Austin Commercial Roofing
Flat Roofs. Tight Timelines. Zero Excuses.
Your building's roof isn't a line item you think about until it fails—and then it's an emergency that disrupts tenants, damages inventory, or shuts down operations. We handle commercial roofing across Austin from 5,000 square foot retail spaces to 100,000+ square foot warehouses. Our job is to keep your roof performing so you can focus on your actual business.
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How much does commercial roofing cost in Austin, TX?
Austin commercial roofing typically costs $5-15 per square foot installed, depending on system type and building complexity. TPO membrane systems run $6-10/sq ft, EPDM (rubber) systems $5-8/sq ft, standing seam metal $12-18/sq ft, and built-up/modified bitumen systems $7-12/sq ft. A 20,000 square foot flat roof replacement with TPO typically runs $140,000-$200,000. Final pricing depends on roof access, existing conditions, insulation requirements, and phasing needs. We provide detailed proposals after site assessment.
- TPO membrane: $6-10 per square foot installed
- EPDM (rubber): $5-8 per square foot installed
- Standing seam metal: $12-18 per square foot installed
- Built-up/modified bitumen: $7-12 per square foot installed
- Most commercial roofs completed in 1-3 weeks depending on size
- 20-year No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranties available
Commercial Roofing Challenges in Austin
What Austin Weather Does to Flat Roofs
Commercial buildings in Austin face the same heat, UV, and hail challenges as residential—but flat and low-slope roofs have their own failure modes. Understanding these helps you make better decisions about materials, maintenance, and replacement timing.
UV & Thermal Degradation
Impact: Austin's 220+ sunny days per year and UV index that regularly hits 10-11 accelerates membrane aging. Roof surface temperatures exceed 160°F in summer, stressing seams and flashings through daily expansion cycles.
Our Solution: White reflective membranes (TPO, PVC, white EPDM) reduce surface temperatures by 30-50°F, extending roof life and reducing cooling costs. We specify materials with proven UV stability for Texas applications.
Hail Damage
Impact: Commercial membranes handle small hail better than shingles, but larger hail (1"+) can puncture single-ply membranes and damage metal panels. Impact damage creates leak paths that may not appear immediately.
Our Solution: We offer impact-resistant assemblies with added cover boards and heavier membrane gauges for properties in high-exposure areas. Post-storm inspections are critical—damage isn't always visible from ground level.
Ponding Water
Impact: Code requires commercial flat roofs to drain within 48 hours, but settlement, blocked drains, and design issues cause ponding. Standing water accelerates membrane deterioration, adds structural load, and breeds mosquitoes (an Austin health code issue).
Our Solution: We assess drainage during every evaluation. Solutions range from adding tapered insulation to create slope, to installing additional drains, to addressing structural settlement. Proper drainage extends roof life significantly.
Wind Uplift
Impact: Severe thunderstorms bring 60-80 mph gusts to Austin several times per year. Flat roofs experience uplift forces at edges and corners. Improperly attached membranes can peel back, especially at perimeters.
Our Solution: We design attachment patterns based on FM Global or ASCE wind maps for your specific building location and height. Edge metal, fastener patterns, and adhesive specifications all factor into wind resistance.
HVAC & Rooftop Equipment
Impact: Commercial roofs are working platforms—HVAC units, exhaust fans, satellite dishes, solar panels all create penetrations and foot traffic patterns. Each penetration is a potential leak point; each service visit risks membrane damage.
Our Solution: We install walk pads for traffic paths, equipment supports that don't penetrate the membrane, and high-quality flashings around all penetrations. Proper planning reduces future maintenance headaches.
Commercial Roofing by Austin Building Type
We work across all Austin commercial sectors. Here's what we typically encounter:
Office & Tech Campus
Austin's tech boom has created millions of square feet of office space, from downtown high-rises to suburban campuses. Buildings range from 1990s construction to brand new.
Roofing Notes: Tenant disruption is the primary concern—nobody wants roofing noise during business hours. We typically work nights/weekends or during tenant transitions. Energy efficiency matters for these properties; reflective membranes reduce cooling costs measurably.
