Austin Commercial Roofing Professionals

As the name implies, commercial roofing refers to roofs used on commercial properties, like stores, office buildings, and strip malls. At first glance, you may think that the only difference between commercial roofs and residential roofs is the size of the building, but the reality is not quite that simple. Commercial roofing involves specialized construction methods and materials that are chosen based on the building and also the business’ needs.

Roofs are one of the most important parts of any property. They cover a significant portion of your property, and a damaged roof can lead to major damage to the rest of your property. Whether you are looking to install a new commercial roof, repair an existing one, or perform regular maintenance, you don’t have to tackle the project on your own. Kidd Roofing has the experience and expertise to take on any roofing project in the Austin, Texas area. Call us at (512) 671-7791 to ask any questions about your roofing needs.

Read on to find out more about commercial roofing and the best solution for your project.

The Difference Between Commercial and Residential Roofing

You may be wondering if there’s really a difference between residential and commercial roofing. Could a roofer only experienced in residential roofing tackle a commercial roofing project?  The answer to that is, no. While residential and commercial roofing shares some similarities, there are some key differences.

• Commercial roofs are often flat roofs: Take a look at commercial property in your area, and you’ll notice a common feature: flat or mostly flat roofs that lack the angled shape you probably have at your house. Flat roofs have their own distinct set of considerations. For example, the flat shape means water drainage must be handled differently than angled roofs, to prevent water retention. Flat roofing also will absorb heat and wind differently, and that must be taken into account when designing the roof, and choosing the appropriate material.
• Commercial roofing uses different materials: While commercial roofing can sometimes be built with materials found in residential properties, there are construction materials you are more likely to find on commercial roofs. Commercial roofs are more likely to be metal, such as steel, aluminum, or copper. Commercial roofs are often coated with protective membranes meant to waterproof, protect, and increase the lifespan of a commercial roof. These membranes are made of plastic, rubber, or metal. Each material has its advantages, and it’s best to consult with a commercial roofing professional to determine the best one for your commercial property.
• The size and scale of the project: Commercial property is often bigger and has more stories than residential property. So that means there are different considerations when it comes to safety during roof construction and maintenance. It is not recommended to attempt to take on a commercial roofing project if you do not have the experience, or proper equipment, to reach the roof or move about safely.

Types of Commercial Roofing Material

As mentioned above, commercial roofs are constructed with specialized materials. There are plenty of good options:

• Metal roofing: Metal is a popular and commonly used material for commercial roofing. It offers advantages in strength and durability. An advantage for Texas is that it is an effective reflector of sunlight, which can help reduce your AC bill, especially during those brutal 100-degree Texan summers.
• Single Ply Roofing – TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin): This is a lightweight single-ply roofing membrane. Despite the presence of the word ‘plastic’ in its name, this material is actually made of a blend of rubbers. TPO is a great choice, as it is lightweight yet durable, and its flexibility gives you different construction options. TPO is colored white and very reflective of sunlight helping keep your place cool.
• Green roof systems: Sometimes called garden roofs, this is a roof system that combines actively growing vegetation and protective membranes. Not only are they environmentally friendly, they are impressively durable, by providing a natural defense against storms, they have been shown to increase the life of your roof. You may also benefit from tax credits or other incentives.
• Built-up roof (BUR) systems: This is a tried and true roofing material that has been used for over a century. It is also commonly known as “tar and gravel” or “asphalt flat roofing.” Built-up roof systems are constructed by layering roof felts with adhesives such as cold tar or asphalt. 
• EPDM (ethylene propylene diene methylene) membrane: This material is a synthetic rubber that is flexible and durable. It is a strong yet cost-effective material that is widely used on flat and low slope roofs. This material is well-known for providing superior waterproofing and protection against extreme weather.

Projects We Handle

Our team of commercial roofing professionals is prepared to help you with projects of all sizes, including:

We have nearly four decades of experience working on commercial projects in Central Texas, so contact us right away to discuss your project.

Things to Consider When Planning Your Commercial Roof

When planning your commercial roof project, you want to make sure you are getting the right roof for your specific needs. An important consideration to start with: what is the use of your commercial property? Is it an office building that will have multiple employees on their computers, or is it a warehouse housing heavy equipment? Some roof types may be noisier than others during heavy rain, so you must consider the comfort of your employees and your customers during business hours.

Being in Texas, you definitely have to consider the weather. We can get hail, wind, extreme heat, and heavy downpour, sometimes on the same day. Even within the same city, some areas are more flood-prone than others, so the level of water accumulation should factor in your roof design and construction.

Have Questions About Commercial Roofing? Contact Us Today

Commercial roofs require specialized construction, maintenance, and repair. Protect your investment and your business by ensuring the integrity of your roof. Kidd Roofing has multiple A+ Better Business Bureau accreditations and has been in business serving Texas residents since 1982.

We’re certified as a green company, and we hold certifications as a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor and GAF Community Contractor. Plus, we consistently appear in Roofing Contractor Magazine’s Top 100 list for our sales volume, are a consistent winner of the prestigious GAF President’s Club Award.

If you have any more questions, you can read our commercial roofing FAQs or contact us at (512) 671-7791 or contact us online by filling out this form to talk with our friendly commercial roofing professionals today.