The world of roofing is more complex than you’d probably guess, unless you just so happen to be in the roofing business. For most homeowners, they only have to worry about their own home’s roof and that’s it. But what if you’re a commercial property owner?
Suddenly, you have a whole other set of concerns when it comes to your roof. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between commercial roofing and residential roofing so that you can be better informed about which one is right for your property.
There are a lot of differences that you might not have even considered between the two types of roofing, which is why we’ve decided to write today’s article. We have a lot of information to cover in today’s post, and with any luck, you’ll understand everything that you need to before we’re done here. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
The Difference in Composition
One of the most notable differences between commercial roofing and residential roofing is the composition of the materials. Commercial roofs are often built with a more durable material in mind, as they need to be able to withstand harsher conditions and more traffic than a residential roof would.
This means that commercial roofs are usually made out of metal, concrete, or asphalt, while residential roofs are typically made out of shingles (either asphalt or wood). As you can see, there is already a big difference in terms of what these two types of roofs are made out of. But that’s not all.
Another difference in composition has to do with the thickness of the materials used. Again, because commercial roofs need to be more durable than residential ones, they often use thicker pieces/layers in their construction.
This extra durability comes at a cost though – literally! Commercial rooftops tend to be much more expensive than their residential counterparts due largely in part to the fact that they require thicker/more expensive materials during construction.
Aesthetics is another area where we see a difference in composition between commercial and residential roofs. Because commercial roofs are often made out of materials like metal or concrete, they don’t usually have the same curb appeal as a nice wood-shingled roof would.
People typically want homes to look beautiful so they avoid getting commercial roofing for their homes. However, there are some commercial buildings that actually benefit from the more industrial look of a metal or concrete roof. In these cases, it really just comes down to personal preference (or what is required by the building’s HOA).
One final difference to note in terms of composition has to do with noise. Metal roofs, in particular, can be quite loud when it rains or hails – something that most homeowners would prefer to avoid.
On the other hand, commercial property owners might not mind this extra noise as much since their businesses are typically located away from residential areas anyway and in many cases, like in the case of warehouses, it doesn’t really make a difference. Again, it all comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a roof!
The Amount of Maintenance Required
Since we’ve looked at the difference in composition, let’s take a look at another big difference – the amount of maintenance that is required. As you might expect, commercial roofs generally require more maintenance than residential ones due to their increased durability and thickness. This extra maintenance can come in the form of repairs, cleaning, or both.
So what exactly needs to be maintained on a commercial roof? Here are some of the most common things:
- Leaks:
- Because commercial roofs are often made out of materials like metal or concrete, they are more susceptible to leaks than residential roofs. This is why it’s important to have a professional regularly check for and repair any leaks that might appear.
- Drainage:
- Commercial roofs also need to be checked for proper drainage on a regular basis. If the drains become clogged, it can cause serious damage to the roof (and even the building itself).
- Gutters:
- Like with residential roofs, gutters need to be cleaned out regularly on commercial ones as well. This helps ensure that water can properly drain away from the building and doesn’t cause any damage.
- Snow and ice:
- In areas where snow and ice are common, it’s important to have a professional come out and clear away any accumulation that might occur on the roof. This helps prevent leaks, as well as the weight of the snow/ice from causing damage to the roof itself.
So what about residential roofs? What kind of maintenance do they require? Here are some of the most common things:
- Leaks:
- Leaks can still happen on residential roofs, but they aren’t typically as big of a problem as they are on commercial ones. If you do notice a leak, it’s important to have it fixed right away before any serious damage can occur.
- Drainage:
- Most residential roofs don’t need to be checked for drainage unless there is an issue (like a clog) that needs to be addressed.
- Gutters:
- As we mentioned before, gutters need to be cleaned out regularly in order to prevent any water damage from occurring. This is especially true for homes with trees nearby – those leaves can really clog things up!
- Snow and ice:
- Just like with commercial roofs, if you live in an area where snow and ice are common, it’s important to have your roof cleared off regularly. This helps prevent leaks and damage from occurring.
- Shingles:
- Finally, one of the most important things to do in order to maintain a residential roof is to regularly check the condition of the shingles. Over time, they can become cracked or damaged, which can lead to leaks and other problems. If you notice any damage, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible.
There are a lot of things that are the same and some things that are different when it comes to maintaining a commercial roof vs. a residential roof. In general, though, it’s important to have a professional come out and inspect your roof on a regular basis (at least once a year) in order to ensure that everything is in good condition.
Catching problems early is always the best course of action, and this is especially true when it comes to roofs. If you wait too long to fix a problem, it can often lead to even more damage (and more money spent on repairs).
Most people have a roof inspection done every few years but if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, it’s probably a good idea to have it done more often.
At the end of the day, the best way to decide how often you should have your roof inspected is to talk to a professional. They will be able to assess your particular situation and give you specific advice based on their experience.
And if there’s ever any doubt, err on the side of caution and have it done more often rather than less – your roof (and wallet) will thank you in the long run!
The Size of the Roof
This one might seem a little obvious, but the size of the roof actually does make a huge difference when comparing commercial and residential roofs.
Commercial roofs are, on average, much larger than residential ones – sometimes by hundreds or even thousands of square feet. This difference in size can have a big impact on a number of things, from the materials used to the amount of maintenance required.
The most obvious difference that comes with a larger roof is the increased amount of material needed for construction. This often leads to commercial roofs being more expensive than their smaller counterparts.
In addition, because they are so large, commercial roofs also generally require more maintenance (as we mentioned before). From repairs to cleaning to snow removal, there is just more that needs to be done in order to keep a commercial roof in good condition.
Another thing to consider when it comes to the size of the roof is the height of the building itself. Commercial buildings are often much taller than residential ones, which means that there is an increased risk of accidents if something were to go wrong during construction or maintenance.
This is why it’s always important to hire experienced professionals when working on any type of rooftop – they know how best to avoid potential accidents and injuries!
Understanding Roofing
We hope that this article has helped you better understand the differences between commercial roofing and residential roofing. While there are a lot of similarities, there are also a lot of important differences to be aware of. From the materials used to the size of the roof, each one comes with its own set of pros and cons.
In the end, it’s important to choose the right type of roof for your particular situation. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, be sure to talk to a professional – they will be able to assess your needs and give you specific advice based on their experience. Thanks for reading!