Retail & Restaurant
Strip centers, standalone retail, restaurants—businesses where customer experience is everything and any disruption affects revenue directly.
Roofing Notes: We phase work to keep businesses open. Odor-free installation methods are essential for restaurants. Fast project completion minimizes revenue impact. We coordinate with property managers on tenant communication.
Warehouse & Distribution
Austin's growth has driven massive warehouse construction along the I-35 corridor and in the eastern suburbs. Large footprints (50,000-500,000 sq ft) with minimal complexity.
Roofing Notes: Scale drives value—larger roofs mean lower per-square-foot costs. Structural capacity for rooftop equipment (HVAC, solar) is a common consideration. 24/7 operations may require nighttime work to avoid disruption.
Multi-Family & HOA
Apartment complexes, condos, and townhome communities with flat or low-slope common area roofs. Often managed by property management companies.
Roofing Notes: Multiple building coordination, resident notification, and phased schedules are standard. We work with property managers on budgeting and reserve planning. HOA approval processes vary and we assist with documentation.
Medical & Healthcare
Clinics, surgery centers, medical office buildings with strict operational requirements and patient care considerations.
Roofing Notes: Infection control protocols may restrict when and how we can work. Patient noise sensitivity affects scheduling. HVAC system criticality means coordinating carefully around mechanical equipment.
Hospitality
Hotels, event venues, and hospitality properties where guest experience is paramount.
Roofing Notes: Guest room noise sensitivity drives scheduling. Pool and outdoor area closures must be coordinated. Aesthetic considerations for visible roof areas. We work during low-occupancy periods when possible.
Austin Commercial Roofing Costs in 2026
Commercial roofing is priced by the square foot, but the right system depends on your building type, expected roof life, and operational priorities. Here's what to budget:
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
$6 - $10 per sq ft installed
The current market leader for Austin commercial flat roofs. White reflective surface reduces cooling costs. Heat-welded seams are stronger than adhesive. 15-25 year warranties typical. Best balance of cost, performance, and energy efficiency.
EPDM (Rubber)
$5 - $8 per sq ft installed
Proven system with 50+ year track record. Black absorbs heat (white available at premium). Good puncture resistance. Lower cost but higher cooling costs than reflective options. Still appropriate for warehouses and covered work areas.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
$8 - $12 per sq ft installed
Premium single-ply option. Chemical resistant—ideal for restaurants, manufacturing with roof exhausts. Heat-welded seams. Better fire resistance than TPO. Higher cost justified for specific applications.
Modified Bitumen
$7 - $10 per sq ft installed
Multi-layer asphalt system. Good puncture resistance and repairability. Heavier than single-ply. Works well for roofs with heavy foot traffic or equipment. Torch-applied or self-adhered options.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
$8 - $12 per sq ft installed
Traditional multi-ply system. Excellent waterproofing and longevity. Labor-intensive installation. Best for large, simple roof shapes. Still specified for some institutional and industrial applications.
Standing Seam Metal
$12 - $18 per sq ft installed
For sloped commercial roofs or where metal aesthetics are desired. 40-60 year lifespan. Excellent hail resistance. Higher upfront cost but lowest lifecycle cost. Good for offices, retail with visible rooflines.
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
$6 - $10 per sq ft installed
Spray-applied insulation and waterproofing in one. Creates seamless membrane. Can be applied over existing roof in some cases (avoiding tear-off costs). Requires recoating every 10-15 years.
Factors Affecting Price
- Roof access and logistics (crane lifts for high-rises, staging areas)
- Existing roof removal vs. recover (recovering saves costs when structurally appropriate)
- Insulation requirements (energy code compliance, R-value specifications)
- Penetration complexity (HVAC units, exhaust fans, skylights)
- Phasing requirements (working around occupied spaces)
- Warranty level selected (standard vs. NDL enhanced)
Pricing reflects 2026 Austin market rates. Actual costs vary by project specifics. We provide detailed proposals after on-site assessment.
