The Pros, Cons, and Cost of Commercial Shingle Roofing
Commercial shingle roofing is asphalt shingle roofing installed on steep-slope commercial buildings, the same general material used on homes, but applied to churches, schools, multifamily properties, offices, and restaurants with a pitched roof design. Unlike the flat and low-slope membrane systems used on most large commercial buildings, shingle roofing only works on structures with enough slope to shed water the way asphalt shingles are designed to.
Commercial Shingle Roofing
Most commercial shingle installations use architectural, or dimensional, shingles rather than basic 3-tab shingles.
The added layers give architectural shingles better wind resistance and a longer service life, which matters more on a commercial building where the roof is harder to access and repairs cost more in disrupted operations. Perimeter installs commercial shingle roofing across Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee on buildings where a pitched roof design calls for it.
Commercial Shingle Roofing Pros
Asphalt shingles remain a common choice for steep-slope commercial buildings for a few clear reasons.
- For steep-slope applications, shingle roofing typically costs less upfront than the alternatives suited to the same roof pitch.
- Shingles come in enough variety to match a building’s existing architecture or brand appearance.
- Individual damaged shingles can often be replaced without disturbing the surrounding roof, which keeps repair costs down.
- Asphalt shingle installation is a well-established process, which keeps labor costs more predictable than specialty systems.
- Both are available in Algae-resistant and impact-resistant options.
Commercial Shingle Roofing Cons
Shingle roofing has real limitations on a commercial building, particularly compared to metal or slate on the same slope.
- Commercial shingle roofs typically last 20 to 30 years, compared to 40 years or more for metal and slate roofing in a similar application.
- Standard shingles take more damage from hail impact than metal roofing, an important factor in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee that see regular hail activity.
- Shingle roofing isn’t an option for flat or low-slope commercial roofs, which limits it to a specific category of building.
- Humidity in the region promotes algae growth and granule loss on standard shingles faster than in drier climates, which means more frequent inspection and upkeep.
Installation, Climate Notes, and Cost
Commercial shingle roofing fits best on buildings with a pitched roof design where appearance matters as much as function: churches, schools, small office buildings, multifamily properties, and restaurants built with a residential-style roofline. It’s rarely the right choice for large flat-roof warehouses or distribution centers, which call for a membrane system instead.
Across Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, humidity is the biggest factor to plan around, since it accelerates algae growth and granule loss on standard shingles faster than in drier regions.
Within the shingle category, architectural shingles cost more upfront than basic 3-tab shingles but last longer and hold up better to wind, which usually makes them the better value on a commercial building. Compared to metal or slate roofing on the same pitch, shingle roofing is typically the lower-cost option, though it comes with a shorter lifespan in exchange. Roof size, slope complexity, and the specific shingle product all move the final number, so it’s worth getting your building measured rather than working from a rule of thumb.
Ask about financing during your inspection if it would help make the decision easier.
When a Full Shingle Roof Replacement Might Be the Right Fit
A pitched roof with widespread storm damage, a structure past its shingle lifespan, or a building that’s outgrown its current roof design are all reasons to look at full replacement rather than another round of repairs. That’s a bigger conversation than material choice alone, covering everything from decking condition to how the new roof gets scheduled around your building’s use.
Schedule a Free Commercial Roof Inspection
A pitched commercial roof doesn’t automatically mean shingles are the answer, and shingles that look fine from the ground don’t always tell the full story underneath. Perimeter Roofing Company will get up on the roof, walk you through what’s actually there, and lay out your options plainly.
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Contact Us
- Call us directly at (678) 679-2268, or:
- Fill out one of our contact forms.
Schedule Your Appointment
- One of our team members will reach out to find a convenient time for your free inspection.
- We will ask additional details to ensure all of your needs are met.
We Get to Work
- Our team will assist in working with your insurance company & provide best-in-class experience to repair or replace your roof.
- 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed.
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