Commercial Roofing Contractor — North Olmsted & Greater Cleveland
For more than 25 years, GRT Roofing has installed, repaired, and replaced commercial roof systems for businesses across Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, and Summit counties. From single-tenant retail to multi-building industrial sites, our crews deliver durable flat-roof and low-slope solutions backed by an A+ BBB rating, full Ohio licensing, and bonded coverage on every job.
Commercial Roofing Systems We Install
Every commercial building has a different roof. We design, install, and replace the five systems most commonly used across Cleveland-area retail centers, offices, warehouses, and industrial facilities — and we'll help you pick the one that fits your structure, your budget, and your maintenance plan.
01
TPO Roofing (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
TPO is the system we recommend most often for Cleveland-area commercial buildings that want a clean, energy-efficient roof at a competitive price point. The bright white reflective surface bounces summer heat away from the building envelope, which can meaningfully cut HVAC costs on flat-roof retail and office spaces. Heat-welded seams form a continuous, watertight membrane that holds up well against Ohio's freeze-thaw cycles, ponding water, and UV exposure. Most TPO systems we install carry manufacturer warranties of 20 to 30 years when paired with proper drainage and routine inspections — and the white surface keeps the rooftop visibly clean season after season.
02
EPDM Rubber Roofing
EPDM is the synthetic rubber membrane that built the modern flat-roof industry, and it's still one of the most reliable choices for Northeast Ohio's climate. We install EPDM on warehouses, multi-family buildings, and low-slope commercial structures where long-term durability matters more than reflectivity. The membrane stays flexible in deep winter cold, resists hail impact, and shrugs off the standing snow loads that come with lake-effect winters. Black EPDM also helps melt snow off the roof in early spring, reducing the risk of ice dams. With a typical service life of 25 to 30 years and straightforward, cost-effective repair options, EPDM remains a go-to system for budget-conscious commercial property owners.
03
Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen is a multi-ply, asphalt-based system engineered for high-traffic flat roofs — think rooftops with HVAC technicians on them weekly, restaurant kitchens with heavy grease exhaust, or buildings with frequent maintenance access. The reinforced layers stand up to foot traffic far better than single-ply membranes, and modern SBS-modified products stay flexible in cold weather while resisting cracking. We install both torch-applied and self-adhered systems depending on the building's fire requirements and surrounding structures. Modified bitumen pairs well with reflective cap sheets when energy efficiency is a priority, and its layered redundancy makes it one of the most puncture-resistant flat-roof options available for commercial use.
04
Metal Roofing
For commercial buildings that want a 50-year roof with minimal maintenance, standing seam metal is hard to beat. The concealed-fastener panels eliminate the most common leak point on metal roofs — exposed screws — and the smooth, continuous panels shed snow and ice cleanly, which matters on Cleveland's lake-effect winters. We install standing seam systems on retail centers, churches, equestrian facilities, and industrial buildings where longevity and curb appeal both matter. Metal also opens the door to solar integration without penetrations, and the panels are 100% recyclable at end of life. Combined with energy-efficient cool-roof finishes, metal can deliver one of the lowest total lifecycle costs in commercial roofing.
05
Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
Built-up roofing is the time-tested gravel-and-tar system that has protected commercial buildings for over a century, and it's still the right call for certain projects. BUR uses multiple alternating layers of asphalt and reinforcing fabrics, finished with a gravel or mineral cap sheet that protects the membrane from UV degradation and adds a meaningful layer of fire resistance. The sheer thickness of the system makes it exceptionally puncture-resistant and forgiving of foot traffic. We install and maintain BUR systems on long-standing commercial properties, government buildings, and any roof where owners want a heavy-duty, traditional flat-roof assembly with proven 20 to 30-year performance in Ohio's climate.
Commercial Roof Repair & Preventive Maintenance
A commercial roof failure doesn't wait for business hours. Our emergency crew responds around the clock to active leaks, storm damage, and structural issues across a 50-mile radius of Cleveland — tarping, securing, and stabilizing the roof so you can stay open while we plan the permanent repair. We also build preventive maintenance programs that catch small issues — open seams, failing flashings, clogged drains, ponding water — long before they turn into insurance claims, allowing your roof system to deliver the full service life it was designed for.
For larger events we handle full commercial storm damage repair and complete commercial roof replacement projects when repairs are no longer the right call. Counties we cover within our 50-mile commercial service radius:
Serving Businesses Across Northeast Ohio
From North Olmsted out to Akron, Lorain, and Medina, GRT Roofing handles commercial projects across four counties and dozens of cities — including Cleveland, Lakewood, Westlake, Strongsville, Brunswick, Avon, Elyria, Medina, Hudson, Twinsburg, and Akron. We work with property managers, facility directors, and owner-operators on properties of every type and size.
