Commercial Metal Roofing Installation & Fabrication

Commercial Metal Roofing Systems

Metal roofing has long been a cornerstone of commercial and industrial construction, valued for its unmatched longevity, structural strength, and design versatility. Modern metal roofing systems have evolved far beyond the basic corrugated panels of decades past. Today's engineered metal roof assemblies incorporate advanced coatings, precision-formed profiles, and sophisticated attachment systems that deliver decades of trouble-free performance in the most demanding environments.

Windward Roofing and Construction provides complete commercial metal roofing services, from initial design consultation through installation and long-term maintenance. Our in-house sheet metal fabrication shop sets us apart from other contractors by allowing us to custom-manufacture components to exact specifications, ensuring precise fit, superior aesthetics, and faster project turnaround.

Types of Metal Roofing We Install

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam systems are the premium choice for commercial metal roofing. These systems feature interlocking panels with raised seams that stand vertically above the flat panel surface. The seams are mechanically locked or snap-locked together, creating a weathertight joint without exposed fasteners. This concealed fastener design eliminates the potential for fastener-related leaks and creates a clean, architectural appearance. Standing seam panels accommodate thermal expansion and contraction through clip-based attachment systems that allow the panels to move freely without stressing the fastener points. Windward installs standing seam systems in a variety of metals including galvanized steel, Galvalume, aluminum, copper, and zinc.

Corrugated and Ribbed Metal Panels

Corrugated and ribbed metal panels provide an economical solution for warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and agricultural buildings. These through-fastened systems are installed using exposed fasteners with neoprene washers that create a weathertight seal at each attachment point. Available in a range of profiles including R-panel, PBR-panel, and traditional corrugated patterns, these systems deliver reliable performance at a lower installed cost than standing seam. Modern factory-applied coatings provide excellent corrosion resistance and color retention for these panel types.

Aluminum Roofing Systems

Aluminum roofing offers exceptional corrosion resistance, making it an ideal choice for coastal environments, chemical processing facilities, and buildings exposed to corrosive atmospheric conditions. Aluminum is naturally resistant to rust and does not require the protective coatings that steel panels depend on. Its light weight reduces structural loading requirements and simplifies installation logistics. Windward installs aluminum roofing systems in both standing seam and through-fastened configurations, and our fabrication shop can produce custom aluminum components for any project requirement.

In-House Sheet Metal Fabrication

One of Windward Roofing's key advantages is our fully equipped in-house sheet metal fabrication shop. This capability allows us to design and manufacture custom flashings, copings, edge metal, gutters, downspouts, parapet caps, and architectural trim to the exact dimensions and profiles required for each project. In-house fabrication provides several significant benefits for our clients.

Custom components are manufactured to precise specifications, ensuring perfect fit and eliminating the compromises that come with using standard off-the-shelf parts. Our shop produces components from the same material type and finish as the primary roofing panels, guaranteeing visual consistency across the entire project. Lead times are dramatically reduced because we control the manufacturing schedule rather than depending on external suppliers. And when field conditions require design modifications, our fabrication team can respond quickly to produce revised components without delaying the project.

Our sheet metal shop is equipped with CNC brakes, power shears, roll formers, and specialized forming equipment capable of handling materials from lightweight aluminum to heavy-gauge stainless steel. Whether a project requires standard rectangular flashings or complex architectural metalwork, our fabrication team delivers precision-crafted components that meet the highest quality standards.

Benefits of Commercial Metal Roofing

Exceptional Longevity

Metal roofing systems routinely provide 40 to 60 years of service life, and many well-maintained metal roofs have remained in service for over a century. This longevity far exceeds most other commercial roofing materials and significantly reduces lifecycle replacement costs. When evaluated on a cost-per-year-of-service basis, metal roofing frequently delivers the best value of any roofing option despite its higher initial installation cost.

Structural Strength and Wind Resistance

Engineered metal roofing systems are designed to withstand extreme wind loads, heavy snow accumulation, and severe weather events. Standing seam systems with properly designed clip attachment can resist wind speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour when tested to industry standards. This structural performance provides reliable protection for the building and its contents in the most challenging weather conditions.

Energy Performance

Metal roofing with factory-applied cool roof coatings reflects a significant portion of solar radiation, reducing building cooling costs by 20 to 40 percent compared to dark-surfaced roofing systems. Cool metal roofing meets ENERGY STAR requirements and contributes to LEED credits for sustainable building certification. When combined with proper insulation, metal roofing systems deliver outstanding thermal performance in both heating and cooling seasons.

Low Maintenance and Durability

Metal roofs require minimal ongoing maintenance compared to other commercial roofing systems. The hard, non-porous surface resists biological growth, does not absorb water, and is not susceptible to the deterioration that affects membrane and built-up roofing systems. Periodic inspections, fastener tightening on through-fastened systems, and occasional touch-up of minor scratches are typically all that is needed to keep a metal roof performing optimally.

Metal Roofing Applications

Windward Roofing installs metal roofing systems on a wide range of commercial and industrial building types. Our project experience includes warehouses and distribution centers, manufacturing plants, retail centers, office buildings, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, houses of worship, and government buildings. We also specialize in metal roof retrofit systems that can be installed over existing flat roofs using structural subframing, converting a failing flat roof into a sloped metal roof system with improved drainage and extended service life. This service is available across the Chicago metropolitan area and all of our Midwest service locations.

Why Choose Windward for Metal Roofing?

Windward Roofing and Construction has been delivering quality metal roofing solutions since 1984. Our combination of experienced installation crews, in-house fabrication capabilities, and deep manufacturer relationships with companies like Carlisle, ERC Systems, and GAF positions us to handle metal roofing projects of any size and complexity. We serve commercial and industrial clients across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida, bringing consistent quality and professionalism to every project regardless of location.

From the initial design phase through final punch list completion, our project management team coordinates every detail to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery. We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranty programs and ongoing service support. Contact Windward Roofing today to discuss your commercial metal roofing project and discover the difference that four decades of expertise makes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Roofing