5 Key Differences Of Residential And Commercial Roofing

Roofs are used to cover the top of a building or structure. Good roofs protect the items and people inside the structure or house from the weather. 

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Even though all roofs have the same aim, there is a frequent misperception that all roofing jobs are the same.  This isn’t true as there are numerous distinctions between commercial and residential roofs.

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What is commercial roofing? 

Before we examine the significant differences, let's look at what residential and commercial roofing is.Residential roofing is a sort of roofing that applies to structures meant for human habitation, specifically residences or homes. Roofing constructors easily work on residential roofs. 

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While a commercial roof has a lower slope and is much larger than a conventional residential roof.

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Flat roofs typically necessitate more upkeep and repairs to larger spaces constructed in portions. A commercial roof's conventional design considers a few elements, such as the weight of machinery stored on the roof and the requirement to cover a more extensive area. 

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Residential homes have less to worry about in terms of design and are easier to maintain, repair, and replace. 

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Here are the main distinctions between residential and commercial roofing:

1. Roofing materials

The materials used on residential and commercial roofs differ depending on the design, pricing, and weather conditions. You need to know what material you’d use on a particular roof.

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Asphalt shingles are the most common in residential homes. They are simple to install and one of the most cost-effective solutions available. 

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Typically, residential roofs are constructed by attaching plywood to timber rafters to form the roof deck. You then install a protective underlayment before laying down shingles, shakes, or tile.

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Flat or low-pitched commercial roofs are not ideal alternatives for ordinary residential roofing materials. Modified bitumen, tar and gravel, single-ply coatings (PVC, TPO, EPDM), sprayed polyurethane foam, or other commercial roofing systems are frequently used to cover them.

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A commercial roof comprises several layers: insulation, decking, protective, and reflective coating. The precise layering depends on the type of roofing used.

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Commercial roofing materials have far more alternatives than residential roofing materials. Property owners and managers would want  a certified and expert commercial roofer for installation and maintenance.

2. Roof design

The most noticeable distinction between commercial and residential roofs is their design.

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The slope of a commercial roof is typically very low or fully flat. These roofs are commonly found in warehouses, shops, restaurants, and industries. As a result, the roof generally is substantially more significant than the average home roof. 

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Heavy items such as huge HVAC blowers and industrial pipelines can be housed on its surface. Multiple apertures for blower outlets, smokestacks, and skylights can be used to break up the surface.

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A residential roof's pitch is steeper compared to a commercial roof. With the uncommon exception of solar panels, the surface typically has nothing immediately. Roof openings are mainly limited to chimneys, vent stacks, and skylights.

3. Maintenance 

While both residential and business roofs require upkeep, the methods used to do so differ. Residential roofs require less care because they have lesser square footage. As a result, a homeowner is unlikely to plan regular maintenance or inspections of their residential roof, especially if there are no signs of leaks or other concerns.

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On the other hand, commercial roofs necessitate routine maintenance to avoid leaks and further damage caused by weather events, heavy foot traffic, or aging. To correctly evaluate the condition of the roof, the inspection process necessitates the assistance of a skilled roofing contractor.

4. Roof installation and repair

Commercial and residential properties have pretty much different installation and repair needs. A commercial roof, for example, can take a month or more to build due to its sheer size. On the other hand, a residential roof can be completed in a matter of days due to its more straightforward construction.

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Commercial roof repairs can become a costly undertaking. When water penetrates the strata of a commercial roof, the entire structure must be evaluated. It could be as simple as mending one roof area or as complex as performing extensive repairs and reapplying layers to a large portion of the roof. A minor leak can quickly add up in cost.

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Leaks on a residential roof can occur in isolated areas where shingles or flashing has gone loose. The work is typically completed in a few hours. Of course, leaks might signify severe issues with a residential roof. However, localized leaks caused by minor faults are more common.

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Commercial and residential roofers have different skill sets. If you’re a commercial roofer, you must grasp the many material options and how to repair and mend them all. Residential roofers require a more general skill set. They primarily work with asphalt shingle roofs, which require fundamental abilities compared to a typical commercial roof.

5. Roofing services

Customers would always be on the lookout for a commercial roofing service with the right expertise to meet their needs. For example, customers would be on the lookout to pick a company that has experience dealing with chimneys and other structures such as smokestacks, HVAC systems, and external pipes on top of your building.

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Solar shingle installation is a popular alternative for many homeowners in a residential environment. However, there is one disadvantage: the chimney may impede the installation of solar shingles. Suppose you have no experience working around a chimney, you would have to rule out solar shingles as an option for your clients.  

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When property owners are looking for a constructor,it will boil down to finding a professional that has the necessary experience to accomplish their residential or commercial roofing project.

Roofr can assist you

There has never been a greater demand for skilled, highly qualified commercial and residential roofing experts. We can help you become that. Bring all your commercial roofing issues to Roofr. 

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Roofr gives long-lasting solutions and handles every roofing issue with the professionalism you'd expect from a top-tier roofing company. Register with Roofr today for the best in residential and commercial roofing services for your building. 

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