Many people often assume roofs are all the same. However, there is a huge difference between a residential roof and a commercial roof. Although damage to either type of roof can be costly and result in your property losing value, residential and commercial roofs are not created equally. It’s important to understand these differences to help you find a high-quality roofing system for your property
Differences in the Installation
Residential roofing systems tend to be fairly easy to install. The most common obstacle tends to be a chimney. Commercial roofs, on the other hand, require skilled roofing professionals who are familiar with building around air-flow systems, smokestacks, and external piping. Experienced roofing contractors are able to meet the demands for both residential and commercial roofing installation.
Differences in Roofing Materials
Roofing materials tend to vary for residential and commercial roofs depending on the type of roof, slope, budget, and weather conditions. Typically, commercial roofs have a flat slope while residential roofs mostly have steeper slopes. A qualified roofing company can offer sound advice about the right roofing material that works best for each kind of roof.
Overall, steep residential roofs often use asphalt shingles, metal, and concrete tiles. Commercial roofs mainly use TPO, modified bitumen, metal, and asphalt shingles for steep-slope commercial roofs.
Differences in Maintenance
Commercial roofs are mostly flat and tend to require more maintenance than residential roofs. They may also involve repairs of wider spaces which are installed in multiple sections. Additionally, a commercial roof will require regular inspections to determine the integrity of the roof’s structure to safely hold the weight of any equipment housed on the rooftop. Residential roofs, however, have fewer worries as far as maintenance is concerned. They also tend to be easier to replace and repair.
Differences in Design
Residential and commercial roofs also vary in design. A commercial roof typically has a low slope with designs ranging from old-style built-up roofs to single-ply or modified bitumen. Due to their flat nature, commercial roofs can sometimes serve as locations for solar panels or rooftop gardens. They are also much larger than residential roofs. Residential roofs are typically high-pitched and constructed primarily with asphalt, cedar shakes, or slate shingles. Some homeowners also opt for tile or metal. Regardless of the type of roof you own, you should always engage the services of a professional roofing contractor who specializes in your specific type of roof. Find a local roofing expert who can provide unbiased advice and excellent workmanship to ensure your roof will protect your investment from the elements for several years to come. If you own a residential or commercial property in central Florida, consider working with Alan’s Roofing. Our roofing consultants will be more than ready to answer any questions that you might have.
