How do I verify the experience of the specific team assigned to my project?
The Distinction Between Corporate History and Field Experience
In commercial roofing, a common oversight during the procurement process is assuming that the longevity of the contracting company automatically translates to the expertise of the personnel on-site. While the company entity holds the license and insurance, the actual risk mitigation occurs through the technical decisions made by the Project Manager (PM) and the Superintendent.
Why Individual Tenure Matters
Commercial roofing systems, such as TPO, PVC, or built-up roofing (BUR), require specific technical knowledge regarding flashing details and substrate preparation. If a company has been in business for 30 years but the assigned supervisor has only two years of experience with your specific roof type, the institutional knowledge of the firm may not be present on your project.
Recommended Verification Steps
To ensure accountability, decision-makers should request the following documentation before a contract is finalized:
- Project Team Bio: Request a brief summary of the Project Manager’s and the On-site Superintendent’s experience. Specifically, look for their history with the exact roofing system being installed.
- Similar Project List: Ask for a list of three projects of similar scope and complexity that this specific team—not just the company—has completed in the last 36 months.
- Safety Record of the Crew: Inquire if the supervisor has specific OSHA 30-hour training, which is a standard indicator of professional field management in commercial environments.
Long-term Implications
Most commercial roofing failures occur at the transitions and penetrations—areas where field-level execution is more critical than the quality of the material itself. By verifying the competency of the individuals responsible for daily oversight, facility managers reduce the risk of installation errors that typically manifest as leaks after the first major weather event.
Key Takeaways
- A company’s years in business do not always reflect the experience of the specific crew assigned to your roof.
- Requesting a 'Project Team Resume' is a standard practice for large-scale institutional assets.
- Verification should focus on the Project Manager and the On-site Supervisor's history with similar roof systems.
- High turnover in the roofing industry makes individual tenure more relevant than corporate age.
Next step
Incorporate a request for project team resumes into your standard request for proposal (RFP) process to ensure qualified oversight.