New Construction Roofing for Commercial Buildings

Roofing Expertise From Preconstruction to Closeout

A commercial roof is one part of a much larger construction project. Its success depends on the roofing system itself, but also on proper planning, project sequencing, and getting critical details right before they become harder to change.

Great Lakes Roofing provides new construction roofing for general contractors, developers, construction managers, and building owners throughout Chicago, Northwest Indiana, Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, Southwest Michigan, and surrounding Midwest markets.

Since 1989, our focus has been commercial roofing. We bring that experience to new construction projects ranging from warehouses and manufacturing facilities to schools, retail properties, multi-family buildings, and other large commercial facilities.

Commercial Roofing That Fits the Construction Schedule

Roof installation needs to happen at the right point in the overall project. Structural progress, rooftop equipment, penetrations, material deliveries, weather, and the work of other trades can all affect when different roof areas are ready.

Great Lakes Roofing works within the larger construction schedule to keep the roofing scope moving. Before installation, our team reviews plans and specifications and works through key project requirements, including:

Roofing system and assembly requirements

Insulation and drainage

HVAC curbs and rooftop equipment

Plumbing and electrical penetrations

Roof hatches and access points

Parapets, edges, and transitions

Material staging and roof access

Installation sequencing

Identifying these details before crews reach the affected areas can reduce field changes and unnecessary rework. It also helps general contractors and construction managers understand what needs to happen before each phase of roofing can move forward.

New Construction Roofing
from Plans to Closeout

Great Lakes Roofing manages its roofing scope from the initial project review through final completion.

Plan & Specification Review

Our team reviews the specified roof assembly and project requirements to identify the materials, details, and installation conditions that will shape our scope of work.

Preconstruction Planning

Scheduling, access, material staging, sequencing, and key rooftop details are addressed before installation begins.

Commercial Roof Installation

Our crews complete the specified roofing work according to the project requirements and schedule, including critical areas around drains, curbs, penetrations, edges, and transitions.

Final Review & Closeout

Completed work is reviewed before closeout, and applicable warranty information and roofing documentation can be provided to the project team or building owner.

Commercial Roofing Systems for New Construction

The roofing system specified for a new building needs to work with the structure, building use, project requirements, and expected conditions at the property.

Great Lakes Roofing installs a range of commercial roofing systems for new construction projects, including:

TPO roofing

EPDM roofing

Modified bitumen

Built-up roofing

PVC roofing

Cool roofing systems

For projects where the roofing system has not yet been finalized, we can work with the project team to evaluate available options based on the building and project requirements.

Why Contractors & Developers
Work with Great Lakes Roofing

Commercial Roofing Since 1989

Commercial roofing has been our focus for decades. Our team brings experience with commercial systems, buildings, and project requirements to each job.

Experience With Complex Commercial Projects

Large roof areas, extensive rooftop equipment, access requirements, and demanding schedules require a contractor accustomed to commercial construction.

Modified Experience Across Multiple Roofing Systems

Our experience with several commercial roof assemblies allows us to work across a wide range of project specifications and building types.

Manufacturer-Trained Crews

Our crews receive manufacturer training, and our manufacturer relationships allow us to support different commercial roofing systems and applicable warranty options.

Long-Term Roofing Support

Our capabilities extend beyond installation. Great Lakes Roofing can continue working with the building owner through inspections, maintenance, repairs, restoration, and eventual replacement.

Protecting the Roof While Construction Continues

A completed roof area may still see significant activity before the building is turned over.

Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other crews may need rooftop access to install equipment, perform final work, or make adjustments. Tools, equipment, foot traffic, and new penetrations can damage newly installed materials if completed areas are not properly managed.

Great Lakes Roofing works with project teams to account for this activity. This can include protecting finished areas, managing access to completed sections, addressing new penetrations, and evaluating damage if it occurs.

A final review can also identify issues that need to be addressed before project closeout, helping turn the roof over to the owner in the expected condition.

New Construction Roofing for Commercial & Institutional Projects

Great Lakes Roofing has experience working across a wide range of commercial and institutional properties.

Our new construction roofing capabilities can support projects such as:

Warehouses and distribution centers

Manufacturing and industrial facilities

Self-storage facilities

Cold storage buildings

Data centers

Healthcare facilities

Schools and universities

Municipal buildings

Retail properties

Mixed-use developments

Multi-family properties

Each building type brings different requirements. A manufacturing facility may have extensive rooftop equipment and penetrations, while a distribution center may have an expansive low-slope roof with different drainage and access considerations.

Our commercial experience allows us to approach each project based on the building, specifications, and construction requirements in front of us.

Support After Construction Is Complete

Project closeout may mark the end of construction, but it is the beginning of the roof's service life.

Establishing a plan for inspections and maintenance can help the building owner monitor conditions, address damage from future rooftop work, and identify developing problems before they require larger repairs.

Great Lakes Roofing can continue supporting the property through commercial roof inspections, preventative roof maintenance, and commercial roof repair.

That gives owners access to a commercial roofing contractor that can support the property well beyond initial construction.

New Construction Roofing Across Chicago & the Midwest

Building in the Midwest means accounting for demanding seasonal conditions during both planning and installation.

Summer heat, heavy rain, high winds, snow, ice, and significant temperature changes can affect project scheduling and material installation. Working with a contractor familiar with these conditions can help project teams plan roofing work around realistic installation windows.

Great Lakes Roofing provides new construction roofing throughout Chicago and Chicagoland, Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana, Wisconsin, Southwest Michigan, and surrounding markets.

Our commercial focus gives us experience with large roof areas, complex projects, and the conditions common to commercial construction throughout the region.

Bring Great Lakes Roofing Into Your Next Project

A successful roofing scope starts with a contractor that understands commercial construction and can carry the work from plans through closeout.

Great Lakes Roofing brings commercial roofing experience dating back to 1989 to projects throughout Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and the Midwest. Whether you are preparing to bid, finalizing project requirements, or getting ready to break ground, our team is ready to review the roofing scope and get involved.

Have a commercial project coming up? Contact Great Lakes Roofing to discuss your new construction roofing needs and share your project details with our team.

Contact Great Lakes Roofing

FAQ

Visit our faq's page for more frequently asked questions.

How early should a commercial roofing contractor be involved in a new construction project?

What happens when rooftop equipment or penetrations change after roofing work has started?

What happens if another trade damages a newly installed commercial roof?

Can roofing installation begin before all rooftop equipment is installed?

What roofing documentation should the owner receive at project closeout?

More FAQ's

New Construction Roofing for Commercial Buildings

Roofing Expertise From Preconstruction to Closeout

Commercial Roofing That Fits the Construction Schedule