What Is Commercial Roofing?
Commercial roofing mostly means low-slope systems — single-ply membranes (TPO, EPDM, PVC), modified bitumen, built-up roofing, and metal — where the design problem inverts from residential: a steep-slope roof sheds water by gravity, while a low-slope roof must hold water out during the time it takes internal drains, scuppers, and tapered insulation to move it off. Failure points are correspondingly different: seams, penetrations, ponding areas, and flashings at rooftop HVAC units cause most commercial leaks, and every trade that walks the roof to service equipment is a puncture risk, which is why walk pads and post-service inspections exist. Commercial projects also carry coordination burdens residential work does not — tenant operations under the roof during tear-off, staged sections so the building is never open overnight, and fastener patterns engineered to the building's wind uplift zones. Repair economics differ too: infrared moisture surveys distinguish a repairable membrane from saturated insulation that makes replacement the honest recommendation.
Important Distinction
Note: Commercial roofing is defined by the building and roof type, not just ownership: most commercial roofs are low-slope membrane systems where water is drained by design, not shed by gravity as on steep-slope residential roofs.
Also Known As
These are the search terms and phrases that commonly refer to this topic, so you can find it however you describe it.
Questions about Commercial Roofing?
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