Although you might not consider that residential and commercial roof replacement processes are different, knowledgeable and experienced roofing professionals recognize these core differences. For homeowners in Florida, understanding what separates these two approaches will help you set realistic expectations for your next roofing project.
8 Key Differences Between Residential & Commercial Roof Replacement
Consider the following unique variables when evaluating a residential versus a commercial roof replacement project:
1. Knowledge Proficiency
Most roofers are specialists. Generally, a residential roofer doesn’t have the qualifications to work with commercial roofing systems. Many commercial roofing companies focus exclusively on agricultural, industrial, and retail roofing. Asking them to handle a residential roofing project capably may be outside their expertise.
2. Overall Cost Investment
While both forms of roof replacement involve a meaningful outlay of capital resources, a commercial roof replacement can cost ten to twenty times as much as a new residential roofing system. Typically, the cost of commercial roofing materials and labor far exceeds that of residential roofing products and installation.
3. Planning Process
Both approaches involve proper planning. However, most commercial roof replacement projects require significantly more time and preparation than installing a new residential roofing system. This additional planning means that the commercial roofer must fulfill a longer list of criteria before proceeding with the installation.
4. Roof Design & Slope
The typical home is steeply pitched, while most commercial buildings possess a flat or low slope. This difference means water shedding occurs more easily on residential roofs than commercial ones. Accordingly, a commercial roof must have an effective alternative water management system to reduce water collection.
5. Roofing Material Utilized
Most homes install asphalt shingles. The average commercial building utilizes a different roofing material, such as metal or modified bitumen. Concurrently, most commercial roofs include a membrane coating (e.g., EPDM, TPO, or PVC) to reinforce the roof against outside forces (such as UV rays, wind, and hail).
6. Safety Precautions
Both processes involve adherence to defined safety standards. However, a commercial setting has particular OSHA and state or local compliance requirements that might not exist in a residential roof replacement environment. These additional responsibilities necessitate working with a commercial roofer rather than a generalist.
7. Size & Square Footage
The average dimensions and square footage of a commercial building far exceed a home. This size difference often means taking a unique approach to a commercial roof installation compared to attaching a new residential roof. A commercial roof’s extra weight and size may significantly impact the building’s structural integrity.
8. Time Element
A residential roof replacement can typically be completed within one to three days. A commercial roof replacement may take multiple weeks to consummate. How come? A commercial roof installation involves many considerations (e.g., complexity, roofing layers, etc.) that don’t exist when replacing a home’s roof.
Hiring A Knowledgeable & Experienced Roofing Contractor
If you own a home in Florida, trust the experts at Alan’s Roofing to deliver unmatched professionalism, craftsmanship, and construction materials for your next roofing project. We provide a full menu of exceptional roofing services.
Contact Alan’s Roofing today and schedule a no-cost consultation and receive a free roofing estimate.
