Commercial Roofing in Asheville & Western North Carolina
Roofing solutions for businesses, schools, churches, and public facilities
Commercial roofs in Western North Carolina have a hard job. Large surface areas, constant sun and rain, gusty mountain winds, and complex penetrations around HVAC and vents all add up. A reliable roof protects your building, keeps people and equipment safe, and helps control energy costs. True North Roofing designs, installs, repairs, and maintains commercial systems that meet those demands without drama.
This page explains the most common commercial roofing systems, what they typically cost, how long they last, and how we partner with owners and facility managers to keep buildings dry and predictable.
Commercial systems at a glance
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin)
A white single-ply membrane known for strong seams and high reflectivity. Heat-welded laps create a continuous barrier, and the bright surface helps reduce cooling loads in summer.
Typical service life: about 15 to 30 years
Typical installed range in our market: roughly mid to upper single digits per square foot, depending on insulation and complexity
Best for: flat or low-slope roofs on retail, office, light industrial, and schools where energy savings matter
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
A black single-ply membrane with decades of performance history. It handles temperature swings well and can be installed fully adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted.
Typical service life: about 20 to 30 years
Typical installed range: similar to TPO, varies with thickness and attachment method
Best for: large footprints that see freeze-thaw cycles and want simple, proven details
Commercial metal roofing
Standing seam metal is common on sloped commercial roofs and long eaves. Hidden fasteners and interlocking seams deliver excellent weather resistance. With reflective finishes, metal can help stabilize interior temperatures.
Typical service life: 30 years to well beyond 50 when detailed and maintained
Typical installed range: starts higher than single-ply and scales with profile, gauge, and trims
Best for: sloped retail, churches, institutional buildings, and facilities that value longevity and clean lines
Modified bitumen
An evolution of traditional asphalt systems, modified bitumen combines asphalt with polymers for flexibility and durability. It is installed in multiple plies using torch, cold adhesive, or self-adhered sheets.
Typical service life: about 15 to 30 years
Typical installed range: mid tier, varies with number of plies and cap sheet finish
Best for: low-slope roofs that see moderate foot traffic and need robust puncture resistance
Built-up roofing (BUR)
Layered asphalt and reinforcing felts finished with gravel or a reflective cap sheet. It has a long track record and provides solid waterproofing.
Typical service life: about 15 to 30 years
Typical installed range: similar to lower to mid tier systems, but labor can be higher
Best for: heavy duty applications where multi-ply redundancy is preferred
Roof coatings
Elastomeric or silicone coatings can extend the life of certain roofs when the underlying system is still sound. Coatings improve reflectivity, seal small cracks, and defer replacement.
Typical service life extension: 5 to 10 years depending on prep and product
Best for: sound substrates with aging surfaces that need a cost-effective life extension
How to choose the right system
Selecting a commercial roof is about matching the system to the building and its use. We evaluate:
Slope and size. Single-ply membranes excel on large flat or low-slope roofs. Standing seam metal shines on pitched structures and long runs.
Energy performance. White TPO and coated metal reflect sunlight and can lower cooling demand. Black EPDM can help shoulder seasons feel warmer on certain buildings.
Traffic and equipment. If your roof supports frequent service visits or crowded mechanical zones, we add walkway pads, extra plies, and reinforced curb details.
Budget and life cycle. Lower upfront systems can be good choices, but long service life and lower maintenance may make higher initial investments more economical over time.
Sustainability goals. Reflective surfaces, recyclable metals, and solar-ready details support green targets.
Local codes and climate. Western NC rain and wind mean seam integrity and secure edge metal are non-negotiable. We also review any cool-roof requirements with you.
You will get a side-by-side comparison with pros, cons, warranty options, and a clear explanation of installation methods.
Our commercial roofing services
New construction and replacements
We work from plans and specifications or design a system to fit your building. For replacements, we start with cores and moisture scans as needed, then propose the best path forward, whether that is full tear-off or a code-compliant recover.
Repairs and maintenance
Even the best roof needs care. Our recurring maintenance plans include semi-annual inspections, debris removal, drain checks, seam checks, edge metal review, and minor repairs. You receive photo-rich reports and priority scheduling.
Emergency response
Storms happen. We tarp and stabilize leaks quickly, then provide a permanent repair scope with documentation for your records.
Coatings and restorations
When appropriate, we prepare, patch, and coat eligible roofs to extend life and improve reflectivity without a full replacement.
Retrofits
We install retrofit metal systems over aging low-slope roofs and convert select buildings to pitched standing seam where structure and code allow. These solutions improve drainage and reduce chronic leak points.
What drives cost on commercial roofs
Insulation package. R-value requirements strongly influence material and labor.
Attachment method. Fully adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted each change the scope.
Details and penetrations. Curbs, skylights, parapets, and walls require careful flashing and often custom metal.
Access and staging. Downtown sites, limited laydown space, or high elevations affect logistics and schedule.
Tear-off and disposal. Removing wet or multiple layers adds cost but protects the new system.
Warranties. Manufacturer system warranties may require specific assemblies, inspections, and maintenance commitments.
Your proposal will be line itemed so you can see exactly where the investment goes and where value-engineered adjustments make sense.
Why True North Roofing
Local knowledge. We understand Western NC weather patterns, access challenges, and code expectations.
Quality products. We source membranes, insulation, and metal panels from proven manufacturers with strong technical support and warranty programs.
Clear communication. A dedicated project manager coordinates schedules, tenant notices, safety plans, and progress updates.
Safety first. OSHA-trained crews, site-specific safety plans, and clean, organized job sites.
Documentation that helps you operate. Photo reports, leak logs, warranty paperwork, and maintenance schedules you can hand to any stakeholder.
Preventive maintenance matters
A well designed roof still needs routine attention to reach its full service life. We recommend professional inspections at least twice a year and after major storms. Typical tasks include clearing drains, removing debris, resealing minor cracks, tightening fasteners, and reinforcing high-wear areas near equipment. Benefits include:
Lower life cycle costs through early fixes
Protection of manufacturer warranty requirements
Predictable budgeting with condition reports and forecasts
Safer roofs for staff and trades by reducing ponding and slip hazards
Our maintenance clients receive priority response during storm events and preferred pricing on repairs.
FAQs: commercial roofing
How long will installation take
Small single-ply replacements can finish in a few days. Larger facilities or metal retrofits may take several weeks. We provide a schedule with milestones before work begins.
Can we install a new roof over the old one
Many buildings qualify for a code-compliant recover if the existing roof is dry and the structure can handle the additional load. We verify with cores and structural review before recommending this option.
What maintenance is required
Plan on spring and fall inspections and a check after major storms. Keep drains clear, inspect seams and curbs, and repair small defects promptly.
Are reflective or cool roofs required
Some jurisdictions encourage or require reflective surfaces on commercial buildings. We will review local rules and help you comply.
Do you help with insurance claims
Yes. We document damage, meet adjusters on site, and provide repair or replacement scopes.
Partner with True North Roofing
From downtown storefronts to schools, churches, warehouses, and municipal buildings, your roof is mission critical. True North Roofing brings technical know-how, durable materials, and proactive service to every project. If you need a new roof, targeted repairs, a maintenance plan, or a second opinion, contact us to schedule a commercial roofing consultation. We will protect your facility today and plan for the decades ahead.
