Commercial and residential roofs do equally important work. They protect the people and objects in the buildings beneath them. Although they share some basic similarities, there are three major differences between commercial and residential roofs: roof design, choice of materials, and installation requirements.
Roof Design
Probably the most obvious difference between commercial and residential roofs is their designs. Commercial buildings tend to be larger in square footage than residential properties, and the roof must support the extra weight and size of the building. The roof tends to be much larger than a typical residential roof.
On a commercial roof, the slope tends to be very low or entirely flat, On the other hand, residential buildings have a pitched roof with a higher slope that’s simpler to install.
Roofing Materials
The materials used on both residential and commercial roofs vary based on the roof design, cost, and weather conditions. The most popular roofing material for residential properties is asphalt shingles. They are easy to install and one of the most cost-effective options on the market. Other options frequently used on residential properties include wood shakes, metal panels, slate, tile, and ceramic.
Commercial roofs, being flat or low-pitched, are not good candidates for residential roofing materials. They are often covered with options like modified bitumen, tar, and gravel, single-ply coverings (PVC, TPO, EPDM), sprayed polyurethane foam, or other commercial roofing systems. There are, in fact, many more options for commercial roofing materials than there are for residential ones. That’s one reason why it’s critical for property owners and managers to hire a qualified and experienced commercial roofer for installation and repairs.
Roof Installation and Repair
Installation and repair requirements differ between commercial and residential properties. For example, a commercial roof can take a month or more to install, because of its size, plus the number of layers involved. On the other hand, a residential roof can take just a few days, due to its simpler construction.
Repairs on commercial roofs can become a major project. When water gets through the layers of a commercial roof, the entire roof must be assessed. A simple leak can end up costing a lot of money.
With residential roofs, leaks often occur in isolated spots where shingles are loose or flashing has become loose. The work can be done in a few hours. Leaks can, of course, indicate major problems with a residential roof. However, that’s usually rare compared to isolated leaks due to minor problems.
Don’t let your commercial or residential roof fall into disrepair. If you have a leak or need another type of repair, make sure you call a professional roofing expert as soon as possible.