Our Commercial Roofing Process
Commercial projects require different execution than residential. Here's how we approach them:
Initial Consultation
We start with understanding your situation: What's driving the project? Are you addressing current leaks, planning for long-term capital expenditure, or upgrading for energy efficiency? What are your operational constraints?
Local Note: We work with property managers, building owners, and facility directors across Austin. We adapt our communication style to your preferences.
Site Assessment
Comprehensive roof inspection including core samples (where appropriate) to assess existing conditions. We document everything: membrane condition, insulation, deck type, drainage, penetrations, and access logistics.
Local Note: For multi-story Austin buildings, we coordinate with building management for roof access and discuss crane/lift logistics if needed.
System Recommendation
Based on assessment findings, we recommend appropriate systems—not just the most expensive option. We explain trade-offs between materials, warranty levels, and budget to help you make an informed decision.
Local Note: We'll discuss Austin energy code requirements and whether your building qualifies for Austin Energy incentives for cool roof installations.
Detailed Proposal
Written proposal with scope, materials specification, timeline, phasing plan (if needed), and pricing. We include warranty options and can provide multiple system alternatives for comparison.
Contract & Scheduling
Once approved, we lock in materials and schedule. For large projects, we coordinate material staging, equipment delivery, and crew assignments. We provide a detailed project schedule.
Local Note: Austin permit requirements vary by project scope. We handle permit applications and coordinate inspections.
Pre-Construction Meeting
We meet with your team before starting work to review the plan, establish communication protocols, and confirm safety requirements. For occupied buildings, we coordinate tenant notification.
Execution
Installation proceeds according to plan. Daily progress updates, immediate notification of any discovered issues, and strict adherence to safety protocols. We manage our crews directly—no subcontractor surprises.
Local Note: For noise-sensitive Austin properties, we can schedule work during off-hours (typically at premium) to minimize disruption.
Quality Assurance
Project manager inspects work continuously during installation and conducts final walkthrough upon completion. We perform flood testing on flat roofs to verify watertight installation before sign-off.
Documentation & Warranty
Comprehensive close-out package including as-built documentation, warranty certificates, and maintenance recommendations. We register manufacturer warranties and provide you with all certificates.
Commercial Roofing Systems for Austin
Each system has its place. Here's our honest assessment of what works best for different Austin commercial applications:
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
Why for Austin
The go-to choice for most Austin commercial flat roofs. White reflective surface reduces roof temperatures by 30-50°F, directly lowering cooling costs—significant in Austin's 6+ month cooling season. Heat-welded seams are stronger and more durable than glued seams on EPDM.
Best For
Most commercial applications: office, retail, warehouse, multi-family
Considerations
Requires skilled installation—seam welding quality determines long-term performance. We use automatic welding equipment for consistent seams. 60-mil membrane is our standard (some contractors use cheaper 45-mil).
EPDM (Rubber)
Why for Austin
Proven system with decades of track record. More puncture-resistant than TPO. Lower material cost. Black absorbs heat (white available at 15-20% premium), making it better suited for covered warehouses than climate-controlled spaces.
Best For
Warehouses, covered storage, manufacturing where cooling costs are less critical
Considerations
Adhesive or tape seams can fail over time (especially in Austin heat cycles). Not our first choice for high-performance applications, but appropriate for budget-conscious projects with lower performance requirements.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Why for Austin
Premium single-ply with excellent chemical resistance. Essential for roofs exposed to kitchen exhausts, manufacturing fumes, or chemical storage—grease and oils destroy TPO and EPDM but PVC handles them.
Best For
Restaurants, food processing, manufacturing with roof exhaust exposure
Considerations
Higher cost than TPO (typically 25-30% premium) but necessary for certain applications. Heat-welded seams like TPO. Fire resistance ratings superior to TPO.
Modified Bitumen
Why for Austin
Multi-layer system with built-in redundancy. Better puncture resistance than single-ply membranes. Easier field repairs. Good choice for roofs with heavy foot traffic or equipment that might damage single-ply.
