Commercial Roofing vs. Residential Roofing: Understanding the Differences

When you’re considering an investment in a new roof for your home, it’s important that you partner with the right contractor for the job. As you’re looking for a team you can trust, it’s important to keep in mind that commercial roofing and residential roofing have some stark differences, and you need to find a team of residential roofing specialists with the expertise and skill to handle your project. Knowing the differences between the commercial and residential roofing projects can help, of course, so let the pros at Roofing Done Wright walk you through them.

What Are the Inherent Differences Between Commercial & Residential Roofing?

So, what differences are there between commercial and residential roofing systems? Consider the following:

Design

Of course, commercial buildings tend to be much larger than residential properties in terms of square footage. That means commercial roofs must not only cover more square footage, but they must also support the extra weight and size of the building. Not only that, but they tend to have very little or no slope. Flat roofing makes a lot more sense for a big building, after all, as they need to accommodate HVAC blowers, industrial pipes, skylights, and other types of ventilation and air conditioning mechanisms.

Conversely, residential roofs are pitched and have a higher slope. The only time anything really sits directly on the roof is when you have solar panels, and the only openings in a residential roof tend to be with chimneys, vent stacks, or sometimes skylights. That makes for a completely different composition and look between the two.

Materials

Commercial roofing often involves materials that make for a flat or low-pitched surface, and these materials don’t really work as well for residential roofs. They’re often covered with options like single-ply coverings such as PVC TPO, or EPDM, sprayed polyurethane foam, tar and gravel, or modified bitumen. There’s also the insulation, decking, protective coating, and reflecting coating that tends to be present on commercial buildings.

On the other hand, residential roofs typically feature a roof deck—created by nailing plywood to wooden rafters—and a protective underlayment that precedes the installation of shingles, shakes, or tile.

Installation & Maintenance

Because of the size associated with commercial roofs, their installation and maintenance requirements are a lot more strenuous. Commercial roofs are more complex and installations can take weeks, whereas residential installations can be completed within a few days due to their simpler nature.

Maintenance and repairs also greatly differ between commercial and residential roofs, and different skill sets are typically required. That’s why working with a team of residential roofing experts for a project at your home is the better choice.

The Right Team to Rely On for Your Residential Roofing Needs

When the time comes for a residential roofing project at your home in Georgia or Florida, there’s no better team to call than Roofing Done Wright. We offer expert roof inspections, repairs, and replacements, and we’re fully licensed and insured. Countless homeowners have counted on us for their residential roofing needs over the years, and upon choosing us for your project, we don’t think it would take long for you to find out why our reputation is so spectacular.

If you’re ready for a residential roofing project at your home in Georgia or Florida, contact Roofing Done Wright today.