When it comes to large-scale building projects, choosing the right contractor can make or break your investment. One of the most common questions property owners ask is: Should I hire a general contractor or a commercial roofing contractor?
The answer depends on the scope, complexity, and long-term performance expectations of your roof.
What Does a General Contractor Do?
A general contractor (GC) oversees entire construction or renovation projects. They coordinate multiple trades—electrical, plumbing, framing, and sometimes roofing—acting as the project manager rather than the specialist.
General contractors are a great fit when:
- Roofing is a small part of a larger construction project
- The roof system is simple and low-risk
- Long-term roofing performance isn’t mission-critical
However, roofing is rarely “simple” on commercial buildings. Modern commercial roofing systems involve advanced materials, engineering requirements, and manufacturer specifications that fall outside a GC’s core expertise.
What Is a Commercial Roofing Contractor?
A commercial roofing contractor specializes exclusively in roofing systems for commercial and industrial buildings. This focus matters—especially when dealing with high-performance systems like TPO roofing and EPDM roofing, where installation precision directly affects lifespan, energy efficiency, and warranty coverage.
Commercial roofing contractors:
- Specialize in flat and low-slope roofing systems
- Understand drainage, insulation, and building envelope science
- Are trained and certified by roofing manufacturers
- Handle long-term maintenance, repairs, and emergency service
In short: roofing isn’t a side job—it’s the whole job.
Why Commercial Roofing Expertise Matters
Commercial roofing systems aren’t interchangeable. Choosing the wrong installer—or an installer without deep system knowledge—can lead to premature failure, leaks, and denied warranties.
For example:
- TPO roofing requires precise heat-welded seams and proper substrate prep
- EPDM roofing depends on correct adhesion methods and detailing to prevent long-term shrinkage or failure
A general contractor may subcontract the work, adding cost and layers of communication. A commercial roofing contractor owns the system end-to-end.
Commercial Roofing Contractor vs. General Contractor: A Quick Comparison
- General Contractor: Broad oversight, limited roofing specialization
- Commercial Roofing Contractor: Deep expertise, system-specific knowledge, direct accountability
If your project’s success depends on roof performance—and for commercial buildings, it almost always does—specialization wins.
Why Property Owners Choose North Amercian Roofing
At North Amercian Roofing, commercial roofing isn’t one line item among many—it’s our entire focus. We design, install, maintain, and service commercial roofing systems built to last.
Our team specializes in:
- Commercial roofing for industrial, retail, and institutional buildings
- High-performance TPO roofing and EPDM roofing systems
- Preventative maintenance programs and emergency response
- Long-term solutions, not quick fixes
When your roof protects your people, equipment, and operations, experience matters.
The Bottom Line
If you’re planning a full building project, a general contractor plays an important role. But when it comes to your roof—the system that takes the most abuse and protects everything below it—a commercial roofing contractor is the smarter, safer choice.
Specialization isn’t a luxury in commercial roofing. It’s a requirement.
FAQs
What is the difference between a commercial roofing contractor and a general contractor?
A commercial roofing contractor specializes exclusively in commercial roofing systems, while a general contractor manages multiple trades across a construction project. For complex systems like TPO roofing or EPDM roofing, a dedicated commercial roofing contractor provides deeper expertise, better warranties, and long-term performance.
Can a general contractor install a commercial roof?
A general contractor can subcontract roofing work, but they typically do not self-perform specialized commercial roofing installations. This can add cost, reduce accountability, and increase the risk of installation errors—especially with advanced systems like TPO or EPDM roofing.
Why should I hire a commercial roofing contractor instead of a general contractor?
Commercial roofing contractors focus solely on roofing systems, understand manufacturer requirements, and are trained to install and maintain high-performance commercial roofing assemblies. This specialization helps ensure durability, energy efficiency, and warranty compliance.
Is TPO roofing better installed by a commercial roofing contractor?
Yes. TPO roofing requires precise heat-welded seams, correct insulation placement, and strict quality control. A commercial roofing contractor has the training and equipment needed to install TPO systems correctly and consistently.
What types of buildings need a commercial roofing contractor?
Commercial roofing contractors are best suited for office buildings, warehouses, retail centers, manufacturing facilities, schools, and healthcare buildings—any structure where roof performance directly impacts operations.
Does North Amercian Roofing work with general contractors?
Yes. North Amercian Roofing frequently partners with general contractors, architects, and property managers to provide specialized commercial roofing expertise while maintaining clear accountability for the roofing system.
Ready to Talk Commercial Roofing?
If you’re planning a new roof, replacement, or evaluating TPO roofing or EPDM roofing options, work with a team that specializes in commercial roofing—nothing else.
North Amercian Roofing delivers expert guidance, proven systems, and long-term performance you can count on.
Call (800) 551-5602 to speak with a commercial roofing expert and schedule a consultation today.