Best For
Roofs with heavy equipment traffic, service-intensive buildings, projects where repairability is prioritized
Considerations
Torch-applied installation requires fire watch protocols. Self-adhered cold-applied options available but perform differently. Heavier than single-ply—verify structural capacity.
Standing Seam Metal
Why for Austin
For sloped commercial roofs or low-slope applications where metal is appropriate. Exceptional longevity (40-60 years), excellent hail resistance (dents but doesn't fail), and low maintenance.
Best For
Sloped commercial roofs, properties prioritizing longevity, visible rooflines where aesthetics matter
Considerations
Requires slope (typically 1:12 minimum). Higher upfront cost but lowest lifecycle cost. Oil-canning (waviness) is possible with thinner gauges—we specify appropriate gauge for span.
Roof Coatings (Restoration)
Why for Austin
For roofs with membrane in sound condition but nearing warranty end. Coating can extend roof life 10-15 years at 30-50% of replacement cost. Increasingly popular as a sustainable option.
Best For
Existing roofs with no active leaks, intact membrane, and good drainage
Considerations
Not appropriate for all situations—roof must be in suitable condition. We evaluate honestly whether restoration is viable or whether full replacement is the better investment.
Why Austin Commercial Property Managers Choose Us
Commercial roofing is a different business than residential. Here's what matters to our commercial clients and how we deliver:
We Respect Your Operations
Your building is your business—or your tenants' business. We don't treat commercial projects like residential work with a bigger roof. We plan around your operations, communicate proactively about schedule and disruptions, and do what we say we'll do when we say we'll do it.
Direct Crew Control
We don't farm out commercial work to subcontractors and hope for the best. Our crews are our employees, trained in commercial systems, and directly supervised. This gives us quality control that subcontractor models can't match.
Honest System Recommendations
We'll tell you when a cheaper system makes sense for your situation and when it doesn't. We're not pushing the highest-margin option—we're recommending what fits your building, budget, and operational needs.
Real Warranties That Mean Something
We offer No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranties from GAF that cover full replacement costs without depreciation—not the limited material-only warranties that leave you holding the labor bill. These warranties require certified installation, which we provide.
Long-Term Partnership Approach
Many of our commercial clients have multiple properties or plan to stay in their buildings long-term. We maintain relationships, provide maintenance recommendations, and are here when you need us—not just for the initial sale.
Commercial Roofing Experience in Austin
Commercial roofing in Austin has its own rhythm. The tech boom brought millions of square feet of office space that's now aging into its first major roof cycle. The warehouse explosion along I-35 and out east means we're doing 100,000+ square foot projects regularly. Multi-family construction is constant, and those buildings need roofs that can handle Austin's weather while keeping tenants comfortable.
What we've learned over four years of commercial work here: the logistics matter as much as the roofing. A 50,000 square foot warehouse roof isn't complicated—it's a simple TPO installation. But coordinating material delivery, staging, crew sequencing, and completing the work while the facility operates 24/7? That's where experience shows.
We've also learned that the buildings themselves tell you a lot. A 1990s office building probably has an EPDM roof that's past its prime but structurally sound underneath. A 2000s retail center might have a 60-mil TPO that's still got life left if maintained. A new-construction warehouse might have a budget roof that the developer installed for cost minimization, not longevity.
Our job is to read those situations correctly and give property managers realistic options—not oversell replacements they don't need, but also not under-diagnose problems that will become emergencies.
Recent Projects
North Austin Office Campus
85,000 sq ft TPO replacement over three buildings. Coordinated with property management to work building-by-building during tenant transitions.
Challenge: Mixed occupancy with different noise sensitivity requirements per building
Solution: Phased schedule aligned with each building's occupancy. Night work on one building, daytime on vacant building, weekends on the third. Completed in 6 weeks with no tenant complaints.
East Austin Warehouse District
Two connected warehouse buildings totaling 200,000+ sq ft. 24/7 distribution operation that couldn't shut down.
