Commercial Vs Residential Roofing
It is likely that in your process of seeking out a roofing contractor you will see a number of roofing contractors that market themselves as commercial or residential. Commercial roofing is very different from residential roofing and if you are going to work with a roofing contractor for your commercial building, it is important that you are working with a contractor that also has experience with commercial roofing systems. In this article we’re going to stack up commercial vs residential roofing and explain the differences!
Roof Design
The design of a commercial roof is very different to that of a residential roof. A commercial roof often has a slope that is lower or in some cases, entirely flat for the roofing system. These are the types of roofing systems which are present in shops, factories, restaurants and more. The surface area on these types of roofs are also much larger than a residential roof. The surface often requires specialty items for the support of the commercial building. The installation of large HVAC blowers or industrial pipes are a requirement for certain commercial buildings and these can be integrated into a flat roof design. The surface of a commercial roof also may require extra outlets for smokestacks, skylights and more.
Residential roofing is often much more simple. They can have a higher pitch than a commercial roof and they are not often in need of items that will sit on top of the roof. In some cases, a residential roof can include solar panels, but these are often not a requirement. Openings on residential roofs are quite minimal as well and this ensures ongoing consistency throughout the roofing materials.
Roofing Materials
The materials that are used on commercial roofs and residential roofs are very different. Based on the design as well as the weather conditions that a roof needs to stand up to, the materials will differ. A commercial roofer will have to decide on the ideal type of materials that suit a roof.
The most popular type of roofing material for a residential property is an asphalt shingle. These are an easy and affordable choice for installation and it is one of the most cost effective options to enjoy on the market. They are not often an ideal choice for commercial properties but they can be very effective for a residential installation because of the roofing design.
Residential roofing often involves the contractor nailing plywood along rafters for a solid deck, then installing roofing materials. Shakes, shingles or tiles are all popular choices here. Commercial roofs with a low pitch do not work well with these types of roofing materials. They are usually covered up with tar, gravel, bitumen or polyurethane foam. The process of building up the roof often includes laying insulation, decking, protecting coating and then the reflective coating. The layers will depend on the type of roofing that needs to be installed.
Repairs and Installation
The installation and repair will also be different between residential and commercial roofs. A commercial roof can sometimes take up to a month to install thanks to the added layers of construction and the larger surface area. A residential roof can often be installed in just a day or over a few days thanks to the easier process. Repairs on a commercial roof often require a full assessment of the roof. It can involve patching one section or replying multiple layers of the roof. Even a small leak could lead to extensive costs. Residential roofing repairs can involve isolated repairs or larger sized patching and replacement on roofing materials.
When it comes to commercial vs residential roofing, the differences are hard to stop listing out! If you are in need of commercial roofing installation or repairs, be sure to contact us today! With extensive experience handling both commercial and residential properties, Reggie Reed can do it all!
