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How to Know What Roof System Your Commercial or Multi-family Property Needs

Commercial Roofing

Read on for help choosing the right type of roofing for your unique needs. Tidewater Roofing has been providing top-tier roofing services across Southeastern Virginia since 1987. Give us a call today!

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Posted by Emmit | November 18, 2025

In our area, property managers want durable, long-lasting materials that can benefit many different types of buildings. But the choices may seem overwhelming when it comes to selecting the right material and style. In many cases, you can expect properly installed roofing materials to last decades. So let’s explore your options! Read on for help choosing the right type of roofing for your unique needs. Tidewater Roofing has been providing top-tier roofing services across Southeastern Virginia since 1987. Give us a call today!

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Roofing for Your Property?

When it comes to commercial roofing, there are a variety of factors that you should take into account to choose the best option for your property.

Climate

First and foremost, you need to consider the climate in your area. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, ensure that your commercial roofing can withstand high winds and heavy snowfall. You should also consider the amount of sunlight your building receives. Regions with high exposure to the sun will put more wear on roofing materials and shorten the lifespan of the materials.

Building Functionality

The second factor to consider is the type of commercial building you are installing a roof on. Warehouses and manufacturing facilities typically have different roofing needs than multi-family properties, including:
  • Fire resistance
  • Soundproofing & acoustics
  • Speed of installation (how long can the business shut down)

Roofing Budget

Finally, you must consider your budget for installing or replacing your roof. Make sure to include the following in your roofing budget calculations:
  • Cost of materials
  • Installation costs
  • Maintenance costs
Luckily, there are a variety of roofing options available that can fit most budgets. These factors are all worth considering at the beginning of your roofing project.

How to Select the Right Color & Style of Roofing for Your Building

Beyond the type of material you select, the color and style of the roof also need to be considered. For example, a standing seam metal roof is popular for multi-family buildings because it's durable and has a clean, modern look. However, many other styles can give your property the unique look you desire. If you live in an area with high temperatures, you'll want to choose a light-colored roof to reflect heat. If you live in a region with cooler temperatures, you can select a dark-colored roof to absorb heat.  You'll also want to consider the overall aesthetic of your building. Most roofing materials are available in virtually any color. Consult your professional roofing contractor for available colors in your chosen material. Here are some of our most popular options.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam roofs are a great choice for multi-family properties because they have self-sealing, raised ribs along the panel edges that interlock to provide an effective seal. These standing seams create tight water barriers which will keep your building dry in any weather! This style is also favored for its classic, straightforward styling.

Batten Metal Roofing

Batten seams use an underlying framework where metal panels are mounted between raised strips called "battens," and caps cover up these joints. This style of metal roofing has high wind resistance and is versatile with non-traditional roofing layouts.

Metal Shingles & Tiles

Metal shingles are a popular and affordable choice for commercial and multi-family building projects. These tiles have an easy installation process that's quick, reliable, and available with most color options. Some metal shingle systems use panels to emulate the look of individual tiles. Single metal shingles can also be installed one by one.

Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum is a durable metal resistant to fire, high winds, and extreme weather conditions. It is also one of the lightest weight roofing materials, making it ideal for structures that cannot support the weight of heavier roofs. In addition, aluminum reflects heat, which can help keep a building cooler in hot climates. Corrosion resistance is another benefit of aluminum roofing. However, aluminum roofing can be expensive and could be better at hiding imperfections. It is more likely to be dented from hail compared to steel.

Copper Roofing

Copper roofing has been used on commercial buildings for centuries, and with good reason. Copper is an incredibly durable metal that can withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. It is a low-maintenance material since it doesn't corrode or rust like other metals. Perhaps most importantly, copper provides excellent protection against fire. However, copper is quite a costly option as far as raw materials go. This metal can also be challenging to work with, so installation costs may be higher than other metal roofing types. You can expect copper roofing to develop a patina over time, which is a natural blue-green sheen that occurs through oxidation.

Steel Roofing

Steel roofing is one of the most popular metal options thanks to its durability and relatively low cost. The gauge (thickness) of steel roofing will affect its strength and performance. However, steel roofing has some disadvantages compared to other metals used in roofing. Steel is susceptible to rust and corrosion, and it can be damaged by hail or other debris. In addition, steel roofing is not as fire-resistant as aluminum or copper.

Asphalt Shingles

​​The most common roof replacement shingles continue to be asphalt due to the low cost and minimal maintenance. If your multi-family property is a flat roof design, we’re proud to offer a number of durable and protective coating options. When you choose to work with our experienced roofers we’ll walk you through the options based on your needs, your property, and your budget. Whether it’s architectural shingles, a flat roof, or something more specialized, we’ve got you covered. Newly installed shingles on a multi-family property roof in the Richmond area.

Making Your Roofing Choice

Selecting the right roofing material is always made easier with the guidance of a commercial roofing expert. Tidewater Roofing has been working with multi-family property managers for over 40 years, installing various roofing materials that lasts for decades.

Why Choose Tidewater Services For Property Managers

At Tidewater Roofing, we specialize in roofing services for multi-family, commercial/retail, and HOA property managers.  We pride ourselves on fast response times, industry-leading warranties, expert problem-solving, and clear communication. Our experienced team ensures a seamless and transparent roofing process from the initial assessment to the final walkthrough, coordinating meticulously to minimize disruption to your tenants' lives and business operations. If you're a property manager seeking a reliable partner this fall and winter, contact us today!

A Record of Success

  • 40+ years of experience
  • 38,000+ roofing projects completed
  • 40+ communities served

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