If you are planning to start a roofing business, you might have stumbled upon questions like, “what type of roofing company do I start?” Or “what type of roofing services do I offer?” You’ll need to find a clear answer to these questions before getting started in the roofing business.
The materials and equipment you need may differ depending upon the type of roofing company you decide to start. Before we explore the different roofing services you can offer, let’s get an understanding of the types of roofing companies you might be interested in starting.
3 main types of roofing business companies
Based on the sector catered to, there are three main types of roofing businesses. Like vehicle repair shops that offer specialized services, roofing companies can cater to a niche segment. Listed below are the three main types of roofing businesses:
Residential roofing service
Type of application: Homes, garage, and any other residential areas.
Roof design: Most residential roofs have steeper slopes and high-pitched structures.
Common roofing materials: Asphalt shingles, ceramic roof tiles, slate roofs, and cedar shingles.
Commercial roofing service
Type of application: Shopping centers, restaurants, and other commercial buildings.
Roof design: Designed with a low slope, low pitched, and flat design. It is also usually built to allow water to drain and prevent pooling water.
Common roofing materials: Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), metal, gravel, and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).
Industrial roofing service
Type of application: Industrial applications
Roof design: Industrial roofs generally have truss and low-rise structures.
Common roofing materials: Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), thermoset roof membrane, metal roofs, built-up roofs, spray foam, and modified bitumen.
Different types of roofing services
Now that you have a better grasp of the types of roofing firms let’s look at the various services you can offer your customers.
Roofing inspection
Professional roofing inspectors assess the entire roof and attic. Best practices recommend a periodic roofing inspection to minimize the risk of problems with the roof.
Roof inspection involves examining its quality and condition, attic ventilation, roof vents, and gutters. Commercial roofing types require regular roofing inspection as part of maintenance. Hiring an experienced and certified roofing inspector helps ensure a professional job.
Roof repairs
Roof repairs are an immediate solution for roof issues. Some roofs may only need minor rehabilitation, and in this situation, roof repair is the perfect solution. A roofing inspector can identify the damage, and professional roofers can handle the repair.
Roof repairs deal with specific repairs such as:
- Missing or broken shingles
- Missing nails and cracks in tiles
- Leak repairs
- Poor ventilation
- Signs of deterioration
- Gutter repairs
Roof restoration
Suppose the roof is moderately damaged; roof repair would not cut it. In a case like this, it is necessary to perform a restoration to prevent future damages and enhance the roof’s durability.
The steps involved in roof restoration are:
- Repair the entire roof, replace broken tiles, and clean with pressure washing.
- Clean the entire roof and gutters to remove debris, mold, and lichen.
- Apply filler coats, protective coats, and seals.
- Paint the roof with an airless sprayer.
Roof replacement
When damaged heavily, the roof may be beyond repair or restoration; it is time to replace the roof. Roof replacement is expensive, but it extends the roof’s life expectancy.
A total or partial roof replacement is carefully planned. Safety measures are followed to the tee to protect building contents and roofers. Roof replacements require more materials, labor, and time to finish.
The standard process of roof replacement includes:
- Removal of the old roof, shingles, and underlayment.
- Assurance of flashing and other penetrations.
- Replacing the membrane and insulation.
- Installation of underlayment and new roof material.
Roof installation
Some roofing companies focus only on installing new roofs. Roofing business owners who have limited investment resources for
starting a roofing business prefer to focus on roof installation.
A professional roof installer determines the best roofing materials for a job, takes care of the installation, and performs an inspection once the job is complete.
Common roof installation materials:
- Asphalt roof shingles
- Built-up roof materials
- Green roofs
- Slate tile roofs
- Metal roofs
Roof and gutter cleaning services
Roof cleaning plays a vital role in preventing the roof property from damages and costly breakdowns. Regular cleaning prevents harmful contaminants like debris and moss, thus increasing the life of various roof components.
Roof and gutter cleaning services include:
- Removal of sticks, leaves, and other contaminants using the air-blow process.
- Removal of debris, moss, lichen, algae from roof parts using pressure wash cleaning process.
- Cleaning the gutters and downspouts.
- Brushing moss from the roof.
- Rinsing and basic repairing if required.
Roof maintenance services
Roof maintenance service is a neglected area, yet it is one of the cost-effective and profitable sectors in the roofing industry. It eliminates the need for extensive repairs and damages caused by the environment.
Proper roof maintenance process consists of:
- Performing a visual inspection of the entire roof parts and attic ventilation.
- Determining the damages in membrane and components.
- Detecting minor problems and performing repairs.
- Applying maintenance coatings.
- Cleaning the gutter and roof.
- Repairing, if required.
Storm response services
Hailstorms and wind can cause severe damage to your customer’s property. Roofs can be destroyed entirely by high-velocity winds. Here’s where emergency roof repair and restoration come into the picture, widely known as “storm response services.”
Storm response services can be a lucrative opportunity if you have the right equipment and trained professionals. Your roofers may need professional training to respond well to these emergency situations. Assess the roof equipment to ensure safety. Keep track of your inventory and ensure you have the necessary equipment and supplies when needed.
Take your business to the next level
Even though roofing is complicated, there are enormous business opportunities. You can choose to provide specialized roofing services with a narrow focus or offer multiple services to attract more clients. Base this decision on your interests and the capital available for investment.
Irrespective of the type of roofing, delivering high-quality service, using durable roof materials, experienced and trained professionals, and providing excellent customer service is crucial to running a successful roofing business.
Please let us know if there is anything we missed in the comment section. Stay in the loop to learn more about the roofing business.
