Commercial and flat roofing in Tulsa
Low-slope roofs fail differently from shingle roofs. Water ponds, and a small puncture travels a long way under the membrane. Tell us about the building and a registered roofer who does commercial work calls you back.
On this page
Common low-slope systems
- TPO. A white single-ply membrane, heat-welded at the seams. Common on new commercial roofs.
- EPDM. A black rubber membrane.
- Modified bitumen. Asphalt-based rolls, common on small flat sections of houses.
- Metal. Standing seam or screw-down panels on low-slope buildings. Metal roofing.
- Coatings. Applied over an existing roof to extend its life, if the roof under it is sound and dry.
Oklahoma requires more for commercial work
Commercial roofing work also requires a commercial roofer endorsement, which means passing a commercial roofing exam. Registration requires a certificate of liability insurance of at least $500,000 for residential roofing work and at least $1,000,000 for commercial roofing work, plus proof of workers' compensation coverage or an exemption. Ask the contractor to show the commercial endorsement on their registration, not just a roofing registration. How to check.
Hail and flat roofs
Hail punctures and fractures membranes, and dents metal and rooftop units. On a flat roof the damage is easy to walk past, so after a storm with hail of 1 inch or larger, have it inspected and get photos. Tulsa County had 143 such days from 1996 to 2025.
What to ask for in a bid
- System and thickness, and whether it is a tear-off or a recover.
- Insulation and how it meets current energy code where it applies.
- Drainage: drains, scuppers, tapered insulation for ponding areas.
- Manufacturer warranty terms in writing, and who registers the warranty.
- Commercial endorsement and insurance certificate.
Questions Tulsa homeowners ask
Is TPO good for Oklahoma?
TPO is widely used on low-slope roofs in hot climates because the white surface reflects heat. Seam quality and thickness matter more than the label. Ask for the thickness and the welding method.
Can a flat roof be recovered instead of replaced?
Sometimes. Codes limit how many roof layers a building can have, and wet insulation underneath has to come out. A core sample or moisture scan tells you.
Do you handle large commercial buildings?
We pass along requests of any size. The contractor who calls back will tell you whether the project fits their crew.
Sources
- Oklahoma Construction Industries Board: Title 59, Roofing Contractor Registration Act (CIB compilation, includes 2026 amendments)
- Oklahoma Construction Industries Board: Active Roofing Contractor Requirements (updated April 4, 2024)
- Oklahoma Construction Industries Board: Are They Licensed? (updated September 18, 2026)
- NOAA NCEI: Storm Events Database