All roofs serve the same main purpose of protecting the structure it covers. Whether that structure is your house or a commercial building, the roof is an essential part of the building’s architecture and lends integrity to the structure. Yet there are a number of significant differences between residential and commercial roofing, so one is not typically acceptable in place of the other. If your house or building needs roofing services, hire a contractor who understands the many differences between the two.
Residential and Commercial Roof Design
The most notable difference between roofs on residential and commercial buildings is the design. Most large, commercial buildings are designed with either flat tops or long, low slopes, while homes are designed with a variety of roofing architectural styles.
Although some homes in more urban areas may also have a flat roof, most are designed with sloped or pitched architecture that is very different. The most popular designs are gable roofs or similar variations; however, there are many styles that include different angles, shapes, and slopes to produce a functional and attractive design.
Different Design Means Different Materials
In addition to the many styles of building architecture, there are also many roofing materials that can be used on different roofs. This is where the main contrast between residential and commercial roofing services becomes apparent, as different architecture requires different material:
- Commercial Flat and Low Slope Design - Flat-topped buildings have a greater risk of leaks since water is slow to drain from the surface. As a result, materials used in commercial installations must provide a water-resistant cover over the top of the building. Acceptable installations include BUR built-up applications and membranes made from a variety of materials including rubber, PVC, and combinations of both.
- Residential Pitched Design - Homes made with pitched architecture experience better drainage, so it is possible to use more attractive roofing materials like shingles, tiles, and decorative metal panels. These materials overlay each other, providing a cover that stays dry while water rolls down. These materials are completely unsuitable for flat installations, but work very well on homes and other pitched architecture.
Choosing the Best Contractor
Before contracting with local roofing services, it is important that you confirm the contractor's experience and the type of material that will be used for your installation or repair. BUR and membrane materials cannot be affixed to pitched roofs; shingles or panels cannot be used on flat ones. Additionally, steepness of slope may also dictate what should and should not be installed on your home. Some materials blow off more easily on very steep roofs, making other types of roofing more suitable.
Considering these significant differences, it is critical to use the right material to ensure the installation will protect your home or building as it should, without failure. Avoid contracting with roofing services that have no experience using the specific material your home or building needs. Request references from others who have had the same type of installation. While both are still roofs, it is important that you not underestimate the differences between residential and commercial roofing jobs!
