What’s the Difference Between Commercial Roofing Consultants and Roofing Contractors?

Commercial roof consultants are industry professionals who make it their duty to help property owners make informed decisions about their roofs. All commercial roof consultants have innovative expertise and knowledge about various roofing systems. Some of them provide installation and repair services.

However, that’s not the main job of a commercial roofing consultant. That’s where a roofing contractor comes into play. Roofing consultants operate as advocates for their clients to guarantee that the property owner’s best interests are valued.

What Is a Commercial Roofing Consultant?

Commercial roofing consultants are experts who provide support and guidance for roofing installations, maintenance services, repairs, and replacements. 

When a property owner hires a commercial roofing consultant, they can expect to receive objective advice. Since these experts aren’t trying to sell them anything, there’s no reason to be suspicious about whether they have their clients' best interests at heart. Safeguarding clients’ interests necessitates a vast range of services. They include:

• Leak analyses

• Roof inspections and surveys  

• Construction consulting

• Perform quality assurance inspections

• Developing specifications for roof replacement

• Help with insurance claims

• Customized roof management plans

• Moisture surveys

• Expert witness services 

• Contractor bid oversight

• Design services

• And more

Roofing consultants work with residential property owners as well as commercial property owners. They have all the same experience and knowledge as industry-leading commercial roofers, but none of the perplexing business interests. A consultant’s sole task is to help clients guard their investments and make sure that they are making good choices when it comes to commercial roof installations or repairs.

When to Hire a Commercial Roofing Consultant

There’s no improper time for commercial property owners to hire a commercial roof consultant. With that being said, these experts’ services are more appreciated at some times than others. Here are a few of the top reasons commercial property owners decide to work with devoted commercial roof consultants:

Purchasing a Commercial Property – Investing in a commercial building is a major decision that requires thorough due diligence. One of the most critical aspects to evaluate is the condition of the roof, as unexpected issues can lead to costly repairs and operational disruptions. A commercial roofing consultant can perform a comprehensive roof inspection to assess its current state, identify any existing damage, and provide recommendations for maintenance or repair — helping protect your investment and ensure the property is ready for long-term use.

Assessing roof damage – If a roof is damaged during adverse weather, property owners will need to decide between getting roof repairs and getting the whole thing replaced. It could be hard to decide the best course of action, especially when some roofing contractors are more interested in making money than helping their clients. A roof consultant can do a roof assessment and give expert, impartial advice about the condition of the roof and what the next steps should be taken.

Handling bids from roofing contractors – Experts advise getting several bids before choosing a roofing contractor. Commercial property owners who aren’t acquainted with industry knowledge usually have a difficult time assessing those bids, though. Roofing consultants can help with bid management, clarifying what each contractor is offering, and assessing proposals to help clients make the correct choice.

Quality assurance roof inspections – Incorrect roofing installations are the key reason for premature roof failures. While trustworthy contractors usually complete quality assurance inspections as they work, property owners might feel better if they can get a neutral analysis of how the roofing project is progressing. A commercial roofing consultant can watch the installation job and make sure that all the work is being done based on industry best practices and the manufacturer’s specifications.

Leak analysis – Leaky roofs can create plenty of damage if they are left unattended. Many roofing contractors will recommend a roof replacement without even deciding where the leak is coming from. However, not every leaking roof needs to be completely replaced. 

Commercial property owners can trust roof consultants to do a total analysis to detect the source of the leak exactly and offer a whole range of repair suggestions.

Storm preparations – Colorado is not famous for its mild weather. Luckily, commercial property owners usually have some knowledge of a weather alert before a storm is coming. That provides them with the necessary time to get ready. Work with a roofing consultant to assess possible weak points and suggest emergency actions that can be taken in preparation to avoid costly, preventable storm damage.

Customized maintenance plans – Commercial building owners usually partner with roof consultants to create maintenance plans that fit their structure’s needs. With the help of roofing consulting services, Denver commercial property owners can create a customized maintenance plan that will expand the roof’s longevity and stop premature wear.

Expert witness services – It’s uncommon for commercial property owners to need litigation to solve disputes about roofing insurance or warranties.

Commercial roofing consultants can provide expert witness services when problems arise that have to be taken to court. They can also offer documentation to insurance companies.

How a Roofing Contractor Works

Roofing contractors will offer warranties for labor and offer material warranties from the manufacturers for the supplies they install at the property. For example, shingle warranties can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, based on the quality of the roofing material. 

Professional reputation and references are part of the commercial roofing contractor package. You can discover information on public websites to see the caliber of the commercial roofing contractor you are assessing. So, don’t be scared to ask for references during the beginning stage of the project.

Finding a Denver commercial contractor is the best course of action when looking for a contractor for your distinct roofing situation. Denver contractors do local work and have local references that can be reviewed and validated in person, should a property owner want a visual review.

Working with a commercial roofing contractor can be pricey. However, the expertise and quality in craftsmanship are an excellent counterbalance to get what you pay for and to guarantee quality is money well spent. 

Roofing Consultants vs. Roofing Contractors

Roof consultants and roofing contractors have comparable training and areas of expertise, but they have different roles in the roof maintenance process. Consultants have the training and knowledge necessary to install and repair roofs. However, that's not their forte. Instead, a roofing consultant’s role is to be a go-between and advocate for their clients.

Like consultants, roofing contractors understand how to perform simple inspections, even though they might not have the amount of advanced industry knowledge related to roof consulting services. The difference is, they aren't paid to save their clients’ money. Roofing contractors make their living installing and repairing roofs, so they sometimes make suggestions that are opposite to the property owner's best interest financially. 

Hiring a roofing consultant hardly removes the necessity for hiring a roofing contractor. The consultants work with the contractors, managing the bidding process and the roofing job to make sure that property owners are receiving their money’s worth.

Collaborating with a Commercial Roofing Contractor

A commercial roofing contractor is a licensed professional who manages roofing projects. They are responsible for:

• Estimating costs 

• Project management

• Managing labor

• Sourcing materials

• Guaranteeing the work is finished based on industry regulations and standards.

A roofing contractor usually oversees the workforce, materials, and daily operations necessary for a roofing project. While contractors might be skilled professionals, their main objective is to implement the roofing installation or repair service at a profit. Independent roofing consultants offset these reasons by giving guidance and oversight devoted only to your best interests.

During an initial consultation, consultants can clarify a roofing contractor’s quote, showing items that may be missing or possibly increased. By assessing price breakdowns, work timelines, and warranties, they help guarantee the contractor’s plan aligns with the property owner’s expected results and budget. If the roofing project calls for specialized practices or distinct materials, a roofing consultant will confirm that the roofing contractor has the required certification and experience.

If you need simple roof repairs due to extreme weather or natural wear and tear, a roofing contractor has the skills to install new flashings, apply patches, or recoat problem areas to help prolong the lifespan of your commercial roofing system.

Also, a roofing contractor is an excellent option if you’re looking to install a complete roof replacement, build a new roofing system, or want to boost your roof’s level of energy efficiency. When you’re talking with prospective roofing contractors, be sure to ask about continuing education and licensing so you know which contractors are on top of the latest information in the roofing industry. 

Looking for a Roof Consultant? FRW Consult Can Help

FRW Consult provides commercial roofing consulting services. We have been commercial roofing consultants in Denver for over 25 years. These professionals have years of industry experience, so they know exactly what to look for. Our main priority is to help our clients make sure that their roofs are well-kept and their roofing investment is well worth the money.