Commercial Roofing vs Residential Roofing: What’s the Difference?

Are you considering replacing the roof on your family home? Or maybe you need a new, sturdier one for your commercial building?

Commercial and residential roofs are different in terms of design, materials, maintenance, and installation costs.

Keep on reading to discover the major differences between residential and commercial roofing and how to choose the best for your needs.

What are the main differences between residential and commercial roofing?

The Design

The first major distinction between residential and commercial roofing is the design.

Commercial buildings tend to be larger in square footage than residential properties, and the roof must support the extra weight and size of the building.

On the other hand, residential buildings have a pitched roof with a higher slope that’s simpler to install.

It’s essential for your roofing contractors to have expertise in the type of roofing you need so you don’t end up with wrong or low quality work.

The Materials Used

Depending on size, exposure to natural elements, design, and other factors, commercial and residential roofs must be made of durable materials.

This is to ensure a maximum lifespan of the roof, but also to make it adaptable and easy to maintain.

For instance, commercial roofs cover a larger surface and incorporate elements like ventilation and air conditioning. The materials used have to support this design and last longer.

Both residential and commercial roofs have to be built using durable materials such as:

• Ceramic, asphalt, tile or slate shingles
• Solar shingles
• Wood Shakes
• Metal roofing
• Additional supportive materials

Whether you hire a commercial or residential roofing company, talk to them about their experience with each roof type.

Ask about the suppliers they use and their warranty policy. This way, you can double-check everything and ensure a high-quality roof for life.

The Maintenance

Commercial buildings cover larger square footage, so maintenance of the roofing is more demanding.

For example, you should keep the gutters clean at all times, especially during the fall and winter when debris may cause blockages.

Roof shingles or metal roofing may start to disintegrate with time and under harsh weather. You should do regular checkups to make sure everything is in place.

Residential roofs are easier to maintain because they’re smaller in size, but also easier to scan for damages. You can replace any broken shingles yourself and unblock the gutters when needed.

The Installation And Cost

The biggest difference between a commercial and residential roof is the process of installation and the total cost.

Before you start any work, get some quotes from a renowned residential or commercial roofing company to see if it fits your budget.

You should expect commercial roofing to be more expensive than residential due to the amount of labor and materials, size, and protection equipment needed for the installation.

We can help

Whether you need a residential or commercial roofing, this guide will help you distinguish between the two.

Ready for a new roofing solution for your commercial or residential needs? We can help!

Contact us today to get a free estimate and let us make your vision a reality.