Commercial Roofing in Philadelphia & Surrounding Counties

Commercial Roof Inspections

Commercial roof problems can develop around seams, flashing, drains and rooftop equipment before water becomes visible inside the building. Routine inspections help identify these conditions before they interrupt business or damage the interior.

During an accessible commercial roof inspection, we may evaluate:

• Roofing membrane condition
• Seams and previous repairs
• Flashing and roof edges
• Parapet walls and coping
• Drains, scuppers and gutters
• Ponding-water areas
• HVAC curbs and penetrations
• Vent pipes
• Skylights
• Signs of punctures or impact damage
• Visible roof-decking problems
• Interior areas related to reported leaks

After the inspection, we explain what we found and whether repair, maintenance, coating or replacement should be considered.

Commercial Roof Repair

Commercial roof leaks can originate far from the location where water becomes visible inside the building. Moisture may travel beneath the roofing membrane, along roof decking or around structural components before reaching a ceiling or wall.

Common commercial roofing problems include:

• Open or separated seams
• Punctured membranes
• Deteriorated flashing
• Leaks around HVAC equipment
• Cracked sealants
• Loose coping or edge metal
• Clogged drains and scuppers
• Ponding water
• Storm and wind damage
• Failed previous repairs
• Moisture beneath roofing materials
• Damaged roof decking

Our team examines the surrounding roofing system instead of simply applying roofing cement over the first visible opening.

Commercial Flat-Roof Replacement

A commercial roof may require replacement when deterioration is widespread or continuing to make isolated repairs no longer provides dependable protection.

Replacement may be appropriate when the roof has:

• Recurring leaks in different areas
• Numerous previous patches
• Widespread membrane deterioration
• Extensive seam separation
• Saturated materials
• Significant storm damage
• Damaged roof decking
• Drainage problems that require reconstruction
• Reached the end of its practical service life

Before recommending replacement, we evaluate whether a targeted repair, maintenance program or roof coating remains a reasonable option.

Commercial Roofing Systems

The right commercial roofing system depends on the building design, existing materials, roof slope, drainage, rooftop equipment, budget and long-term plans for the property.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen is commonly used on flat and low-slope buildings throughout Philadelphia. It consists of reinforced asphalt-based roofing material installed in overlapping sections.

Modified bitumen can be a practical option for:

• Small commercial buildings
• Mixed-use properties
• Apartment buildings
• Row-style commercial properties
• Roofs with regular service access

Our team repairs and installs qualifying modified bitumen roofing systems and addresses seams, flashing, penetrations and drainage areas.

EPDM Roofing

EPDM is a flexible synthetic rubber membrane used on many flat and low-slope commercial roofs. Proper installation requires secure seams, compatible flashing and careful treatment around penetrations and roof edges.

Common EPDM problems include:

• Open seams
• Punctures
• Shrinkage
• Loose flashing
• Damage around penetrations
• Deteriorated previous repairs

We inspect the surrounding membrane before determining whether localized repair or replacement is appropriate.

TPO Roofing

TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane frequently used on commercial and low-slope buildings. Its seams are joined to create a continuous roofing surface.

TPO roofing requires careful installation around:

• Seams
• Roof edges
• Drains
• HVAC curbs
• Vent pipes
• Skylights
• Other penetrations

Roofworks provides TPO inspection, repair and replacement services for qualifying commercial properties.

Commercial Roof Coatings

A roof coating may help protect and extend the service life of a commercial roof that remains structurally serviceable. Coatings can provide an additional weather-resistant surface and seal certain areas of minor deterioration.

Before recommending a coating, we inspect the existing roof to determine whether it is a suitable candidate. A coating should not be used to conceal saturated materials, severe deterioration or structural damage.

Available systems may include:

• Aluminum roof coatings
• White elastomeric roof coatings
• Compatible waterproofing coatings

Necessary repairs and surface preparation must be completed before the coating is applied.

Commercial Roof Drainage

Water must move efficiently from a commercial roof. Clogged drains, poorly positioned scuppers, damaged drain boxes and low areas can allow water to remain on the surface.

Standing water can place additional stress on:

• Roofing seams
• Flashing
• Previous repairs
• Roof penetrations
• Drainage components
• Roof decking

Our team evaluates accessible drains, scuppers, gutters and low areas when investigating leaks or planning commercial roofing work.

