Frequently Asked Questions

Great Lakes Commercial Roofing answers your most commonly asked roofing questions.

Your Questions. Our answers.

Great Lakes Commercial Roofing specializes in a comprehensive range of commercial roofing systems to meet diverse building needs. Our expert team installs TPO roofs, PVC roofs, EPDM roofs, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofs, metal roofs, and advanced roof coating systems. With 99+ years of combined team experience and certifications from industry-leading manufacturers including GAF, Firestone Elevate, Mule-Hide, American Weather Star, and Garland, we ensure each installation meets the highest standards of quality and performance. Our subcontractor-free approach means our own trained professionals handle every aspect of your roofing project from start to finish.

Yes, Great Lakes Commercial Roofing provides 24/7 emergency roofing services to protect your commercial property when unexpected damage occurs. We understand that roofing emergencies like leaks, storm damage, or structural issues can threaten your operations and inventory, which is why our team is available around the clock to respond quickly. Our rapid response capabilities help minimize interior damage, reduce business disruption, and prevent small problems from becoming costly disasters. As a veteran-owned company with over 10 years of experience, we bring reliability and accountability to every emergency call, ensuring your building is protected when you need help most.

Great Lakes Commercial Roofing maintains elite-level certifications from the industry’s most respected manufacturers, demonstrating our technical expertise and commitment to quality. We are a GAF Platinum Elite Commercial Contractor, one of the highest distinctions available, along with GAF Coatings Pro Plus and GAF Certified Maintenance Professional credentials. Our team is also Firestone Elevate Certified, Mule-Hide Certified, American Weather Star Platinum certified, and Garland authorized. These partnerships provide access to premium products, extended warranty options, and specialized technical support. Our BBB A+ rating and recognition as a 2022 BBB Torch Award for Ethics finalist further validate our dedication to integrity and customer satisfaction.

Great Lakes Commercial Roofing offers free commercial roof inspections within 24 hours of your request, ensuring you get prompt answers about your roof’s condition. Our experienced team conducts thorough evaluations to identify existing issues, assess overall roof health, and recommend appropriate solutions based on your building’s specific needs and budget. During the inspection, we examine all roofing components, drainage systems, flashing, penetrations, and structural elements to provide a comprehensive assessment. This rapid response time helps building owners and property managers make informed decisions quickly, whether addressing immediate concerns, planning preventive maintenance, or budgeting for future roof replacement.

Great Lakes Commercial Roofing provides comprehensive warranty protection through our manufacturer partnerships and our own workmanship guarantees. As a GAF Platinum Elite Commercial Contractor, we offer access to GAF’s 25-year product warranties on eligible systems, providing long-term peace of mind for your roofing investment. Our elite certifications with multiple manufacturers mean we can tailor warranty coverage to your specific roofing system and building requirements. Because we maintain a subcontractor-free operation, our own trained professionals perform all work, ensuring quality control and accountability throughout the warranty period. We stand behind every installation with the backing of industry-leading manufacturers and our own commitment to excellence.

No, Great Lakes Commercial Roofing operates with complete subcontractor-free excellence, meaning all work is performed by our own trained and certified employees. This approach ensures consistent quality control, direct accountability, and seamless communication throughout your roofing project. Unlike companies that outsource work to various subcontractors, our in-house team follows our strict installation standards and manufacturer specifications on every job. This unified approach eliminates coordination issues, maintains project timelines, and ensures that the same high-quality team who started your project will see it through to completion. Our 99+ years of combined team experience stays with your project from initial inspection to final warranty.

Great Lakes Commercial Roofing provides comprehensive commercial roof maintenance services designed to extend your roof’s lifespan and prevent costly emergency repairs. Our GAF Certified Maintenance Professionals conduct regular inspections, perform minor repairs, clean drainage systems, seal penetrations, and apply protective coatings to vulnerable areas. Proactive maintenance programs help building owners and property managers maximize their roofing investment by catching small issues before they escalate into major problems. We service all commercial roofing systems, including TPO, PVC, EPDM, SPF, metal roofs, and existing coating systems. 

Our assessment considers multiple factors, including the roof’s age, extent of damage, remaining warranty coverage, frequency of past repairs, and your long-term building plans. We examine the roof membrane, insulation, decking, drainage systems, and flashing to identify whether issues are localized or systemic. Our transparent approach means we’ll recommend repairs when they make financial sense and full commercial roof replacement only when necessary to protect your investment. With 99+ years of combined team experience and certifications across all major commercial roofing systems, we provide honest recommendations that prioritize your building’s needs and budget rather than pushing unnecessary services.

Great Lakes Commercial Roofing has been serving commercial roofing needs for over 10 years as a family-owned and veteran-owned business. While our company has a decade of established operations, our team brings 99+ years of combined roofing experience to every project, ensuring seasoned expertise meets modern roofing technology. This combination of business stability and deep industry knowledge allows us to deliver reliable service backed by proven techniques and relationships with leading manufacturers. Our decade-long track record includes earning elite certifications, maintaining an A+ BBB rating, and becoming a 2022 BBB Torch Award for Ethics finalist. As a locally-owned company, we’re invested in our community and committed to building long-term relationships with our commercial clients.

Commercial roof replacement costs in Pennsylvania and Iowa typically range from $4 to $12 per square foot depending on the roofing system selected, building size, roof complexity, and existing conditions. TPO and EPDM systems generally offer cost-effective solutions for flat or low-slope roofs, while PVC provides enhanced durability at a moderate price increase. Metal roofing and spray polyurethane foam (SPF) systems vary based on specific project requirements and building needs. Great Lakes Commercial Roofing provides detailed, transparent estimates during our free 24-hour roof inspections, examining your existing roof structure, insulation needs, drainage requirements, and access challenges that may affect pricing.

Commercial roof lifespan varies significantly based on the roofing system installed, quality of installation, maintenance practices, and local weather conditions. TPO roofs typically last 15 to 20 years, EPDM roofs can perform well for 20 to 25 years, and PVC roofing systems often reach 20 to 30 years with proper care. Metal roofing can last 30 to 50 years or more, while spray polyurethane foam (SPF) systems provide 20 to 30 years of reliable performance when maintained properly. Roof coatings can extend existing roof lifespans by 10 to 15 years when applied correctly.

Several warning signs indicate your commercial roof requires professional inspection and potential repair. Visible indicators include water stains on interior ceilings or walls, ponding water that remains 48 hours after rainfall, loose or damaged membrane sections, cracked or deteriorating flashing around roof penetrations, and increased energy costs suggesting insulation problems. You may also notice bubbling or blistering on the roof surface, rusted or corroded metal components, clogged or overflowing drainage systems, and sagging areas that suggest structural concerns. Great Lakes Commercial Roofing’s free 24-hour inspection service helps identify these issues before they escalate into costly damage or business disruption.

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