14 May What Fernandina Beach, FL Business Owners Need To Know About Commercial Roofing

What Fernandina Beach, FL Business Owners
Need To Know About Commercial Roofing

And Why Finding A Roofer Who Understands
Your Bottom Line Matters

---

If you’re a business owner looking for, you don’t have time to waste.

You need answers – fast – and you need a team you can trust to protect your property and bottom line.

Before you get started, it’s important to understand that is a different game from residential roofing – and knowing the difference can help you make smarter decisions about repair, replacement, or new installation.

So, what does commercial roofing really mean? How is it different? And how do you find a roofing contractor you can trust with your building – and your business?

---

How Commercial Roofing Is Different
From Residential Roofing

When people hear “roofing,” they usually think of houses – but commercial roofing is a whole different ball game, with bigger demands, different designs, and unique challenges.

Building Size And Design

One of the biggest differences between commercial and residential roofing comes down to size and complexity.

Commercial roofs are usually much larger – think warehouses, shopping centers, and industrial facilities – and that extra surface area means everything has to scale up.

More material, more engineering, more strategy behind how the roof is installed and supported.

By comparison, residential roofs are much smaller, with steeper pitches and simpler layouts designed mainly to protect single-family homes.

Roof Shape And Pitch

Another big difference is the shape of the roof itself.

Most commercial roofs are flat or low-slope, meaning they have just enough pitch to allow water to drain without pooling.

(And “flat” doesn’t mean perfectly flat – there’s usually a slight angle for drainage.)

Meanwhile, residential roofs are almost always steep-slope designs like gables or hips, built to shed rainwater quickly.

Fun Fact: Flat and low-slope commercial roofs require completely different waterproofing methods because water tends to stick around longer if drainage isn’t perfect.

---

Common Types Of Commercial Roofs

When it comes to commercial roofing, flat and low-slope designs are by far the most common.

Most commercial buildings – from warehouses to shopping centers – have flat roofs or roofs with a very slight slope, allowing for effective water drainage.

Because these roofs are larger and handle different challenges than residential structures, they require materials that are tough, flexible, and built for serious durability.

Flat Roofing Materials

Flat commercial roofs use specialized materials built for durability, energy efficiency, and weather resistance. Some of the most popular options include:

• TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): A white, reflective material that’s highly energy-efficient and tough enough to withstand Florida’s intense UV exposure and storm seasons.
• EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): A durable black rubber material known for its flexibility, long lifespan, and low maintenance needs.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): An excellent choice for restaurants and facilities with exhaust systems, thanks to its strong resistance to chemicals, grease, and environmental wear.

Whatever system you choose, it’s critical to have a commercial roofing expert help you pick the right material for your building’s size, usage, and local weather conditions.

Low-Slope Roofing Systems

Low-slope commercial roofs often use modified bitumen or built-up roofing (BUR) systems.

Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based product that’s durable and great for high-traffic roofs, while built-up roofs use layers of tar and gravel to create an ultra-tough waterproof barrier – although they can be heavier and trickier to install.

Metal Roofing For Commercial Buildings

Finally, metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular for commercial buildings seeking long-lasting durability and storm protection.

Standing seam metal roofs can last 40–70 years with proper care and offer excellent energy efficiency thanks to their reflective surfaces – perfect for businesses dealing with Central Florida’s heat and hurricanes.

---

Protect Your Business With The Right
Commercial Roofing Partner

When it comes to commercial roofing, choosing the right materials is only part of the equation – you also need an expert team that knows how to design, install, and protect your investment for the long haul.

That’s where Universal Roofing and Contracting comes in.

Our team brings years of real-world experience serving businesses across Fernandina Beach and Central Florida. We understand exactly what it takes to build a commercial roof that withstands Florida’s toughest conditions.

From flat roofs to metal systems, we offer full-service commercial roofing solutions designed for durability, energy efficiency, and long-term peace of mind.

So if you’re ready to protect your business with professional commercial roofing backed by true local expertise, contact Universal Roofing and Contracting at 407-214-4872 for a roof inspection today.