There are many differences between commercial roofing and residential roofing that will make a residential roofer with no commercial roofing experience the wrong choice for your business. Let’s take a look at the main differences between the two types of roofing to get a clearer picture.
Commercial Roofs Are Often Low-Slope or No Slope
Unless a residential property is converted into a business, most commercial roofs typically have no slope or a very minor slope. While keeping a roof protected from moisture is a focal point for residential roofers, they may not be aware of the same systems and demands that commercial roofs necessitate to defend against water. Flat or low-slope roofs have unique demands to defend against pooling and other moisture-related threats.
Commercial Roofing Utilizes Different Roofing Materials
Residential roofers will typically be accustomed to working with materials like asphalt shingles, tiles, or shakes. These types of materials aren’t frequently seen in commercial roofing. Commercial roofing requires materials like rubber membranes and thermoplastic membranes. If a roofer doesn’t know how to repair, inspect, or apply these materials, it can leave your commercial roof vulnerable to moisture and other external threats.
Commercial Roofs Require More Structural Planning and Cover More Area
It would be untrue to say that there are no sprawling residential properties. However, most properties are modestly sized. Commercial properties, on the other hand, are often much larger. Whereas a residential property might only be a few thousand square feet in size, commercial roofs could easily reach 10,000 square feet. This means there’s a lot more ground to cover and a lot more important systems in place, such as plumbing and HVAC.
Commercial Roofs Have to Be Inspected More Frequently
A residential roof often only needs one annual inspection. It will vary depending on the weather and other circumstances, but this is typically the case for most homeowners. If you’re a commercial property owner, however, you’ll want to inspect your roof at least twice a year. Because of the strain on commercial roofs and the risk of structural problems, commercial roofs demand more inspections. If you skip an inspection and follow residential inspection guidance, you could miss out on issues when they’re just starting and easier to fix.
There are many crucial differences between commercial and residential roofing that influence who you turn to for support. Working with a commercial roofer for a commercial property is something you must do because commercial roofs are built differently, utilize different materials, and have different potential threats, are much larger to inspect and fix, and require more frequent inspection than their residential counterparts. If you have concerns or require commercial inspection services, contact Overson Roofing in Mesa, AZ.