more or to discuss an upcoming project, call 800-633-3119 or contact us online.