Check Their Licensing, Insurance & Certifications
The very first thing you should verify is whether the contractor is legally authorized to perform commercial work in Arizona.
1. Arizona ROC License
A legitimate contractor must have an active license with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).
You should verify:
- ROC license type (commercial roofing classification)
- Bond status
- Complaint history
- Expiration date
2. General Liability & Workers’ Compensation
A reputable company will gladly provide proof of insurance.
If a worker gets injured onsite and the contractor isn’t insured, you become financially liable.
3. Manufacturer Certifications
Commercial-grade roofing materials — like GAF, Firestone, Duro-Last, FiberTite — require certification for proper installation.
Certified contractors can also offer extended warranties that non-certified crews cannot.
Evaluate Their Commercial Roofing Experience
Commercial roofing is nothing like residential roofing. The systems, materials, drainage, and engineering requirements are completely different.
Look for experience in:
- TPO roofs
- PVC roofs
- Modified bitumen
- Built-up roofing (BUR)
- Silicone/acrylic coatings
- Foam roofing
- Metal roofing systems
- Commercial roof inspections & maintenance
Real story:
Greenwood Dental Clinic, a Scottsdale-based practice, called Tip Top Roofing after another contractor left bubbles and seam gaps on their TPO roof.
“We almost failed our annual building inspection,” the clinic manager shared.
“Tip Top fixed errors we didn’t even know existed.”
Experience matters.
Check Real Reviews — Not Just the Ones on Their Website
A good contractor should have consistent reviews across multiple platforms:
- Better Business Bureau
- Yelp
- Nextdoor
Be cautious of red flags:
- Repeated complaints about communication
- Reports of unfinished jobs
- “Crew never showed up” stories
- Broken promises on timelines
Also look at how they respond. A company that responds respectfully and offers solutions is trustworthy.
Study Their Project Portfolio
Ask for:
- Before & after photos
- Drone inspections
- Case studies
- References from similar businesses
- Proof of past work on your type of roof
For example, if you have a large flat roof, they should show experience with drainage systems, ponding prevention, walk pads, and membrane installation.
If you manage a warehouse, ask for experience with insulation upgrades and reflective coatings.
Ask About Their Commercial Roofing Process
A reliable commercial roofing contractor will have a clear, step-by-step process:
Typically includes:
- Roof inspection report
- Core sampling (for flat roofs)
- Infrared moisture scan
- Customized bid
- Installation timeline
- Safety plan
- Warranty documentation
If they can’t explain the process clearly, they’re not the right fit.
Compare Warranties Carefully
Commercial roofs come with two types of warranties:
1. Manufacturer Warranty
Covers materials for 10–30 years depending on the system.
2. Workmanship Warranty
Offered by the contractor.
A trustworthy company will:
- Offer at least a 5–10 year workmanship warranty
- Explain what is not covered
- Provide warranty paperwork after completion
Unlicensed contractors rarely offer valid warranties.
Evaluate Communication & Professionalism
Many business owners say the biggest problem with contractors isn’t technical — it’s communication.
Red flags:
- Delayed responses
- Incomplete estimates
- No written scope of work
- No timeline
- Vague pricing
A strong contractor will:
- Answer questions clearly
- Provide a detailed proposal
- Explain materials and options
- Send updates during the job
- Be available even after the job is done
“Tip Top Roofing updated us every evening during our re-roof project,” said Nancy, who manages a Scottsdale retail center. “That level of communication kept business running smoothly.”
Check Safety Standards & Crew Training
Commercial roofing involves elevated heights, heavy materials, and strict safety rules.
Ask about:
- OSHA compliance
- Fall protection policies
- Crew training certifications
- Use of harness systems
- Proper insurance for all workers
A safe crew is a professional crew.
Avoid Contractors Who Lowball the Price
Low bids usually mean:
- Cheap materials
- Untrained crews
- Skipped steps
- No warranty
- No insurance
- No after-service support
When it comes to commercial roofing, the cheapest contractor becomes the most expensive mistake.
Local Knowledge Matters
A contractor familiar with Scottsdale knows how to build roofs that stand up to:
- Monsoon-driven leaks
- Extreme UV exposure
- Thermal expansion
- Dust storms
- Flat roof drainage problems
Local experience = fewer surprises.
Final Checklist Before Hiring a Commercial Roofer
Here’s a quick summary to help you choose wisely:
Only hire a contractor who has:
- Active AZ ROC license
- Insurance coverage
- Proven commercial experience
- Local Scottsdale references
- Manufacturer certification
- Detailed written estimate
- Clear communication
- A strong warranty
- A safe, trained crew
- A good reputation across platforms
Choosing the right contractor isn’t just about fixing a roof — it’s about protecting your entire business.
Why Businesses Trust Tip Top Roofing Service
Tip Top Roofing Service is known for:
- 20+ years of commercial roofing experience
- Licensed, bonded, insured Arizona contractor
- Expertise in TPO, PVC, metal, coatings & flat roofs
- Fast response times
- Detailed inspection reports
- Fair pricing
- Long-term warranties
- 24/7 emergency service during monsoon season
📞 Call Tip Top Roofing Service
(480) 877-1643
🌐 tiptoproofingservice.com
📍 Scottsdale, AZ & Phoenix Metro
Protect your building before the next storm hits.
References
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) – License & Contractor Search
- U.S. Department of Energy – Designing Efficient Commercial Roofs
- Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) – Commercial Roofing Resources
- OSHA – Roofing Industry Safety Standards
- Maricopa Association of Governments – Regional Data & Reports (Weather, Growth, Infrastructure)
