Commercial roofing plays a vital role in protecting business properties and their operations. Whether it’s a retail center, industrial warehouse, school, or office complex, every commercial building relies on a roof system designed to handle the specific demands of large-scale structures. But what exactly does “commercial roofing” mean? How is it different from residential roofing? And what are some of the technical considerations that property owners should be aware of?
This article provides a straightforward overview of commercial roofing—what it involves, how it works, and what makes it unique in the context of building maintenance and construction in Austin and San Antonio.
The Basics of Commercial Roofing
Commercial roofing refers to the roofing systems installed on non-residential structures. These roofs are generally larger, flatter, and more mechanically complex than residential roofs. The scope of commercial roofing includes everything from new installations and full replacements to ongoing maintenance, repairs, coatings, and emergency response.
The purpose of a commercial roof is the same as any roof—to protect the building from weather, leaks, and structural damage—but how that’s accomplished is often very different due to size, slope, and material requirements.
In areas like Central Texas, where buildings endure intense sun, wind, and seasonal storms, commercial roofs must be designed to perform reliably under environmental stress while also supporting equipment like HVAC units, solar panels, and skylights.
Common Commercial Roofing Systems
Because most commercial buildings have flat or low-sloped roofs, traditional residential materials like asphalt shingles aren’t appropriate. Instead, commercial roofing uses materials that can cover large surfaces seamlessly and withstand prolonged exposure to sun, standing water, and foot traffic.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
TPO is a single-ply membrane roofing system that is lightweight, reflective, and energy-efficient. It is heat-welded at the seams and performs well in hot climates, making it popular in cities like Austin and San Antonio.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
Often referred to as “rubber roofing,” EPDM is a flexible and cost-effective option for flat roofs. It resists UV damage and works well in areas with fluctuating temperatures.
Modified Bitumen
This system is asphalt-based and reinforced with fiberglass or polyester, providing strength and flexibility. It is installed in layers and can be applied with heat or cold adhesives.
Metal Roofing
Commercial metal roofs offer a long service life and high resistance to weather extremes. They are especially common on larger warehouses or industrial buildings.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
BUR systems are made up of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabric. They create a durable, watertight surface and are often finished with a reflective coating or gravel.
Resurfacing and Layering Considerations
One of the unique aspects of commercial roofing is the ability to resurface certain roof systems rather than replacing them entirely. For example, if a flat roof made of TPO or modified bitumen is still structurally sound but showing signs of surface wear, a new membrane or coating may be applied on top.
However, building codes typically restrict a roof from having more than two existing layers. If a roof already has two systems in place—such as a previous resurfacing over the original installation—it cannot be resurfaced again. In those cases, a full tear-off is required to comply with safety and load-bearing standards.
This is different from residential roofing, where “roof-overs” (installing new shingles over old ones) were once common but are now limited or disallowed under modern codes in many jurisdictions due to ventilation and weight concerns.
Key Functions of a Commercial Roof
Commercial roofs have a broader set of responsibilities than their residential counterparts. Some of the key functions include:
- Weather protection: A commercial roof must seal out rain, wind, and UV radiation across thousands of square feet.
- Load bearing: Roofs often support heavy mechanical systems, ducts, vents, and walkways.
- Drainage: With low slopes, commercial roofs must be engineered to drain water through internal systems or surface tapering.
- Energy performance: Reflective surfaces and insulation play a key role in reducing cooling costs in warm climates like South Texas.
Because of this complexity, design and installation are often handled by contractors with specialized knowledge in structural engineering, materials science, and commercial code compliance.
Commercial vs. Residential Roofing: A Brief Comparison
While both commercial and residential roofs serve the same basic function, they differ significantly in form and application.
- Slope: Residential roofs are often steeply pitched; commercial roofs are usually flat or low-sloped.
- Materials: Homes use shingles, tiles, or shakes; commercial roofs use membranes, metal, or multi-layer systems.
- Size and complexity: Commercial roofs are larger and require more advanced drainage and load-bearing designs.
- Access and use: Commercial roofs are accessed more frequently and may support foot traffic, equipment, and signage.
- Resurfacing options: Commercial roofs may be resurfaced once, but no more than two layers are allowed by code.
Understanding these differences helps property managers and building owners make more informed decisions about maintenance and replacement timelines.
Maintenance and Inspections
Due to their size and mechanical load, commercial roofs benefit from regular inspections and proactive maintenance. It’s common practice to perform visual checks seasonally or after significant weather events. Maintenance may include patching seams, resealing penetrations, clearing drains, and reapplying coatings.
Ignoring these tasks can lead to pooling water, insulation breakdown, and costly internal damage. In regions like Austin and San Antonio, where seasonal hail and heat can take a toll on roofing materials, routine inspections are critical.
Commercial Roofing – Work With Rhino Roofers
Commercial roofing is a specialized area of construction and maintenance that serves the unique needs of non-residential buildings. From selecting the right system to understanding resurfacing rules and drainage requirements, commercial roofs require a different mindset than residential projects.
Whether you’re managing an office park in Austin or a retail strip in San Antonio, knowing what commercial roofing involves—and how it differs from residential roofing—can help you protect your property, budget for future repairs, and comply with building codes.
For building owners, facility managers, and developers alike, commercial roofing is a topic worth understanding—not just when a problem arises, but as part of ongoing planning and asset protection.
Rhino Roofers is the best provider of commercial roofing in the San Antonio / Austin area. Give us a call today to see how we can help you find the right roofing for your structure.