Commercial Asphalt Roofing

Not every commercial building has a flat roof. Churches, strip malls, multi-unit housing, HOA clubhouses, restaurants with steep-slope sections -- plenty of commercial properties use asphalt shingles. The difference between a commercial asphalt job and a residential one comes down to scale, coordination, and the specific demands of a building that people are using every day.

Commercial Asphalt Applications

We install and replace asphalt roofing on a range of commercial buildings across the Traverse City area:

• Multi-unit residential -- Apartment buildings, condos, and townhome complexes. We coordinate with property managers and handle resident communication.
• Retail and office -- Strip malls, professional offices, and mixed-use buildings with steep-slope roof sections.
• Churches and community buildings -- Often large, complex roofs with steep pitches, steeples, and unique architectural details.
• Restaurants and hospitality -- Tourist-area businesses that can't afford extended downtime. We work fast and clean.
• HOA and association properties -- Clubhouses, pool buildings, and common area structures.

Commercial-Grade Materials

For commercial projects, we typically spec heavier-weight shingles that can handle higher foot traffic (HVAC technicians, maintenance crews) and the additional wear that comes with larger roof areas. We install:

• GAF Timberline HDZ and Ultra HD -- Reliable performance with strong warranties. GAF's commercial warranty programs cover both materials and labor.
• CertainTeed Landmark Pro and Presidential -- Premium profiles that give commercial buildings a high-end appearance with long-term durability.
• Owens Corning Duration and Berkshire -- High wind ratings and excellent color retention. Good warranty options for commercial properties.

How Commercial Jobs Are Different

Commercial asphalt roofing isn't just a bigger version of residential work. Here's what goes into a commercial project:

• Project planning -- We work with property managers and building owners to create a phased schedule that minimizes disruption to tenants and customers.
• Safety requirements -- Larger roofs mean more crew, more material staging, and stricter OSHA compliance. We run a tight safety program on every commercial job.
• Code compliance -- Commercial buildings have different building code requirements than residential. We pull all necessary permits and ensure the work passes inspection.
• Ventilation at scale -- Larger roof areas need carefully engineered ventilation. Inadequate airflow on a 10,000 square foot roof causes much bigger problems than on a 2,000 square foot home.
• Warranty documentation -- We provide complete documentation for your records, including manufacturer warranty registration, as-built details, and maintenance recommendations.

Northern Michigan Considerations

Commercial buildings in our area take a beating from lake-effect snow and wind. We account for that on every job:

• Ice and water shield on all eaves, valleys, and areas prone to ice dam formation
• Enhanced ventilation to manage the temperature differential that causes ice dams on large roof planes
• High-wind-rated shingles -- 130 mph minimum on commercial projects
• Reinforced flashing at all wall junctions and penetrations
• Snow guard installation where snow slides could affect walkways, parking areas, or neighboring structures

If your commercial property needs a new asphalt roof or you're dealing with ongoing leak issues, let's talk. We'll assess the building, put together a detailed scope of work, and give you a straightforward estimate.