Commercial roofing covers everything residential roofers usually don't touch: low-slope and flat systems on warehouses, retail buildings, office parks, restaurants, and multi-family properties. That means TPO and EPDM membrane installs, built-up and modified bitumen roofs, metal panel systems on larger structures, recoating and restoration work, and the maintenance contracts that keep a roof under warranty for its full life. Madison's freeze-thaw winters and heavy spring rain put real stress on flat roofs in particular, so drainage, insulation, and membrane seams matter as much as the initial install.
What to look for in a commercial roofer
A few things separate a contractor who does this work well from one who's just added "commercial" to their website. Look for manufacturer certifications on the specific membrane system they're proposing (GAF, Carlisle, Firestone/Elevate, etc.), since that certification is usually what makes an extended warranty valid in the first place. Ask how they handle roof deck inspections and moisture scans before quoting, not just after a leak shows up. Check that they carry commercial general liability and workers' comp coverage sized for larger crews and taller structures, and ask whether they staff their own crews or subcontract the work out. Get a written scope that separates tear-off, insulation, membrane, and flashing detail work, since vague one-line quotes are where cost overruns hide.
How we score contractors
Our ranking for this category weighs licensing and insurance, verified experience with commercial and low-slope systems, responsiveness, and how consistently a business delivers based on customer feedback. See the full ranked guide to Madison roofing contractors for how these 5 businesses compare, and read our methodology for exactly how the scoring works.