What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring a Commercial Roofing Company?
Choosing the right commercial roofing company can feel overwhelming, especially when your building is leaking or you’re facing urgent repairs. And if you’ve ever tried to make that decision right after a thunderstorm rolls through—when phone lines are backed up and everyone’s quoting wildly different prices—you’re not alone.
At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we’ve been helping businesses for over 40 years. From Michigan to Tennessee, we’ve seen what works and what to avoid when hiring a roofing contractor.
How do I know if a commercial roofing company is qualified?
Start with the basics: Are they properly licensed and insured in your state? Then dig deeper. Do they specialize in commercial roofing, or do they mostly handle residential jobs?
Not every roofing company advertising in West Michigan or Nashville is equipped to handle low-slope commercial roofing systems or large-scale facilities. Ask yourself:
A qualified contractor should:
Be experienced with flat, metal, TPO, and EPDM roofing systems
Have verifiable experience in your area or region
Provide references from other commercial or industrial buildings
Offer detailed inspections with photos and clear recommendations
The best roofing companies will welcome your questions and back up their answers with examples.
What should I ask before signing a roofing contract?
You deserve transparency, especially when you’re investing in something as critical as your roof. Before hiring a commercial roofer in West Michigan or Nashville, ask:
Have you worked on projects similar to mine?
What materials do you recommend for this building and why?
Do you offer any kind of preventative maintenance?
Can I see a sample inspection report?
What does your warranty cover, and how long does it last?
If the answers are vague, rushed, or full of jargon—that’s a red flag. You want a partner who makes things clear, not complicated.
Why is local experience important?
Local weather plays a big role in how long a commercial roof lasts. In West Michigan, that means freeze-thaw cycles, lake-effect snow, and gusty spring storms. In Nashville, it’s all about high humidity, intense sun exposure, and sudden downpours that can stress older roof systems.
Choosing a commercial roofing company that understands your region’s specific climate, building codes, and storm risks can help you avoid expensive repairs down the road. We’ve seen how certain flat roofs near Lake Michigan collect snowmelt, or how some buildings in Nashville are especially prone to ponding after heavy rain.
That kind of local knowledge makes a big difference.
What services should a commercial roofer offer?
Roofing isn’t just about patching up leaks—it’s about protecting your investment. A trustworthy commercial roofing company should offer services that support your building over time, including:
Detailed inspections, especially after storms or before buying/selling a property
Leak repair, flashing fixes, and membrane patching
Complete roof replacements, with full material breakdowns
Preventative maintenance, like our Max Life™ Roof Care program
24/7 emergency response for storm or wind damage
If a company only shows up when things are falling apart, they’re not in it for the long haul. You want a roofing partner, not just a contractor.
How can I protect my roof investment?
Whether you manage a retail strip in Holland, MI or oversee an office complex in downtown Nashville, the best way to protect your commercial roof is through proactive maintenance and honest assessments.
A quality roofing company will help you plan ahead, budget wisely, and make repairs before small issues become big ones. For example, with our Max Life™ Roof Care program, we help clients add years to their roof’s lifespan while avoiding costly emergency calls.
Too many business owners wait until a roof fails to take action, but by then, damage may have spread to insulation, walls, or inventory. Regular inspections and minor repairs go a long way in saving money and extending performance.
What makes Weather Shield different?
At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we don’t just patch roofs—we build long-term relationships with property owners and managers across multiple states.
Our team focuses exclusively on commercial roofing, and we’ve been doing it for over four decades. From industrial parks in Kalamazoo to shopping centers in Murfreesboro, we bring hands-on experience, honesty, and straight answers—without high-pressure sales.
If you’re tired of short-term fixes, poor communication, or contractors who disappear after the job, you’re not alone. We’ve heard those stories too many times—and we’ve made it our mission to be the opposite.
Let’s talk about your building, your budget, and how we can protect your roof investment for the long haul.
Nate Bush
Sales Director
Nate Bush brings over 20 years of experience in the commercial roofing industry, all with Weather Shield Roofing Systems. A graduate of Davenport University with a focus in entrepreneurship, Nate combines his industry expertise with strong leadership skills to head Weather Shield’s sales department. His deep knowledge of roofing solutions and commitment to customer service help drive the company’s growth and deliver exceptional value to clients.
