All homes and buildings need a roof to protect them from weather, animals, and falling debris. But commercial roofing and residential roofing will differ from one another. Different types of buildings require different roofs in order to meet their needs so having a professional contractor that specializes in the roof you are looking for, will ensure that your home or business is properly protected. 

Below are some common differences between commercial and residential roofs. Some of the differences are minor, but they play a big role in how a space functions. 

1- Installation Process

Installing roofing on a home starts with A-frame trusses and then the material that covers the roof and weathers storms and moisture. These roofs also are installed with leak barriers and drip edges to protect the attic and the entire home from moisture. 

Commercial roofs are installed with more planning and expertise. Commercial roofing contractors must have a deep understanding of the materials that they apply to commercial roofs and understand how to factor in external piping, HVAC, and drainage will work within the roof. There are more damage risks for commercial roofs, and repairing them is much more expensive. More drainage points and safety options must be installed for commercial spaces to be productive. 

2- The Materials That Are Applied

Shingles for residential roofing are made of asphalt, slate, wood, and synthetic plastic. There are many different options within these materials to help homeowners achieve the desired look for their homes. Roofing is done to protect the home from the weather but also to make it visually appealing. 

Commercial roofing uses membrane rolls with asphalt, EPDM (rubber), or TPO (plastic). Using these types of rubber and plastic helps the roof to withstand more force and potential damage. The goal of commercial roofs is to help the business focus on producing products and improving customer satisfaction rather than worrying about the roof. The commercial roof is more to do with function than aesthetics. 

3- Low Vs. Steep Slope

Different slope heights and angles will help a roof last longer and protect those under it from danger. Residential roof slopes are steep which helps to shed water easily. Steep slopes help to make snow and water stay off your roof and avoid mold and mildew building up on the roofing material.

Commercial roofs are usually flat but have some low slopes in order to shed water. Commercial roofs are mostly flat because it is less maintenance to keep up with for a commercial property. 

4- Contractors That Work On Them

With the extensive knowledge required to install and work on commercial roofs, many roofing contractors specialize in one or the other. The requirements to being a commercial roofer are much higher than a residential roofing contractor but also come with higher risk. 

Residential contractors are not required to go through background checks and extensive tests, so it is more common for people to hire a non-reputable contractor. In order for a roof to be completed at the highest possible standards the contractor must have the right knowledge and training. 

5- Maintenance

Maintaining your roofing material can be time-consuming, and residential roofs will have different needs than commercial roofs. Doing roof repairs is dangerous no matter what structure you are on, but taking the proper precautions will ensure that your building lasts. Commercial roofs often have to make repairs for pooling water and mold growth. These issues can be helped by having bi-annual inspections done on the roof. When maintained properly, commercial roofs can last for 30 years or more. 

Residential roofs are exposed to twigs, leaves, strong winds, and more daily. Repairing shingles and limiting cracks will help avoid premature deterioration. Economy shingles can last for 10-15 years before they need any maintenance. 

Residential Roofs From Lifetime Roofing

Our company can help you have a better quality roof with roof repairs and replacement. Lifetime Roofing has been helping Northern Utah for over a decade and offers expert installation. We help give homeowners the peace of mind they need when it comes to their roof quality. We want to communicate clearly and are upfront about our pricing so that you know what you are getting before any service. Contact us to get started on improving your Utah home today.