Residential roofs and commercial roofs have different requirements. A contractor who excels at one might not be the right choice for the other. Understanding these differences helps you find the right fit for your specific project.
Residential vs Commercial Roofing
Most San Diego homes have sloped roofs with shingles or tile. The work involves tear-off, underlayment, installing the roofing material, and handling flashing around vents, chimneys, and other penetrations.
Commercial buildings typically have flat or low-slope roofs with membrane systems. The work involves different materials - TPO, modified bitumen, built-up roofing - and different techniques. Drainage, penetrations for HVAC equipment, and different building codes all factor in.
Some contractors do both well. Many specialize. Ask about their project mix and make sure they have relevant experience for your job.
Questions That Matter
For any roofing contractor, commercial or residential:
What is your experience with my specific roof type? Tile requires different skills than asphalt. TPO is different from modified bitumen. Experience with your exact situation matters.
Who manufactures the materials you use? Quality varies significantly among manufacturers. A contractor should be able to explain their material choices and why they prefer certain brands.
Are you certified by any manufacturers? Manufacturer certifications require training and meeting quality standards. They also typically enable better warranty coverage.
How do you handle unexpected problems? Roofing projects sometimes reveal hidden damage. How the contractor approaches surprises tells you a lot about how they operate.
What does your warranty actually cover? Get specifics. Workmanship warranty length, material warranty details, what is excluded, how to make a claim.
For commercial projects specifically, ask about their insurance limits. Commercial jobs require higher coverage. Ask about their experience with buildings similar to yours. Ask about their process for coordinating around your business operations.
The best contractor for you is one with proven experience on projects like yours, clear communication, and fair terms. Everything else is secondary.
Peak Builders handles both residential and commercial roofing throughout San Diego County. We are straightforward about our capabilities and match projects to our experience.
