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 across the United States for over 40 years. From Grand Rapids, Michigan to Nashville, 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:
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Be experienced with flat, metal, TPO, and EPDM roofing systems
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Have verifiable experience in your area or region
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Provide references from other commercial or industrial buildings
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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:
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Have you worked on projects similar to mine?
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What materials do you recommend for this building and why?
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Do you offer any kind of preventative maintenance?
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Can I see a sample inspection report?
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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:
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Detailed inspections, especially after storms or before buying/selling a property
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Leak repair, flashing fixes, and membrane patching
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Complete roof replacements, with full material breakdowns
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Preventative maintenance, like our Max Life Roof Care program
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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 West Michigan and Nashville.
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.
Kurt Wassink
VP of Sales
Kurt Wassink brings over 20 years of experience in the commercial roofing industry, combining his deep expertise with a strong background in sales. He currently serves the Grand Rapids region for Weather Shield Roofing Systems, helping clients find tailored roofing solutions to protect their assets. Kurt holds a B.A. in Psychology and English from Calvin College and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Bowling Green State University, equipping him with strong problem-solving and communication skills that enhance his client-centered approach.
