The Difference Between Commercial Roofing and Residential Roofing
If you want to learn the difference between commercial roofing and residential roofing, keep reading this post. Roofing styles for both commercial and residential buildings seem similar at first. But the two have notable differences between their designs and needs. The commercial roof needs to fulfill the needs of many who work or live inside it. The roofing style is used for many large buildings in inner city and urban areas. The residential roof fulfills the needs for a far fewer number. They sit atop normal houses for families and smaller offices, day cares, or more. This is only the start of the differences between them.
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Differences in Styles
Most commercial roofs are flat and are much larger than residential roofs. These walkable roofs are made to withstand the weight of equipment that can be placed on them. This weight will come in addition to people who occasionally walk on it. The roof is created to support the large size and weight of the building it’s on top of.
Not all of them are made to be fully walkable. Commercial roofs are also used for gardens and solar panels, and other decorations. They must be sturdy enough for large mechanical tools when repairs are needed.
Residential roofs are much smaller. They’re made to house smaller families and businesses in any type of environment. These roofs are sloped and constructed with slate, cedar, or asphalt shingles along both sides. Residential roofs need less treatment thanks to their smaller size. They also don’t cost as much to maintain.
Differences in Repair Needs
Both commercial and residential roofs must be regularly checked for wear and tear. They can wear down over time, and should be inspected for potential issues. But the two require different needs when it comes to repairs.
Commercial roofs are walkable and flat roofs. This means the owner can look around them themselves to see if repairs are needed. If they do, the inspector should be contacted to see how large the issue is. The roofing company will be needed for repairs if the damage and wear is bad enough. Commercial roofs are larger, meaning they need regular inspections. The gutters and downspouts need to be checked to ensure they’re clear.
Commercial buildings should have an inspector on hand to check the roof regularly. The inspector should look over and check the roof at least once every six months. The inspector should have the ability to call the roofing contractor without the building owner present. The inspector should pinpoint issues within minutes of seeing them.
Residential roofs don’t require as much maintenance because of their small size. But they still need to be maintained. An inspector with residential roofing experience should be contacted for inspections at least twice a year. The inspector will pinpoint issues faster compared to a commercial roof thanks to the smaller size. Home and small building owners can also perform the inspections themselves to save money. These inspections can even be conducted from the ground, depending on the structure’s size. The owner or inspector should write down issues if a roofing contractor is needed.
Differences in Instillation Complexity
Both commercial roofs and residential roofs are built to last. They’re created using durable materials for shingles, metal roofing, and additional fixtures. The processes required for installation and repair are where they differ.
Commercial roofs tend to be much larger than residential roofs. This means the installation and repair processes are more extensive. The instillation processes are also longer when repairs are needed. Some repairs will be extensive. The larger jobs will require a large roofing team from the contractor. The repair jobs should note how durable the commercial roof will be going forward. Some commercial roofs house large mechanical equipment such as ventilation and air conditioners. The cost will be higher thanks to the roof size and large maintenance required.
Residential roofs are easier to maintain thanks to being atop smaller structures. The roofing contractor can complete the installation process in a day depending on their experience. But this overall process won’t take longer than a few days. Repairs take even less time when needed. Roofs atop taller residential houses will give contractors a more difficult time. This process won’t take that much longer for contractors with experience and good equipment. The cost is much lower for residential roof installation compared to that of a commercial building. It’s even lower when only minor maintenance is needed.
Protection from Weather Conditions
Weather conditions will be the biggest factor regarding wear and tear done to the roof over time. This applies to both commercial and residential roofs. However, both are worn down by different types of weather events.
Commercial roofs will require special material to protect them from heavy rain. They also need protection from extreme heat and cold conditions. Roofing contractors tend to use asphalt materials for commercial roof instillation and repairs. This will help the roof withstand rain, debris, and warping over a longer time.
Residential roofs, however, don’t need maximum protection from inclement weather. But they still need some necessary protection. Residential roofs can function efficiently with steel roofs, which work well for sloped structures. This roofing also provides protection from extreme heat and cold events. It can insulate the house inhabitants from the heat and cold.
Both structures have gutters that need inspection, and should be cleared of debris. The gutters attached to commercial roofs are much larger than those on residential roofs.
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Conclusion: The Difference Between Commercial Roofing and Residential Roofing
Commercial and residential roofs are similar in how they need to be built to last. The differences come in their construction and maintenance. Commercial roofs are atop larger buildings, while residential ones are much smaller. They both have differences in their styles as a result. The repairs for commercial roofs are more expensive compared to residential roofs. Commercial roofs also need dedicated inspectors with their complicated structures. Both need different types of protection from weather conditions. The two need roofers with ample experience in their individual types when repairs are required. These are the differences between commercial roofing and residential roofing.
