Residential and commercial roofing projects are not the same. In this post, we’ll explore some of these differences and what you can expect from each option. Whether you’re looking for a new roof for your business, home or both, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into some of the dissimilarities to get a clearer vision of what you’re in for!
The Differences Between Commercial and Residential Roofing
There are many differences between residential and commercial roof replacement. Below, we’ll discuss elements and costs, so you’ll know what lies ahead.
Perhaps the most glaring difference between residential and commercial roofing projects is that commercial roofs are more substantial. It takes more time and energy to undergo a commercial replacement than a residential one.
Continue reading to discover more contrasts you might not have known about!
The Design
One primary contrast between residential and commercial roofing is the design. The composition varies depending on the type of roof you need to be replaced. Below are a few key points to keep in mind regarding the available designs:
Residential Roofs
Pitched roofs are better for houses because their unique structures complement their architecture. The roofs on homes are often sharper than commercial buildings. These strong points help snow run off easier and limit the winter warning signs of roof damage.
Commercial Roofs
Many commercial businesses have much larger and flat roofs than their residential counterparts. It’s simpler to install things like solar panels or heating/cooling systems onto a flat surface than on an angular design.
A Design That Works for Both
Both residential and commercial properties can have low-sloped roofs. This roofing style was developed for simpler water run-off and drainage.
Now that we’ve clarified the different types of roof designs, it’s important to discuss the materials roofers can use on each structure.
Materials
So, what are these roofs made of? Residential roofing systems are typically made of asphalt shingles due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. You can also use wood shakes, metal panels, tile and slate.
Commercial buildings are not made with the same materials as residential roofs. Since they’re often flat or low-sloped, roofers use modified bitumen, gravel, tar, PVC, TPO or EPDM to ensure minimal or no leaking.
Installation Process and Repairs
Another dissimilarity between residential and commercial replacement is the installation process. During a residential roof replacement, roofers nail plywood to wooden rafters to create the roof deck. Next, they lay down a protective layer and install the shingles or slate using a nail gun.
Conversely, commercial roofing replacements require more in-depth work, and several steps are involved. Professionals must insulate the area, do the decking and create preventative and reflective coatings. It’s also worth noting that roofers handle heavier materials during commercial roof replacements, making things more complicated.
Property Owners’ Expectations
It’s important to consider where you’ll be during installation. During a residential roof replacement, you might want to think about getting out of the house for a few days, as many distractions will be around you.
Commercial roofers, on the other hand, typically work on their projects early in the morning or late at night to avoid disturbing workers or students. The only time disturbances can’t be avoided is when a building (like a hospital) operates 24/7, and there’s no time when it’s empty.
Cost
So, how much will each project cost you? Residential roofing replacements are typically less pricey than the commercial route because there’s less ground to cover. Given that commercial buildings are larger than houses, it’s easy to understand why they’d be more expensive.
Also, the materials used during a commercial roofing replacement are costly. Unlike shingles, modified bitumen can cost a pretty penny.
Timeline
Which option takes longer? The answer is commercial. In truth, residential roofing replacements only take a few days. There’s less space to cover, and roofing companies always try to do things as efficiently as they can.
On the other hand, commercial roof replacements might take several weeks because installation is more complicated, roofers need more materials and they’re bigger. So, you should be patient during a commercial roof replacement as it may take longer.
Roofers’ Skills & Training
Of course, you should work with a reputable company when dealing with commercial or residential roof replacements. You should never agree to work with someone without doing your research and reading the reviews.
There’s more information to be aware of, as well. Commercial roofers often need more training than those who do residential projects. Additional training is required because there’re more steps involved, and the process is intense. Residential roofers don’t need the same education.
So, Are There Any Similarities?
The short answer is yes! There are similarities between residential and commercial roofing replacements. The most striking is that all roofers must meet guidelines laid out by OSHA. OSHA created standards that every roofer must follow to remain safe on the job, whether it’s a residential or commercial setting. They should also have the appropriate equipment needed to complete the task.
We briefly touched on another similarity above, but it deserves more attention. No matter which type of roof you’re replacing, you must work with a trustworthy roofing company. There are so many roofing businesses out there that’ll tell you a full replacement is needed when a repair will do the trick. Beware of businesses like these that want to trick you for more cash.
Need Assistance?
It’s clear that residential and commercial roofing projects have more differences than similarities. Hopefully, diving into these distinctions has given you the information needed to start the replacement process. Be sure to begin by finding the right roofing partner!
If you’re searching for an honest team to take on your roof replacement, look no further than Renowned Building Solutions. Our roofers will help in any way they can. Contact us if you’re in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana or North Carolina. Our expansive service area includes Illinois towns like Aurora and Barrington, as well as Wisconsin towns like Janesville or New Berlin – and much, much more!