Preventive Commercial Roof Maintenance

Preventive maintenance helps building owners address minor roofing problems before they become interior leaks or larger repairs.

A commercial roof maintenance program may include:

• Periodic roof inspections
• Seam and flashing evaluation
• Drainage-area checks
• Removal of accessible roof debris
• Minor compatible sealing
• Monitoring previous repairs
• Identifying punctures or surface damage
• Photographic documentation
• Recommendations for future work

Inspections are particularly useful after severe weather, rooftop mechanical work or visits from other trades that may have damaged the membrane.

Repair, Coat or Replace?

Commercial building owners generally have three possible approaches when a roofing system begins to deteriorate.

Repair

Repair may be appropriate when damage is localized and the surrounding roof remains serviceable.

Roof coating

A coating may be considered when the roof is generally stable but needs additional surface protection. Repairs and preparation are normally required first.

Replacement

Replacement may provide better long-term value when deterioration is widespread, leaks are recurring or the existing system cannot be repaired reliably.

Roofworks evaluates the roofing system and explains the advantages and limitations of the available options.

Our Commercial Roofing Process

1. Discuss the property

We learn about the building, reported problems, interior concerns and any known roofing history.

2. Inspect the roofing system

Our team evaluates accessible roof surfaces, seams, flashing, drainage areas and penetrations.

3. Document the conditions

We can provide photographs of relevant areas when safely accessible.

4. Review your options

We explain whether repair, maintenance, coating or replacement is recommended.

5. Provide an estimate

You receive an estimate describing the proposed work and roofing materials.

6. Plan the project

We coordinate scheduling and access requirements with the property owner or authorized representative.

7. Complete and review the work

Our team performs the approved roofing work and reviews the completed project.

Minimizing Disruption to Your Property

Commercial roofing projects require planning around tenants, customers, deliveries, vehicles and daily operations. Before beginning work, we discuss:

• Building and roof access
• Business operating hours
• Tenant communication
• Material staging
• Parking and loading areas
• Rooftop equipment
• Interior leak locations
• Safety around occupied areas
• Project scheduling

The appropriate plan depends on the building and scope of work.

Why Choose Roofworks?

Commercial property owners choose Roofworks because we provide:

• More than 28 years of roofing experience
• Licensed and insured roofing service
• Commercial flat-roof expertise
• Repair, maintenance, coating and replacement options
• Honest roof assessments
• Clear project estimates
• Quality roofing materials
• Project photographs when available
• Service throughout Philadelphia and surrounding counties
• Free commercial roof inspections and estimates

Roofworks is built on honesty and driven by integrity. We focus on recommending work based on the roof’s actual condition and the property owner’s long-term needs.

Serving Philadelphia and Surrounding Counties

Roofworks provides commercial roofing services throughout:

• Philadelphia
• Bucks County
• Montgomery County
• Delaware County
• Chester County

We serve qualifying properties in Northeast Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, Center City and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a commercial roof be inspected?

Commercial roofs should generally be inspected periodically and after severe storms, rooftop construction or mechanical work. The appropriate schedule depends on the roof’s age, materials and condition.

Can a leaking commercial roof be repaired?

Many localized commercial roof leaks can be repaired. The roof must be inspected to determine whether the surrounding membrane and roofing system remain serviceable.

Does ponding water mean the roof must be replaced?

Not necessarily. The cause, depth, duration and effect of the standing water must be evaluated. Some drainage problems can be corrected without replacing the entire roof.

Can an existing commercial roof be coated?

Possibly. The roof must be inspected first. Wet materials, structural damage and severe membrane deterioration may need to be corrected before a coating can be considered.

What commercial roofing systems do you service?

Roofworks services qualifying modified bitumen, EPDM, TPO and other flat or low-slope roofing systems.

Can you work around business operations?

We discuss access, scheduling and occupied areas before the project. The ability to work around operations depends on the building and scope of work.

Do you provide commercial roof maintenance?

Yes. We provide inspections, preventive maintenance and repair recommendations for qualifying commercial properties.

Do you provide free commercial roofing estimates?

Yes. Contact Roofworks to request a commercial roof inspection and estimate.

Request a Commercial Roof Inspection

Protect your property, tenants and business operations with professional commercial roofing service from Roofworks.

Call 215-220-3908 or complete our online form to request a free commercial roof inspection and estimate.