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Commercial vs. Residential Roofing: Everything You Need to Know

Although all roofs fulfill the same basic purpose of providing protection and shelter, this does not imply that all roofs are the same. There are several differences between Commercial vs. Residential Roofing, including maintenance, materials, design, and installation. The scale, slope, and scope of work vary greatly between residential and commercial roofing projects. Here’s everything you need to know about commercial vs. residential roofs.

Commercial vs. Residential Roofing

1. Roof Design

The most visible contrast between residential and commercial roofs is their style. The pitch of a commercial roof is often flat or very low. These roofs are typically seen in warehouses, stores, and restaurants.

The roof is often substantially bigger than the average home roof. Heavy industrial pipelines and huge HVAC blowers can be installed on its surface. Multiple vents for skylights, smokestacks, and blower outlets might be employed to split up the surface.

A residential roof typically has a steeper pitch than a commercial roof. Most of the time, it is smaller than a commercial roof. Except for the solar panels, its surface typically has nothing on it. Vent stacks, skylights, and chimneys are the most common roof openings.

2. Roof Installation Cost and Repair

Residential and commercial properties have different installation and repair needs. Because of the sheer size and quantity of layers required, a commercial roof, for instance, could take 30 days or more to construct. Due to its simplified construction, a residential roof can be constructed in two days.

Repairing commercial roofs can be an expensive endeavor. When water seeps into a commercial roof’s strata, the whole structure must be examined. It might be as easy as repairing a single section of the roof or as difficult as performing substantial repairs and having to apply layers to a huge portion of the roof. A tiny leak can easily mount up in terms of cost.

Residential roof leaks can occur in isolated locations where shingles or flashing have become loose. Typically, the work is accomplished within a couple of hours. Obviously, leaks might indicate serious problems with a residential roof. Localized leaks produced by tiny flaws, on the other hand, are more prevalent.

Commercial and residential roofers have different skill sets. Commercial roofers must understand the many material options and how to repair and maintain them. Residential roofers can have a narrower skill set. They typically work on asphalt shingle roofs, which are more straightforward to install than a commercial roofs.

3. Roofing Materials

The materials used on commercial and residential roofs differ depending on the design, weather conditions, and pricing. It’s important to find a commercial roofer who knows what materials should be utilized on a given roofing project.

Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material for residential homes. They are simple to install and one of the most cost-effective solutions available. Ceramics, tile, slate, metal panels, and wood shakes are other popular choices for residential homes.

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

Low-pitched or flat commercial roofs are unsuitable substitutes for standard residential roofing materials. Sprayed polyurethane foam, single-ply coatings (EPDM, TPO, and PVC), tar and gravel, modified bitumen, or other commercial roofing systems are frequently used to cover them.

A commercial roof is made up of several layers, including reflective coating, protective coating, decking, and insulation. The specific layering depends on the type of roofing used.

In reality, commercial roofing materials offer many more options than residential roofing materials. That’s one of the reasons why property owners and managers should choose a professional and experienced commercial roofer to build and maintain their roofs.

4. Maintenance

Both residential and commercial roofs require some maintenance. Commercial roof maintenance is substantially more difficult owing to their flat surfaces and enormous square footage. Flat roofs require extra maintenance to keep them in excellent working condition since bothersome leaks might find their way through if not properly cared for.

In locations where there is a lot of rain and snow, it is critical that flat roof owners get their roofs examined on a regular basis to avoid leaks. Fortunately, flat roofs accommodate walking, making them easy to inspect.

Unlike flat roofs, the slope of residential roofs allows snow, rain, and other waste to flow away from the roof. Residential roofs require less upkeep and are easier to service.

Residential roofs do require some maintenance, but it differs from the requirements of commercial roofs. Owners should keep gutters clear regardless of roof type, especially throughout the fall and winter, to avoid ice damming, blockages, and other repairs.

5. Size

Unless you reside in a mansion, your residential roof will not be much larger or smaller than the majority of other residential roofs. Commercial buildings, on the other hand, vary widely in size and often have roofs that are much larger than ordinary dwellings. A commercial roof is often low-pitched or completely flat. Flat roofs require more regular inspections and upkeep.

6. Form vs. Function

Because homeowners want their homes to look nice, the aesthetics of their roofs are important to them. This is why some individuals choose visually appealing materials, such as tile.

Commercial structures do not face the same aesthetic challenges. Almost all of the time, you won’t even see a building’s roof from the street. Consider your favorite restaurant; can you recall the roof’s appearance off the top of your head? We don’t think so.

7. Other Factors

Residential specialists must be aware of their client’s specific requirements, while commercial roofers must consider the purpose of the commercial structure and the unique characteristics that impact the roof’s design. Obviously, both types of roofs must be built to endure the local environment, but residential roofs are built with aesthetics in mind, and commercial roofs with usefulness in mind.

Commercial roofs do not have the same structure for shedding water as residential roofs. This must be done thoroughly in order for the roof to be watertight. To safeguard the structure, impermeable weather membranes are put beneath the surface of a commercial roof.

A low-slope roof lacks the structural drainage that a steep-slope roof has since gravity pushes water off the top. Commercial roofs require emergency repair more frequently since any weakness in their waterproofing might cause water damage to the structure.

Whether searching for a residential or commercial roof, you should always engage with a competent roofing contractor that specializes in the services you require. Don’t allow your residential or commercial roof to deteriorate. Reach out to us if you notice a leak or need any repairs. We are the Utah roofers that commercial property homeowners and managers rely on. Contact MTM Roofing for a complimentary, no-pressure, professional estimate today!

Source: Freepik

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