Complete Roofing Solutions for New Commercial Builds

Building a new commercial or industrial facility requires a roofing partner that understands the full scope of ground-up construction. At Windward Roofing & Construction, we have been delivering new construction roofing services since 1984, working alongside developers, general contractors, architects, and building owners to install roofing systems that meet project specifications, budget requirements, and long-term performance expectations.

Our involvement typically begins well before the first material arrives on site. By engaging early in the preconstruction process, we help project teams avoid costly design changes, value-engineer roof system specifications without sacrificing quality, and develop installation schedules that align with the overall construction timeline. This proactive approach has made Windward a preferred roofing subcontractor for general contractors and developers throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida.

Working with Developers, General Contractors, and Architects

New construction roofing is a collaborative effort, and our team integrates seamlessly with every member of the project delivery team.

Developer Partnerships

For developers, roofing represents both a significant capital expenditure and a long-term maintenance obligation. Windward helps developers evaluate the total cost of ownership for different roofing systems, factoring in installation cost, expected maintenance, energy savings, and warranty coverage. We present clear comparisons that allow informed decisions, whether the priority is minimizing upfront costs for a speculative warehouse build or maximizing energy efficiency for a Class A office development seeking LEED certification.

General Contractor Coordination

General contractors rely on subcontractors who show up when scheduled, communicate proactively, and deliver quality work without surprises. Windward's project management team participates in weekly coordination meetings, provides two-week look-ahead schedules, and sequences roofing operations to avoid conflicts with steel erection, concrete work, mechanical rough-in, and other trades working on the building envelope. We understand that a roofing delay can impact every downstream trade, and we staff accordingly to protect project schedules.

Design-Assist Capabilities

Architects and engineers benefit from our deep knowledge of roofing system performance, building code requirements, and manufacturer specifications. During the design phase, our preconstruction team reviews drawings and specifications to identify potential issues before they become field problems. We provide input on drainage design, penetration coordination, expansion joint placement, edge detail configurations, and insulation strategies. This design-assist approach reduces RFIs during construction, minimizes change orders, and ensures the specified system is constructable and warrantable.

Roof System Selection for New Construction

Choosing the right roofing system for a new building depends on a matrix of factors including building use, structural capacity, local climate, energy code requirements, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Windward installs all major commercial roofing systems and provides objective recommendations based on project-specific criteria:

  • TPO single-ply membranes for cost-effective, energy-efficient roofing on warehouses, retail centers, and office buildings where white reflective roofing is desired.
  • EPDM single-ply membranes for proven long-term performance on buildings where a ballasted or fully adhered system provides optimal wind uplift resistance and durability.
  • Standing seam metal roofing for buildings requiring a high-slope aesthetic, maximum longevity, or architectural design flexibility with exposed metal panels.
  • Built-up roofing (BUR) for facilities requiring a multi-layer redundant system with exceptional puncture resistance and a proven track record spanning decades.
  • Modified bitumen for projects where torch-applied or cold-adhesive systems provide superior waterproofing in a cost-effective, time-tested configuration.
  • SPF spray foam for cold storage, refrigerated buildings, and other applications where seamless installation and superior insulation value are critical.

Our manufacturer partnerships with Carlisle, Versico, Elevate, Johns Manville, ERC Systems, Sika, GAF, Tremco, and IKO give us access to the full spectrum of commercial roofing products and allow us to provide manufacturer-backed warranties ranging from 10 to 30 years depending on the system and specification.

Project Types We Serve

Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Large-footprint logistics facilities are a core strength for Windward Roofing. We have extensive experience with roof areas ranging from 100,000 to over 1 million square feet, where efficient material handling, crew sizing, and schedule adherence are essential. Our crews are experienced with the tilt-wall and steel structure configurations common to modern warehouse construction.

Retail and Mixed-Use Developments

Retail projects require precision coordination with multiple tenants, complex parapet and facade details, and rooftop mechanical equipment installations. Windward manages these complexities with detailed shop drawing review and close collaboration with the general contractor to ensure roofing installation does not impede storefront and interior buildout.

Office and Corporate Buildings

For office developments, we focus on roofing systems that deliver energy performance, aesthetic integration with the building envelope, and low lifecycle maintenance costs. We are experienced with green roof assemblies, rooftop terrace waterproofing, and high-wind-uplift designs for mid-rise and high-rise structures.

Multifamily Residential

Multifamily construction is one of the fastest-growing segments in commercial roofing. Windward provides roofing for apartment complexes, condominiums, and mixed-use residential buildings, working within the compressed timelines typical of multifamily development where owner occupancy dates drive the overall schedule.

Timeline Coordination and Project Scheduling

Roofing sits on the critical path of virtually every new construction project. The building cannot be dried in, and interior trades cannot begin their work, until the roof is substantially complete. Windward Roofing understands this responsibility and plans accordingly. Our preconstruction team develops detailed installation schedules that account for weather contingencies, material lead times, crew availability, and coordination with other trades. We provide general contractors with regular schedule updates and escalate potential delays immediately so that mitigation strategies can be developed before they impact the project timeline.

Florida Expansion for New Construction

Windward Roofing has expanded operations into Florida to serve the state's robust commercial construction market. Our Florida teams bring the same commitment to quality, safety, and schedule performance that has defined our Midwest operations for over four decades. Critically, we have developed deep expertise in Florida Building Code requirements for wind uplift resistance, hurricane strapping, and high-velocity hurricane zone compliance. Whether the project is a new distribution center in Central Florida or a multifamily development along the coast, Windward delivers roofing systems engineered and installed to withstand the unique demands of the Florida climate.

Why Choose Windward for New Construction Roofing

With more than 40 years in the industry, Windward Roofing & Construction combines the workforce depth and financial stability of a large commercial roofing contractor with the responsiveness and accountability of a company that values every project relationship. Our manufacturer certifications, bonding capacity, and safety record meet the qualification standards of the most demanding general contractors and developers. From the first budget estimate through warranty closeout, our team is committed to delivering a quality roof installation that protects the building, meets the schedule, and stays within budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Windward Roofing installs all major commercial roofing systems on new construction including TPO, EPDM, PVC, standing seam metal, built-up roofing, modified bitumen, and SPF spray foam. We work with each project team to select the system that best meets budget, performance, and warranty requirements.

Yes. Our preconstruction team collaborates with architects and engineers during the design phase to optimize roof system specifications, ensure code compliance, coordinate drainage and penetration details, and identify value engineering opportunities before construction begins.

We serve a wide range of new commercial construction projects including warehouses and distribution centers, retail developments, office buildings, multifamily residential complexes, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and industrial manufacturing plants across the Midwest and Florida.

Our project managers integrate with general contractor schedules from preconstruction through final closeout. We participate in progress meetings, coordinate deliveries with site logistics, sequence our work with steel, concrete, and mechanical trades, and provide detailed scheduling to ensure roofing never falls off the critical path.

Yes. Windward Roofing has expanded operations into Florida and is actively serving new commercial construction projects in the state. Our Florida crews bring the same expertise and manufacturer partnerships that have made us a leading Midwest commercial roofer, with specialized knowledge of Florida Building Code wind uplift and hurricane resistance requirements.