You may think all roofs are the same, but they actually have different requirements and specifications. Residential and commercial roofing systems in particular have their own specific needs, so it’s important to understand their key differences. This will help guide you in choosing the perfect roofing system for your building.
Here are some of the key differences between residential and commercial roofs:
- Installation: Depending on the structure’s size, commercial roofs can take weeks to install, while residential roofs typically only take only a few days. Commercial roofs tend to be more costly because they require specialized tools, materials, and safety equipment on site.
- Slope: Residential roofing systems have steep slopes, which is why they are a key element to curb appeal. The covered areas are also smaller, which means the roof doesn’t put much pressure on the structure. Depending on the materials used, residential roofs are also easier to maintain. Commercial roofs, in contrast, have a slight or flat slope to accommodate structural changes, which means they aren’t visible from the curb. They tend to require more maintenance since they usually cover a larger surface area.
- Materials: Roof materials for both commercial and residential roofing differ in cost and longevity. They also have their own recommended applications to deliver peak performance. Shingles, tiles, and slate are the most common materials used in residential roofing, as each of these sheds precipitation easily when installed on a steep slope. Commercial roofing usually uses a single-ply membrane or modified bitumen because these materials can cover large areas affordably, while still offering excellent performance.
Choosing a local roofing contractor that specializes in major residential and commercial roofing systems can help you take the right steps and make sound decisions for your property. Greenawalt Roofing can help you with all of your roofing projects.
