Residential vs. Commercial Roofing: What’s the Difference?

Residential and commercial roofing may seem the same. After all, a roof is a roof, right? Yet, they are not the same. It is necessary to know what makes them different from each other to understand their value, maintenance system, materials, and more. They are not created or even installed equally as well. Let’s see what the difference is between residential and commercial roofing to understand more about them.

  • Roofing Materials

The materials used in commercial roofing and residential roofing are different for several reasons, like design, size, and even exposure to natural elements. For example, residential roofing usually has tile, asphalt, wood shakes, ceramic, or slate as a building material. In North America, the one that is chosen the most is asphalt shingles since it is easier to install and more economical than other options.

Of course, nowadays, many materials options are available. You should choose the one that fits your profile the most. Many people now prefer to have less conventional designs and materials, like metal roofing or plant-based roof.

For commercial roofing, the most used options are single-ply coverings like EPDM, PVC, TPO, and tar, modified bitumen, sprayed polyurethane foam, tar, etc. The commercial roof has a complex system since many layers, like insolation and reflecting coating, are involved.

  • Roof Installation, Maintenance, and Cost

As stated earlier, the installation, maintenance, and especially cost differ significantly for each type. The commercial roof is harder to install; therefore, you must hire a professional roofing company in this case. Many layers are necessary for a proper commercial roof, and having suitable layers helps to avoid many problems.

A residential roof is much easier to install and requires less maintenance. Therefore, it is cheaper. Yet, all types need to be repaired when necessary, and the proper maintenance needs to be done at the appropriate time. The roof doesn’t last long when overlooked.

  • Roof Design

The roof design may see the most apparent difference between residential roofing and commercial one. In North America, commercial buildings usually have a flat or almost flat roof. It is bigger and larger than residential roofs, and sometimes heavy equipment or items are placed on top of it, like industrial pipes and HVAC blowers. The roof may even have some openings like skylights and blower outlets.

A residential case is smaller than a commercial one and usually is free of items except for solar panels. It also usually does not have many openings.

It is essential to hire a proper and professional roofing company to install your residential roofing and, especially, your commercial roofing. The Canadian company Vanity Roofing is an excellent option for your needs.

This company offers many services, like commercial roof installation, residential roof installation, roof snow and ice dam removal, roof repair, soffit and fascia, home renovation, siding service, and more. Click here to check your free estimate and hire them to install your brand-new roof.

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