Choosing the right commercial roofing company can make or break the structural integrity and longevity of your building. Whether you’re maintaining a retail space, office complex, warehouse, or industrial facility, a reliable roofing partner ensures that your business stays protected from water damage, energy loss, and costly shutdowns.
With so many contractors out there promising the best service, it’s critical to know what separates a trustworthy, experienced, and legally compliant roofing contractor from the rest. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before signing a contract—from certifications and materials to insurance and ongoing maintenance plans.
Key Takeaways
💡Only work with roofing companies that are licensed in your state and carry general liability and worker’s comp insurance.
💡Choose a roofer with experience specifically in commercial properties—not just residential.
💡Look for companies offering TPO, EPDM, metal, and modified bitumen systems with long-term warranties.
💡Reliable contractors provide itemized proposals, not vague quotes.
Why Commercial Roofing Requires Specialized Expertise
A commercial roofing company isn’t the same as a residential roofing contractor. Commercial roofs often use entirely different systems—TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), modified bitumen, and metal roofing systems—each of which requires its own installation techniques and maintenance requirements.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), commercial roofing represents over 60% of all U.S. roofing expenditures, a $56.7 billion industry as of 2023 (NRCA 2023 Industry Report).
Unlike sloped residential roofs, most commercial buildings have low-slope or flat roofs, which means they deal more frequently with ponding water, UV degradation, and wind uplift pressure—all of which require expert installation and attention to detail.
Licensing, Insurance & Certifications: The Non-Negotiables
Before signing a contract, verify the following:
✅ State Licensing
Check if the company is licensed in your state. For example, in North Carolina, roofing contractors must have a General Contractor License if the project exceeds $30,000 (NC Licensing Board).
✅ Insurance
A reputable commercial roofing company should carry:
- General Liability Insurance (min. $1M coverage)
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance
- Commercial Auto Insurance
Request Certificates of Insurance (COI) to confirm coverage.
✅ Manufacturer Certifications
These show the contractor is trained and approved by material manufacturers. Common examples:
| Certification | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| GAF Master Select™ | GAF Roofing |
| Carlisle Authorized Applicator | Carlisle SynTec |
| Firestone Red Shield™ | Firestone Building Products |
What Services Should a Commercial Roofing Company Offer?
A full-service commercial roofing contractor should offer:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Roof Installation | New systems for new construction or tear-offs |
| Flat Roof Repair | TPO, EPDM, PVC, or modified bitumen patching |
| Roof Coatings | Silicone or acrylic to extend lifespan |
| Routine Maintenance Plans | Scheduled inspections to catch early problems |
| 24/7 Emergency Repair | Rapid response for leaks or storm damage |
| Roof Inspection & Reporting | Infrared scans, moisture mapping, and condition reports |
Comparing Roofing Systems: Which One Is Right?
Choosing a commercial roofing company also means understanding your options for materials. Here’s how popular systems compare:
| Roofing System | Lifespan | Cost (per sq ft) | Energy Efficiency | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPO | 20-30 years | $5-$7 | High (white reflective) | Low |
| EPDM | 20-25 years | $4-$6 | Moderate | Low |
| Metal Roofing | 40-60 years | $8-$12 | High | Very Low |
| Modified Bitumen | 15-20 years | $4-$6 | Moderate | Medium |
How to Get Accurate & Transparent Quotes
A trustworthy commercial roofing company should provide:
- Free on-site inspection
- Detailed, itemized proposals
- Clear scope of work
- Estimated timeline
- Warranty details
Red Flag: If you receive a one-page quote with only a dollar amount—walk away.
Tip: Ask for quotes from 2–3 companies and compare scope, not just price.
Why Local Expertise Matters — Even on a National Level
Although you’re likely to search for a commercial roofing company near me, it’s critical to work with contractors that understand regional weather conditions.
In Asheville, NC, roofs must endure:
- High annual rainfall (≈45 inches)
- Hail events (12+ hail reports in 2023)
- Heavy summer UV exposure
- Occasional snowfall
Litespeed Construction, based in Asheville, understands climate-specific materials and has local references to back their performance.
Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring a Commercial Roofing Company
Some signs that a contractor might not be trustworthy:
| Red Flag | Why It’s Problematic |
|---|---|
| No Physical Address | Fly-by-night or out-of-state operation |
| No License or Insurance | Leaves you liable for damages |
| High-Pressure Sales Tactics | Often signals bait-and-switch practices |
| Extremely Low Bids | Could mean cutting corners or using subpar materials |
| No Written Warranty | No accountability if issues arise post-installation |
FAQs about Choosing a Commercial Roofing Company
Ask about licenses, insurance, materials, timeline, warranties, and experience with your type of roof.
Commercial roofing uses flat or low-slope systems like TPO or EPDM, requiring different installation techniques.
Anywhere from $5 to $12 per sq ft, depending on material and complexity.
Projects can take a few days to several weeks, depending on size and weather.
Yes—regular inspections can catch small problems before they become expensive repairs.
Yes—Section 179 allows immediate expensing, and cool roof systems may qualify for energy tax credits.
At least twice a year, and after every major storm.
Manufacturer warranties (10–30 years) + workmanship warranties (2–10 years).
Yes, but cold weather can affect curing times for adhesives and coatings.
Don’t Gamble with Your Roof—Choose the Right Partner
Choosing the right commercial roofing company is one of the most important decisions you can make for your property. From protecting your assets to ensuring regulatory compliance and improving energy efficiency, the stakes are simply too high to cut corners. Whether you’re replacing an aging roof, starting a new construction project, or just need a trusted team for inspections and maintenance, your contractor should bring experience, transparency, and accountability to the table.
At Litespeed Construction, we’ve built our reputation on delivering high-performance commercial roofing solutions across Asheville, NC and beyond. Backed by over 15 years of expertise, certified installers, and top-tier manufacturer partnerships, we’re here to help you make informed decisions and get the job done right—the first time.
👉 Call Litespeed Construction today at (828) 505-6051 or request your FREE commercial roof inspection online. Let’s protect your property, your business, and your bottom line—starting now.
