Flat and commercial roofing covers a different set of problems than a standard pitched residential roof. This category includes low-slope membrane systems (TPO, EPDM, PVC), built-up roofing (BUR) and modified bitumen, and the coatings and repairs that keep them watertight. It's the work you need for warehouses, retail strips, apartment buildings, and additions with a flat or near-flat section, where ponding water, seam failures, and drainage are the main enemies rather than shingle wear.
We list 5 businesses in New Britain that take on this type of work. Their crews and equipment overlap with residential roofers in some cases, but flat and commercial jobs demand specific skills: correct membrane welding or adhesion, proper flashing at parapets and rooftop units (HVAC curbs, vents, drains), and an understanding of how a low-slope system is supposed to shed water over decades, not just years.
What to look for in a flat or commercial roofer
- Commercial licensing and insurance, including workers' comp that covers crews working on multi-story or occupied buildings.
- Manufacturer certification for the specific membrane system (GAF, Carlisle, Firestone/Elevate, etc.), which usually determines whether you get a real material-plus-labor warranty.
- A written scope that specifies membrane thickness, attachment method (mechanically fastened, fully adhered, or ballasted), insulation R-value, and flashing details, not just a lump-sum price.
- Experience with your building type, since a retail strip mall roof, an apartment complex, and a light-industrial building each have different drainage and code requirements.
- References for maintenance and repair work, not just full replacements, since a lot of commercial roofing budgets go toward patching and extending the life of an existing system.
Our scoring weighs licensing, verified insurance, review consistency, responsiveness, and evidence of commercial-specific experience, so you're not just comparing star ratings. For a side-by-side ranking of these 5 contractors with scores and the reasoning behind them, see the best roofing contractors in New Britain guide. How we weigh each factor is explained on the methodology page.
