Commercial Roofing Contractors: What Building Owners Should Look For

Written By Gemma Gascoigne

Choosing the right commercial roofing contractor in Auckland is a critical decision. A commercial roof is a major asset that protects your building, your tenants, and the continuity of your business operations. Below are the key factors you should consider when selecting a contractor, based on what we see matter most on real-world commercial projects.

1. Proven Experience with Commercial Roofing Projects

Commercial roofing is very different from residential work. The scale, complexity, and risk profile are significantly higher, and the contractor must understand how to work around operating businesses.

Look for a contractor who:

  • Has extensive experience delivering commercial roofing projects of similar size and complexity

  • Understands the impact roofing works can have on your business or your tenants

  • Takes the time to understand how the site operates before work begins

  • Plans the job to minimise noise, disruption, access restrictions, and downtime

At ProClad Roofing, we specialise in commercial roof replacement and commercial roof maintenance across Auckland. We have completed hundreds of commercial roofing projects, including warehouses, retail buildings, and occupied commercial sites. Before starting any project, we engage with building owners and tenants to understand how their business operates. From there, we develop a clear methodology that allows works to be completed safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to daily operations.

2. Industry Memberships, Certifications, and Qualifications

Reputable commercial roofing contractors are often members of recognised industry associations. These organisations typically vet their members based on workmanship standards, competency and customer references.

When assessing a contractor, consider the following:

  • Are they members of relevant roofing or construction industry associations?

  • Do they hold recognised safety memberships?

  • Are they a Registered Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)?

At ProClad Roofing, we take this responsibility seriously. We are members of RANZ (Roofing Association of New Zealand) and Site Safe and all commercial projects are overseen by a Registered LBP. These memberships and registrations provide assurance that our work meets industry standards for quality, safety and professionalism.

3. A Strong Safety Culture and Clear Safety Systems

Safety is one of the most important factors in commercial roofing. Working at height presents serious risks, not only to workers but also to building occupants and the public below.

A professional commercial roofing contractor should be able to demonstrate:

  • All staff are trained in working at heights

  • EWP (Elevating Work Platform) training where machinery is used onsite

  • Up-to-date training and competency records available on request

  • Regularly inspected and tagged height safety equipment

Proper safety systems should be non-negotiable. Depending on the site and project scope, this may include:

  • Edge protection

  • Safety nets

  • Scaffolding

In addition, the contractor should provide:

  • A clear Job Safety Analysis (JSA) - A well-thought-out methodology that identifies hazards and the controls in place

This documentation gives you confidence that the contractor fully understands the risks involved and has planned the works to protect their team, your tenants and your property.

At ProClad Roofing, safety is embedded in every project we deliver. We invest heavily in training, maintain strict equipment inspection regimes and plan every job thoroughly before work begins.

4. Clear Communication and Professional Project Management

Commercial roofing projects require strong communication from start to finish. You should expect:

  • A clear scope of works

  • Transparent pricing

  • Realistic timeframes

  • Regular updates throughout the project

A contractor who communicates well will help prevent misunderstandings, delays and unexpected issues.

5. A Track Record You Can Verify

Finally, always look for evidence of past performance. A reputable contractor should be able to provide:

  • Case studies or examples of previous commercial projects

  • Customer references

  • A strong local reputation

This gives you peace of mind that the contractor can deliver what they promise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Roofing Contractors

How do I choose the right commercial roofing contractor?
Look for proven commercial experience, strong safety systems, recognised certifications and clear communication. A contractor should understand how to work around live businesses and tenants without disrupting operations.

Should a commercial roofing contractor be an LBP?
Yes. Choosing a Registered Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) provides confidence that the contractor has been assessed for competency and workmanship. You can verify LBP status on the public register.

What safety standards should a commercial roofing contractor follow?
A professional contractor should provide working-at-heights training records, JSA documentation, certified access systems such as scaffolding or edge protection and regularly inspected height safety equipment.

Choosing the Right Partner

Selecting a commercial roofing contractor is about more than price. It’s about experience, safety, professionalism and trust. Taking the time to assess these factors will help ensure your project is completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

ProClad Roofing specialises in commercial roofing solutions across Auckland. With extensive experience, a strong safety culture and a commitment to minimal disruption, we deliver roofing solutions that businesses can rely on.

Gemma Gascoigne