Commercial Roofing Materials

L.A. Roofing Materials is a Los Angeles-based roofing material supplier. We’ve been doing this since 1982, and we carry the full range of materials commercial and industrial customers need. Our team knows roofing inside and out. When you call the yard with a question about a job, you’re going to get a real answer.

We don’t just drop a pallet and leave. We will prioritize what you need first and deliver the right amount of product at the right time, partnering to schedule deliveries of the right materials when you need them. We will help you figure out what materials make sense for your project, connect you with experienced commercial roofing contractors, and make sure you’re not buying more or less than you need.

Factors to consider when choosing commercial roofing materials

We source from some of the best manufacturers in the world. And because we’ve been doing this long enough, we have relationships with quality commercial contractors we trust and can refer you to. If you want the bigger picture, our complete guide to commercial roofing in Los Angeles covers more ground.

Here are the key things to think through before you pick materials or sign with a contractor:

Contractor experience

An experienced roofing company has seen enough jobs to know what they’re dealing with before the work starts. That matters on commercial projects, where a mistake mid-job gets expensive fast. Look for a contractor with a track record on similar buildings, not just roofing work in general and one that is recognized by the manufacturer as an approved applicator.

Contractor insurance

Make sure they’re covered. Proper insurance protects you from financial exposure if something goes wrong during installation. Some policies also include warranties, which adds another layer of protection for your investment.

Cost

Get itemized quotes from more than one supplier and contractor before you commit. A detailed estimate lets you compare apples to apples and keeps the final number from being a surprise. When paying, always require a Progress Release of Lien for each payment as you go along to protect payments when the contractor pays the suppliers and laborers.

Contractor reputation

Check reviews. Ask for references and actually call them. Contact us as the distributor for a performance review of the contractor. A few minutes talking to a past customer will tell you more than a website will.

Contractor licensing

The contractor you hire should be licensed and certified by the local relevant authorities in your state. It’s a basic check, but it matters.

Common commercial roofing issues and how to prevent them

Water pooling is probably the most common problem we hear about. If water sits on a flat or low-slope commercial roof for more than a day or two without draining, you’re going to get leaks and eventually structural damage. Good drainage is the fix. Make sure gutters and downspouts stay clear.

Wind damage is the other big one in Southern California. The Santa Ana winds can pull up materials that aren’t properly secured. Keep everything anchored and inspect after major wind events.

Algae and biological growth show up on roofs that hold moisture. It causes discoloration and eats into roofing material over time. Clean the roof regularly and deal with any leak or drainage issue as soon as you spot it.

Roof coatings: a smart option before you reroof

A lot of property owners and contractors don’t know this, but a roof coating can be applied to almost any commercial roof system. If the existing roof is still in decent shape, a coating can add years, sometimes decades, before a full replacement becomes necessary.

Here’s the thing: recovering a commercial roof is expensive. Material, labor, disposal. A coating is a fraction of that. And done right, it can restore waterproofing, improve reflectivity, and buy the building another ten to fifteen years.

What we’ve seen at the yard is that a lot of contractors get called in for a full replacement when a coating assessment would have shown the existing system still had life in it. That’s money left on the table for the building owner.

We carry roof coatings for commercial applications. If you’ve got a job where you’re not sure whether a full replacement makes sense or a coating would do the job, give us a call or shoot us a text at 213/747-1718. We can talk through what you’re working with. Se habla español.