Before you sign a contract for a new commercial roof, ask yourself this: is your contractor just fixing a surface, or helping protect an asset? Your roof isn’t just a layer of material—it’s a critical system that shields your operations, tenants, and capital investment from risk.
At 220 Roofing & Restorations, we know that selecting a contractor isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s a financial one. The right partner can extend the life of your roof and reduce long-term costs. The wrong one can lead to premature failure, regulatory trouble, and operational disruption.
If you’re seeking trusted commercial roofing in Roanoke or surrounding regions, you’re in the right place. Our Commercial Roofing Services are designed to meet the unique needs of business owners, property managers, and developers with professionalism, clarity, and long-term value in mind.
That’s why we’ve compiled this guide: seven essential questions to ask a roofing contractor—so you can make a smarter, safer, and more strategic decision. Whether you’re planning a full replacement or evaluating preventive maintenance options, these roofing contractor interview questions will help you choose a partner with integrity and capability.
Why This Matters: The Cost of Choosing Poorly
When selecting a commercial roofing contractor, cost is only one variable—often the least predictive of long-term performance. What matters more is whether the company you hire has systems in place for transparency, accountability, and risk reduction. When those systems are missing, you absorb the risk: delays, warranty voids, water intrusion, and even non-compliance with state or municipal codes.
That’s why understanding how to choose a commercial roofing company isn’t just about avoiding bad actors—it’s about choosing a contractor with processes rooted in sound economic thinking.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured for Commercial Roofing?
This is your baseline screen. Without the proper credentials, nothing else matters.
Why it matters: Commercial projects are often governed by stricter state and local codes than residential jobs. An unlicensed roofer may leave you exposed to compliance violations, while a contractor without insurance could expose you to liability should an injury or property damage occur on-site.
At 220 Roofing & Restorations, we are fully licensed and insured across all service areas. We provide proof of liability and workers’ comp insurance with every proposal—because risk should never be assumed blindly.
2. What Roofing Systems Do You Specialize In?
This is your asset allocation question: What’s their core competency?
Why it matters: Each commercial roofing material—EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen, standing seam metal—carries a different risk profile, installation complexity, and lifecycle performance. Hiring a contractor who’s only familiar with shingles for a flat TPO roof is like hiring a domestic bond fund manager to run your emerging market equities. It’s simply a mismatch.
Our team is trained in multiple systems and certified by manufacturers like Atlas and GAF. We match crews to material type to ensure technical precision and warranty eligibility.
3. Can You Provide References from Comparable Projects?
This is your historical performance check.
Why it matters: Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results—but it does tell you whether a company is stable, organized, and reputable. Especially in the roofing industry, where storm chasers and opportunists often vanish after one cycle.
We have a strong portfolio of completed commercial projects—from churches and schools to storage units and HOAs. More importantly, we encourage you to speak with our past clients. Transparency is the cornerstone of trust.
4. What Warranties Do You Offer on Labor and Materials?
This question assesses your downside protection.
Why it matters: Material warranties (from the manufacturer) and workmanship warranties (from the contractor) are distinct. Many roofing issues arise from improper installation—not defective materials—so it’s essential to know whether your contractor stands behind their labor.
We offer up to 30-year manufacturer warranties on select systems, along with 15-year workmanship coverage on all commercial installs. That’s not just marketing—it’s our operational baseline.
5. How Will You Ensure Timeliness and Budget Integrity?
This is your project management audit.
Why it matters: Delays increase holding costs, disrupt tenant operations, and erode goodwill. You want a contractor who understands opportunity cost and manages the construction schedule like a balance sheet—tight and accountable.
We use a 5-step system: Contact, Inspection, Installation, Clean-Up, Commitment. Every project has a dedicated manager and a documented timeline. You’ll never wonder who’s responsible or what comes next.
6. How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues?
Even the best plans face variance. This is your contingency planning question.
Why it matters: Unforeseen complications—such as hidden decking damage or previously unpermitted work—can derail budgets and timelines. The key is whether your contractor communicates transparently and adapts responsibly.
At 220 Roofing & Restorations, surprises are rare but never mishandled. We document issues, explain options, and propose solutions based on what’s most economically sound—not what pads a change order.
7. How Do You Maintain Jobsite Safety and Compliance?
This is your regulatory and operational risk question.
Why it matters: OSHA penalties, jobsite injuries, or city permit violations can interrupt your business, create liability, and even shut down a site. The best contractors view safety as an input, not an afterthought.
We train all field teams in OSHA compliance, fall protection, and safe site management. Every project adheres to city code, and inspections are coordinated in advance to keep everything above board—and on time.
Why Trust 220 Roofing & Restorations?
In commercial roofing, trust is built not on promises—but on proof. At 220 Roofing & Restorations, we back our work with verifiable credentials, consistent results, and a track record that speaks for itself.
We’re proud to be a Veteran-Owned Business, and we’ve earned certifications from the industry’s most trusted manufacturers, including:
- GAF Certified
- Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
- Atlas Pro+ Platinum Contractor
These accreditations give our clients access to premium systems, extended warranties, and proven installation standards.
Our commercial clients—from HOAs to hospitals—also choose us for:
- Transparent proposals and timelines
- Manufacturer-backed warranties up to 30 years
- Highly rated customer service (see our 5-star Google reviews)
- Project management designed to reduce downtime and disruption
Want to know more about our team, values, and process? Visit our About Us page.
Conclusion: Ask the Right Questions, Protect Your Investment
As in investing, the key to roofing success lies in prudent decision-making and thorough due diligence. By asking the right questions up front, you reduce uncertainty, avoid unexpected costs, and protect your facility’s long-term performance.
Whether you’re replacing a failing EPDM system or planning preventive maintenance on a multi-tenant retail center, the contractor you choose will define your experience—and your results.
At 220 Roofing & Restorations, we welcome the scrutiny. Ask us the hard questions. We’ll answer with clarity, data, and commitment—because we believe the most valuable work begins before the first shingle is ever removed.
Request your free commercial roofing proposal today, and let’s start protecting your property with precision.
