When the time comes to either replace or repair the roof on a commercial property in Nashville, it is crucial to make the right choice when selecting a roofing company to best meet your needs. While there are a variety of roofing options available, that does not necessarily mean each meets the correct standards as far as licensure, and even customer service.
If you’re newer to the area or simply interested in other roofing options, there are some practical tips to keep in mind when looking for a roofing company. While it can feel overwhelming as to where to start in your search, the team at Austermiller is here to help you make the best decision for your roofing needs. We work on residential and commercial roofing projects with expert knowledge of top material roofing, and a pulse on what material works best for local weather conditions.
Read on to learn how to choose a commercial roofing company in Nashville with confidence.
The Difference Between Commercial and Residential Roofing
The main difference between commercial and residential roofing is that the former focuses on roofing needs for business, offices, warehouses, or shopping centers/malls. Residential roofing is for homes, apartments, and townhomes. While roofing for both commercial and residential may look different in a few ways, the goal is still the same. To provide quality protection for the building or structure.
Whichever type of roofing you’re seeking, a skilled and credible roofing company will be able to provide top customer service, with honesty and integrity, to give you the best roof possible.
What to Look for in a Commercial Roofing Company
Looking for a commercial roofing company can be overwhelming as there are a variety of options, but that does not mean they’re the right options. Let’s look at how to choose a commercial roofing company in Nashville.
Some things to look for in a commercial roofing company include:
- Credibility: Anyone can say they install roofs, but that does not mean they are legitimate and certified to do so. When exploring options for roofing companies, check out their website and look for their state license and registration for their business. You can check out if they are a legitimate business through Tennessee’s Department of Commerce & Insurance website. The importance of a business being certified and registered with state means they meet state requirements and qualifications as a business.
- Reviews and Referrals: Most businesses should have images of the roofing work they have done on their website. If not, you can also check out Google reviews to see if any customers have left ratings and photos of the company’s work. It can also be helpful to ask friends or neighbors if they know of any local roofing companies they trust and can vouch for. Additionally, look for local roofing companies as they will be most familiar with Nashville weather and what roofing material is best for the area.
- Strong Customer Service: Quality customer service is more than just answering the phone after the first ring, it’s going above and beyond to ensure each customer feels like they can trust the roofing company they’re working with. Look for roofing companies that help you to understand roofing things such as the difference between roofing material, what roofing material is best for a particular look you’re wanting, and will offer a free estimate too!
- Offers Warranties and Inspections: A credible roofing company will also include warranties with a full roof installation or full repair. Beyond warranties, look for roofing companies that also offer inspection services even if you are not a current customer. This also shows that the company has the resources and abilities to offer not just installation services, but repairs and maintenance too.
- Utilizes Certified Manufacturers: It is also helpful to look for roofing companies which utilize certified manufacturers of roofing materials. Austermiller is proud to install commercial roofing from some of the top certified manufacturers including Carlisle, Elevate, Johns Manville, Durolast, Sarnifil, and GAF, just to name a few.
Common Commercial Roofing Materials
Commercial roofing material will be different from traditional residential roofing. This is mainly because commercial roofs are much larger and are more complex to install and maintain. Due to the scale of commercial roofing, they will also need to withstand the building’s weight and external conditions like weather. Here are some common commercial roofing materials many roofing companies use:
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is one of the most common choices for commercial roofing. It is usually made of aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper. One of the reasons why this is a top choice material for commercial roofing is that it is fairly durable against strong weather conditions. Since Nashville is no stranger to severe thunderstorms and hail, metal roofing may be one of the best picks when it comes to selecting roofing materials for your commercial property. Additionally, metal roofing provides a longer lifespan as they typically last 40 – 100 years. Metal roofing will need regular maintenance to check in on any cracks or loose pieces, as well as unnecessary rust.
Green Roofing
One of the more sustainable roofing options available, green roofing is made up of different natural layers. This type of roofing usually serves as another addition to add to any already set roof, like a metal roof. Since there are two layers of protection on the roof, both can provide stronger protection against hail and strong storms.
Green roofing also includes water and drainage systems too, while also being waterproof. The lifetime of a green roof is anywhere from 40-50 years and will require maintenance on the drainage and natural elements apart from this kind of roof. If you’re looking to add a sense of nature and peace to your commercial property, then green roofing may be the thing you’re looking for!
As a matter of fact, the Nashville Music City Center included a green roof for better sustainability while also paying homage to the rolling hills of middle Tennessee.
PVC Roofing
Also known as polyvinyl chloride, PVC roofing is known for its durability and energy efficiency. And with Nashville’s warm summers and thunderstorms, PVC roofing can come in handy for protection for a majority of commercial buildings. Beyond its durability, this type of roofing usually can last around 30 years. Yearly maintenance will be needed for PVC roofing such as cleaning to remove any dirt build up or external materials.
EPDM Roofing
Ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM, is a type of roofing which is typically used for low sloped buildings. EPDM is made from a synthetic rubber with little to no maintenance required. In addition, EPDM roofing can last upwards to 30 years and is hail resistant, making it another great choice for roofing material in the greater Nashville area.
BUR Roofing
BUR, or built up roof system, is made up of layers of asphalt, roofing fabric, and tar like materials. These layers work together to provide stronger protection and are known for being a top fire-resistant roofing material. BUR roofs can last anywhere from 20 – 30 years and require cleaning and regular maintenance at least twice a year.
TPO Roofing
TPO roofs are made from a synthetic type of rubber and is another popular choice for commercial buildings due to its durability and ability to keep heat out, and cool air in! Considering the heat that can come during a Nashville summer, TPO roofing may be a great choice for a commercial building in the greater Nashville area. TPO roofs have a lifetime from 15-30 years with regular maintenance.
How Long Does a Commercial Roof Last
The longevity of a commercial roof will depend on a few factors such as the type of material, weather conditions it encounters, and if maintenance is properly kept up with. A skilled roofer with Austermiller will be able to answer any questions you may have, and can help guide you in the right direction with what you’re needing for your commercial building.
“It is very important to keep a good maintenance plan for all roofs. From shingle roofs to any type of flat roof, a good maintenance plan allows the customer to get the most life out of any roof. A yearly walk of the building whether home or business will help identify small problems early to prevent a big expensive fix later down the road. All commercial warranties require the owner to keep a good maintenance log of the roof for the life of the roof. Let us know at Austermiller if this is something that might be of interest and we can inspect the roof and come up with a plan.” – Craig Sanford, Austermiller Inc., Commercial Roofing Manager
Roofing Material and Nashville Weather
While Nashville does not often receive extreme weather, in recent years it has been common for our area to receive thunderstorms and a few hail storms. In May of 2024, Williamson County was faced with a hail storm that created hail 3 inches in size, damaging cars and homes. With this in mind, it is important to know the pros and cons of any roofing material to ensure you are selecting a material that can work to best protect your business or commercial property.
Many roofing materials also work to provide extra protection against UV rays such as PVC roofing. Nashville summers can crank up the heat, and having a roof that is resistant to the sun’s harsh rays can be helpful in the long run.
Commercial Roofing with Austermiller in Nashville
At Austermiller our goal is not only to provide quality commercial roofing service, it’s also to provide each customer with the satisfaction and assurance that they are investing in an experienced and professional roofing company. With over 30 years in the roofing industry, Austermiller is available to meet any of your commercial roofing needs in the greater Nashville area.
If you’re ready to take the next step with us then schedule a free estimate today, or contact us to get started. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to provide quality roofing for your business or commercial property in Nashville, TN.