What Does Commercial Roofing Include?
Commercial roofing covers the installation, repair, and maintenance of roofing systems on non-residential buildings. This includes low-slope and flat roofs common on San Francisco offices, retail spaces, multi-family complexes, and industrial facilities. We handle everything from a small patch repair on a 1,000-square-foot storefront to a full tear-off and replacement on a 50,000-square-foot warehouse.
How Much Does Commercial Roof Replacement Cost in San Francisco?
Costs vary by system size, material, and access difficulty. For a typical 5,000-square-foot flat roof, you can expect $15,000 to $30,000 for a TPO or PVC membrane system. Modified bitumen runs $12,000 to $22,000. Built-up roofing (BUR) ranges from $14,000 to $28,000. These figures include labor, disposal, and basic flashing. We provide itemized quotes so you see exactly where your money goes.
What Are the Best Commercial Roofing Materials for San Francisco?
San Francisco's climate—cool summers, frequent fog, and occasional heavy rain—demands materials that handle moisture and temperature swings. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is our top recommendation for flat roofs: it's energy-efficient, reflects UV rays, and has heat-welded seams that resist leaks. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) offers similar benefits with added chemical resistance for restaurant or industrial roofs. Modified bitumen provides durability and is easier to repair. For pitched commercial roofs, we install standing seam metal panels that last 40+ years.
Our Commercial Roofing Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Free Inspection and Consultation
We start with a no-obligation roof inspection. Our estimator measures the roof, checks for ponding water, membrane condition, flashing integrity, and insulation levels. We identify any code issues like missing crickets or inadequate drainage. You'll receive a written report with photos and three repair or replacement options.
Step 2: Material Selection and Permitting
Once you choose a system, we help you select the right membrane thickness (typically 60-mil or 80-mil TPO), insulation type (polyiso or EPS), and warranty length (20-year or 30-year manufacturer warranty). We handle all San Francisco building permits, including green roof compliance if you're adding vegetation. Permit fees average $500 to $2,000 depending on project size.
Step 3: Site Preparation and Safety
Our crew sets up safety lines, warning signs, and debris containment. We protect landscaping, HVAC units, and skylights with plywood and tarps. For occupied buildings, we coordinate with property managers to minimize disruption. We work Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, unless after-hours work is required.
Step 4: Tear-Off and Deck Repair
We remove the existing roofing down to the structural deck. Our team disposes of all debris in dumpsters—no illegal dumping. We inspect the deck for rot, rust, or damage and repair any compromised areas. In San Francisco, many older buildings have wood plank decks that need selective replacement. We budget 1-2 days for tear-off on a typical 5,000-square-foot roof.
Step 5: Insulation and Membrane Installation
New insulation boards are mechanically attached or adhered to the deck. We stagger seams to prevent thermal bridging. For TPO and PVC, we heat-weld all seams with a robotic welder for consistent strength. Flashings around curbs, vents, and parapets are reinforced with peel-and-stick membrane and metal termination bars. We install new edge metal and drip edge to prevent wind uplift.
Step 6: Final Inspection and Warranty
We flood-test the roof to check for leaks. A final walkthrough with you or your property manager covers maintenance tips and warranty details. Every commercial roof comes with a 5-year workmanship warranty and the manufacturer's material warranty. We also offer annual maintenance plans for $300-$600 per year.
How Long Does a Commercial Roof Installation Take?
A complete replacement on a 5,000-square-foot flat roof typically takes 5-7 working days, weather permitting. Tear-off and deck repair: 1-2 days. Insulation and membrane: 2-3 days. Flashing and trim: 1 day. Final inspection and cleanup: 1 day. Larger projects scale proportionally—a 20,000-square-foot roof might take 3-4 weeks.
What Commercial Roof Repairs Do We Handle?
We fix leaks, blisters, punctures, seam separations, flashing failures, and ponding water. For emergency leaks, we offer same-day tarping and temporary repairs. Permanent repairs typically cost $500 to $3,000 depending on the issue. We use the same materials as the original roof to ensure compatibility and warranty validity.
Why Choose Fixit Roofers for Your Commercial Roof?
We've been a licensed San Francisco roofing contractor since 2003. Our crews are OSHA-trained and carry full insurance. We've completed over 300 commercial projects in the city, from small storefronts to multi-story apartment buildings. We don't subcontract—every job has a Fixit foreman on-site. We stand behind our work with clear warranties and responsive service.
Ready to Get Started? Call us at (415) 763-2948. We'll schedule a free inspection within 48 hours. No pressure, just honest advice and a detailed quote.