Commercial vs Residential Roofing Solutions: A Comparison

Roofing keeps us safe and sound, both at home and at work. It’s important to have a sturdy, solid roof without damage or issues. If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may be curious about the similarities and differences between commercial and residential roofing. Here are some of the things you should know about these different styles of roofing.

Materials

One of the biggest distinctions is the type of materials these roofs are made out of. Some commercial roofing projects may use the same asphalt shingles or wood shakes seen atop many houses, but it all depends on the size of the roof, its slope, and the outside environment. If you take a look at commercial buildings in your area, you would find that many are made of metal, tile or rubber. In comparison, asphalt is the most common residential roofing material in the United States, followed by slate, clay, and concrete.

Design

In addition to what these roofs are made of, commercial and residential roofing also differs in its overall design. When you think about the roof on your house, compared to the one on the warehouse or office building down the street, you can envision why. In most cases, commercial roofs are larger than those of homes, and they are typically low sloped or flat. Companies and businesses may need roof repairs more often, as older flat roofs are prone to problems. Sometimes, whole sections may need to be replaced in order to ensure safety. Many developers, builders and companies choose to go with specialized designs that allow for more weight and weather conditions on commercial buildings. Of course, both commercial and residential roofing offers plenty of customizable options, so at the end of the day, the decision is up to you!

Price

If you’ve never had to pay for roofing before, you may be surprised at the cost. Roofing is a huge and vital part of any construction project, and it’s important to make a worthwhile investment with a professional company. Luckily, many people don’t have to worry because completing a roofing renovation on a private home is much less expensive than putting a new roof on a commercial construction site. That’s not only because commercial roofs are usually much larger, but also because commercial projects often require more crew members, special tools and protective gear. No matter which type of job you need, you should plan on budgeting and planning for an essential yet somewhat expensive project.

Challenges

In most cases, residential roofing projects are easier and less time-consuming than their commercial counterparts. While residential roofing is fairly straightforward, many commercial jobs will require more planning and preparation. That’s because crews working on commercial buildings will also have to account for external aspects such as air flow systems, smoke stacks and piping. For the most part, the only external parts of residential roofs may be fireplaces or chimneys. Overall, both residential and commercial roofing solutions are important investments for homeowners and business owners everywhere, but they will be different projects for sure.