Commercial Roofing Contractors for Tenant Improvements
Curbs, penetrations, and roof repairs that keep a build-out watertight and the roof warranty intact.
Most tenant improvements end up on the roof at some point. A new rooftop unit, a kitchen exhaust fan, a plumbing vent, or a relocated skylight all mean cutting into a roof that the landlord expects to stay watertight and under warranty.
Our network connects owners and tenants with licensed commercial roofing contractors who work alongside the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical trades so every opening is framed, flashed, and sealed correctly the first time.
Why Tenant Improvements Involve the Roof
Roof work on a build-out is usually triggered by changes below it:
- New or replaced rooftop HVAC units and equipment curbs
- Kitchen hoods, exhaust fans, and make-up air units
- Plumbing vents, gas lines, and condensate routing
- Relocated or added skylights and roof hatches
- Leaks discovered once the ceiling is opened
Planning these openings during design keeps them grouped, structurally supported, and easier to warranty.
Penetrations, Curbs, and Flashing
A properly detailed roof opening includes:
- Structural framing or reinforcement under new equipment
- Manufactured or fabricated curbs sized to the unit
- Flashing and sealing compatible with the existing membrane
- Crickets or saddles so water drains around the curb
- Removal and patching of abandoned openings
Most leaks on commercial roofs start at penetrations, so these details matter more than the field of the roof.
Protecting the Roof Warranty
Many commercial roofs carry a manufacturer warranty that has rules for any new work. Before cutting in:
- Locate the warranty and the original installing contractor
- Confirm whether an authorized installer must do the work
- Document the roof condition before and after the work
- Use materials approved by the roof manufacturer
- Request any inspection the warranty requires
Skipping these steps can void coverage on the entire roof, not just the area that was changed.
Structural and Code Review
Heavier equipment and new openings often need engineering and permit review:
- Structural review of equipment weight and dunnage
- Wind and seismic anchorage of rooftop equipment
- Fall protection and guard requirements near roof edges
- Roof access for service, including ladders and hatches
- Energy code requirements if a section is reroofed
These items are reviewed in plan check, so they belong in the drawings before bidding.
Reroofing During a Build-Out
Sometimes the smartest move is to replace a worn roof while the space is empty:
- Roof condition surveys and core samples
- Tear-off versus recover decisions
- Insulation upgrades that improve comfort and energy use
- Coordination with equipment set dates and crane picks
- Temporary protection of the space below
Combining a reroof with a tenant improvement avoids disrupting a tenant who has already moved in.
Coordinating With Other Trades
Roofing is a short scope that sits between several others:
- Mechanical sets units after curbs are installed and flashed
- Plumbing and electrical penetrations are grouped where possible
- Fire sprinkler and structural work below is completed first
- Final roof inspection happens after all trades are off the roof
- Photos and warranty records are added to the closeout package
Sequencing the roofer correctly prevents a finished roof from being cut open again by the next trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can our HVAC contractor cut the roof for a new unit?
It depends on the roof warranty and the contractor’s experience with that roofing system. Many warranties require an authorized roofer to flash new penetrations, so check before the work is scheduled.
Who pays for roof work during a tenant improvement?
The lease and work letter usually decide this. Roof repairs are often the landlord’s responsibility, while openings for tenant equipment are often a tenant cost, but every lease is different.
Does adding a rooftop unit need a permit?
In most jurisdictions, yes. New rooftop equipment typically requires mechanical and structural review, and the roof work itself is inspected as part of that permit.
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