Challenge: Continuous operations meant we couldn't stage materials inside or block dock doors
Solution: Worked in 40,000 sq ft sections, with material crane-lifted directly to work areas. Pre-staged materials on completed sections. Zero operations disruption over 5-week project.
Domain-Area Retail
32,000 sq ft strip retail center with 12 tenants including two restaurants.
Challenge: Restaurant exhaust exposure had damaged previous TPO installation; couldn't create cooking odors in neighboring businesses
Solution: Specified PVC for restaurant sections (chemical resistant), TPO for remainder. Coordinated with restaurant closures for the 24-hour cure period near their exhausts. No odor complaints from other tenants.
South Austin Multi-Family
180-unit apartment complex across 6 buildings. Mix of flat roofs (clubhouse, carports) and low-slope shingle roofs on residential buildings.
Challenge: Property management wanted to minimize resident disruption and coordinate with capital improvement schedule
Solution: Phased over 4 months to align with unit turnover schedule. Notified residents building-by-building. Property manager reported no complaints despite 6-building project.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a commercial roof replacement take in Austin?
Timeline depends on roof size and complexity. A 20,000 sq ft flat roof typically takes 1-2 weeks. 50,000+ sq ft projects run 3-5 weeks. Phased work around occupied spaces takes longer than continuous installation. We provide specific timelines in our proposal based on your building and operational requirements.
Can you work around our business operations?
Yes, this is standard for commercial work. We routinely work nights and weekends for noise-sensitive tenants, phase projects to keep buildings occupied, and coordinate with property managers on tenant communication. We plan around your operations—not the other way around. There may be premium charges for off-hours work.
Do commercial roofs require permits in Austin?
Yes. The City of Austin requires permits for commercial roof replacements. We handle the entire permit process including application, fees, and scheduling inspections. Commercial permit fees are typically $500-$1,500 depending on project size. Processing time runs 5-10 business days.
What warranty options do you offer for commercial roofing?
We offer multiple warranty tiers: Standard manufacturer warranties (10-20 years, material coverage), Enhanced warranties with labor coverage, and No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranties that cover full replacement costs without depreciation for 20 years. GAF NDL warranties require certified installation, which we provide as a Master Elite contractor.
What's the best commercial roofing system for Austin?
For most Austin commercial applications, we recommend TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin). White TPO reflects heat, reducing cooling costs significantly in our 6+ month cooling season. It's cost-effective, durable, and heat-welded seams provide excellent waterproofing. For restaurants or buildings with chemical exposure, PVC is better. For warehouses where cooling costs aren't critical, EPDM can work at lower cost.
How often should commercial roofs be inspected in Austin?
We recommend semi-annual inspections (spring and fall) plus after any significant storm. Commercial roofs have more penetrations and equipment that can cause issues, and catching problems early prevents larger failures. Many building owners include inspections in their maintenance contracts with us.
Can you install a new roof over my existing commercial roof?
Sometimes. If the existing roof is structurally sound, not waterlogged, and building codes allow it, recovering over existing roof can save 25-40% vs. full tear-off. We assess whether recover is appropriate during our evaluation—it's not right for every situation, and we won't recommend it when the existing roof has issues that need to be removed.
How do you handle roof drains and ponding water issues?
We evaluate drainage as part of every commercial assessment. If your roof has ponding issues (water remaining more than 48 hours after rain), we address this through tapered insulation to create slope toward drains, additional drain installation, or fixing blocked/undersized drains. Proper drainage significantly extends roof life.
Do you handle emergency commercial roof repairs?
Yes. Commercial leaks can damage inventory, equipment, and interrupt operations. We provide emergency response for active leaks, including temporary repairs to stop immediate damage while we plan permanent solutions. Call (512) 877-3087 for emergencies.
What documentation do you provide after project completion?
Comprehensive close-out package including: as-built drawings/documentation, manufacturer warranty certificates (registered), photos of completed work, material specifications and data sheets, permit closure documentation, and maintenance recommendations. Everything you need for your records and any future property transactions.
Contact information
Thank you for considering us for roofing needs. We will get back to you during normal business hours.
