You’re probably here to uncover the difference between residential and commercial roofing. Generally, a roof is simply a type of covering that keeps a property or a building safe and provides protection from harmful effects caused by environmental components.
Whether it is heavy rain, snow, heat or something more disastrous, well-constructed roofs ensure that your life doesn’t get busted by these events and allows for a peaceful and hassle-free state of mind as you are prepared for tough times and know your roof will handle the job quite well.
However, there are types of roofing: residential and commercial roofing. It may sound straightforward but there are a few differences that we think are worth mentioning for our readers.
What Is Residential Roofing?
Residential roofing refers to services, repairing and installation that are meant to take place where people live, typically homes. There is a different kind of feeling when you see your whole family living together. Wife, children, pets and what not. They all find themselves safe, secure and close to the ones they love under one roof that’s standing right above the house. We call it a residential roof.
What Is Commercial Roofing
Businesses, warehouses, industries, textiles or any other place that is used for activities falling into the business sector need roofing services; hence they are classified as commercial roofing. It differs from traditional residential roofing and often requires the work to be done on a much bigger scale than just a few square footage.
How Do These Two Roofing Types Differ From Each Other
You may now have started getting some ideas in your mind – an image in your consciousness could be forming. We’ll unleash the full picture so there isn’t any confusion left in your mind about residential and commercial roofing. Let’s get started:
Design
Before beginning any construction project there is a design that outlines every single detail about how each part of the building would look and how the development should be approached. It is the same in roofing too.
Residential and commercial sites aren’t similar in design – houses are built differently and commercial buildings are set to have an entirely separate design. So what does it mean for roofing?
Well, houses or residential places usually consist of a pitched roof with a higher slope that doesn’t take long enough to install and is easy compared to its counterparts. While commercial buildings occupy larger square footage with several parts each with its own characteristics. So the commercial roof has what it takes to manage extra weight, size and complexity.
Roofing Materials
Roofing is a combination of multiple substances that work together to create a barrier between the interior of a building and the outdoor elements. The roofing materials used can vary depending on the climate, building design, and personal preferences as well as the budget.
Common roofing materials include:
- Asphalt shingles
- Metal Roofing
- Clay or Concrete Tiles
- Wood Shingles or Shakes
- Solar shingles
Each material has its own unique characteristics, including durability, cost, and appearance. For example, asphalt shingles are a popular choice when it comes to affordability and ease of installation, while metal roofing is known for its longevity and energy efficiency. Whether it is commercial or residential roofing, quality is a common phenomenon defining how long-lasting a roof can be.
Commercial roofing often utilizes the following materials:
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) – a single-ply roofing membrane made of a blend of plastic and rubber.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – also a type of single-ply roofing membrane, PVC is known for its strength and resistance to chemicals, punctures, and other forms of damage.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) – a rubber roofing material that is highly flexible and resistant to UV rays and weathering. EPDM is commonly used on low-slope roofs and has a long lifespan.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR) – also known as “tar and gravel” roofing, BUR is a traditional type of roofing that involves layering asphalt and felt sheets to create a durable and waterproof surface.
Metal Roofing – a durable and long-lasting option for commercial roofing, metal roofs can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and copper.
Maintaining A Roof
Once a product is in consumer hands it is all about how they use it and whether they focus on maintenance or not. Even a high quality roof would become a burden if it is not being maintained from time to time. Although there are roofing types that don’t need regular maintenance and can last up to several decades it still demands some attention. Both residential and commercial roofing need maintenance.
Due to its massive coverage, commercial sites demand higher and more complex maintenance. On the other hand, residential roofs are easy to upkeep and problems can be spotted fast. Even though it’s just a house, annual inspections are a must especially after heavy rain or harsh weather changes. Depending on the area, you have to be already prepared and make sure all the precautionary measures are taken before it’s too late.
Regardless of its size or material; nobody wants to go through costly repairs and replacements. Major damages in a roof come with a hefty price tag, so isn’t it better to have an experienced roofer inspect it periodically and make sure everything is okay? From flat roofs to sloped ones, each type requires a different approach in terms of increasing lifespan and avoiding repairs.
Installation And Cost
Roofers charge way much higher for commercial properties – as it exists on a much larger scale. Planning, deciding materials, the time associated with the installation, the cost of labor, and much more significantly affect the total price. Average costs also vary depending on what type of material is going to be implemented.
Residential roofing is not something to be called a cheap job, but it is far less expensive than commercial roofing. The national average for residential roofing is between $5,500 to $11,000 according to forbes. However, there is not a simple and straightforward answer, you will have to contact roofers in your area to compare the prices and get a better idea of how much a roof replacement would cost.
Would You Like To Know The Roofing Rates in Minnesota?
Hastings Roofing is a Minnesota based company offering services in five major cities: Minneapolis, Bloomington, Maple Grove, Edina, and Woodbury. If you reside in any of these cities; Hastings Roofing would lift the burden off your shoulders and give you a seamless roofing experience. With highly trained and certified professionals on our team, your project will be handled with utmost care and attention.