Retail
Office
Warehouse
Industrial
HOA / Multi-Family
Why Choose GRT Roofing for Your Commercial Project?
Commercial roofing decisions outlast most lease terms. The contractor you choose has to be around in 10 years to honor the warranty, document the insurance claim, and stand behind the work. Here's what every GRT commercial client gets.
25+ Years of Experience
A full quarter-century of installing, repairing, and replacing commercial roof systems across Northeast Ohio's toughest weather.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Full Ohio licensing, general liability, and workers' compensation coverage on every job — so your property and our crews are protected.
Insurance Claim Specialists
We work directly with commercial insurance adjusters to document storm damage and move claims forward fast — so you're not stuck mediating.
Free Commercial Estimates
No-obligation, on-site assessments with detailed scope, materials, and pricing — written in plain English, not roofing jargon.
A+ BBB Rating
Decades of consistent ratings reflect honest pricing, transparent communication, and reliable follow-through after the job is done.
Commercial Financing
Flexible commercial financing options let you preserve operating capital while protecting your roof.
Request a Commercial Roofing Estimate
Commercial projects have unique requirements — building access, occupancy, code, drainage, and HVAC penetrations all factor into the scope. Tell us about your property and our team will assess your building and provide a detailed, no-obligation proposal.
- On-site assessment within 50 miles of Cleveland
- Itemized scope, materials, and project timeline
- Insurance documentation included when applicable
- Commercial financing options available on approval
Serving Cleveland Metropolitan Area in Northeastern Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Roofing
What is the best commercial roofing system?
The optimal commercial roofing system depends on your specific building requirements. TPO and EPDM membranes offer excellent durability and energy efficiency for flat surfaces. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate factors like your budget, building structure, climate considerations, and energy goals to recommend the most appropriate solution.
How much does commercial roofing cost per square foot?
Commercial roofing typically costs between $3.50 and $15.00 per square foot, depending on the system chosen, building complexity, and existing roof conditions. TPO and EPDM systems generally range from $5.50-$9.50 per square foot, while built-up roofing might cost $5.50-$8.50 per square foot. Metal roofing systems typically fall between $7.00-$15.00 per square foot. We provide detailed, transparent estimates based on your specific project requirements.
How long do commercial roofs last?
With proper installation and regular maintenance, commercial roof lifespans typically range from 15-40 years. EPDM rubber membranes can last 25-30+ years, TPO systems typically provide 20-30 years of service, built-up roofing offers 15-20 years of protection.. Factors affecting longevity include installation quality, maintenance frequency, weather exposure, and roof traffic.
What are flat roof options for commercial buildings?
The most popular flat roof systems include TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), EPDM (rubber membrane), PVC, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing (BUR). Each system offers different advantages in terms of installation cost, energy efficiency, puncture resistance, and lifespan. Modern flat roof options can also incorporate cool roof coatings or green roof elements for additional energy and environmental benefits.
How can business owners prevent commercial roof leaks?
Regular maintenance is the key to preventing costly commercial roof leaks. We recommend scheduling professional inspections twice yearly (spring and fall), keeping drains and gutters clear of debris, addressing ponding water issues promptly, maintaining proper flashing and seals around roof penetrations, limiting foot traffic on membrane surfaces, and repairing minor damage before it escalates. Our preventative maintenance programs help protect your investment and extend roof lifespan.
What is TPO roofing and why is it popular for commercial buildings?
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is a single-ply roofing membrane that has become increasingly popular for commercial applications due to its excellent balance of performance and value. The white reflective surface meets Energy Star requirements, reducing cooling costs by reflecting UV rays. TPO resists dirt buildup, chemicals, and punctures while providing flexibility during temperature changes. Its hot-air welded seams create a monolithic membrane more reliable than adhesive-based systems, and installation costs are typically lower than comparable alternatives.
What commercial roof maintenance schedule do you recommend?
For optimal protection, we recommend a bi-annual inspection and maintenance program for commercial roofing systems. This includes professional inspections in spring and fall, monthly visual checks by facility staff, cleaning drains quarterly, addressing repairs immediately, and documenting all maintenance activities. Our customized maintenance plans can help prevent up to 90% of premature roof failures while extending system lifespan by 5-10 years, making them a sound investment for protecting your property.