Commercial vs Residential Roofing Services: What’s the Difference?
Commercial roofing services involve larger buildings, generally with flat roofs and large surface areas, while residential roofing services deal with homes and residential areas. Residential areas are comparatively smaller than commercial areas and have steep-sloped roofs, with a greater focus on aesthetics, beauty, and comfort, whereas commercial roofing services focus more on business and professional settings.
Commercial Roofing
Commercial roofing is the roofing system that is installed in larger commercial areas with flat to slightly tilted roof systems. They are generally offices, industrial areas, warehouses, and retail centres. They might have a slightly tilted slope that tends to be mostly flat. Commercial roofings generally cover larger areas, and they have installed an HVAC system within them. The requirement for their building material is to be durable.
The commercial roofing is of 2 types:
Flat Roofing: In which the roof of the commercial building is generally flat.
Slightly Tilted Roofing: In which the roof of the commercial building is considered to be slightly tilted.
Commercial Roofing Services
Commercial roofing services involve the professional services of commercial areas' roofs, including repairing, replacing, emergency repairing, and maintaining the roofs of non-residential commercial buildings like hospitals, schools, industrial areas, warehouses, factories, and condominiums. They are slightly different from residential roofing services, as the building roofing material is different due to the differences in their areas and slopes.
Roofing System Material Selection
To select material for the commercial areas, it is important to consider its durability, strength, evaluate the building's use, its slope, its capacity, etc.
Materials that are generally used in the commercial roofing services are :
PVC
TPO
EPDM
Metal
Modified bitumen
built-up roofing (BUR)
PVC Roofing Systems
PVC, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is chemically made up of chlorine and Ethylene. It is used in commercial roofing services because of its longevity, strength, and temperature resistance. PVC is a single-ply membrane, which means it consists of only one layer. PVC membrane is made up of thick, UV-resistant thermoplastic material. Its thickness varies, and it is used on the flat commercial building because of its strength and resistance.
The only drawback of PVC is that it is very expensive.
TPO Roofing Systems
TPO, also known as Thermoplastic polyolefin, is the most commonly used commercial roofing material. It is also a single-ply membrane that is highly resistant to UV rays and chemical exposures. TPO is made up of a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. It is cost-effective and is generally more durable than any other commercial roofing material.
The only drawback is that it cannot withstand extreme weather conditions.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
EPDM is also a synthetic rubber membrane that is extremely durable and is used in commercial roofing materials. It is extremely durable and extremely resistant to UV rays, weather, ozone, and general weathering. EPDM is an affordable and long-term material if used properly, and it does not require extra care.
Roof Maintenance Services
Roof maintenance services are a special factor in the roofing services, as the commercial roof requires more maintenance and care than residential roofs.
Regular inspection and maintenance is required for the commercial roofs, regular cleaning of drains and gutters, resealing flashings, and taking safety measure si extremely crucial.
Roof Replacement Services
Complete and partial roof installation services in commercial roof services are important, as the material is generally chemical-resistant. Some of the Commercial roof materials shrink with increased temperatures and cannot be recovered, so it is necessary to simply replace them with new ones, unlike the residential roofing services.
Roof Repair Services
Commercial roof services have one of the most important factors, which is repair services. Some commercial business owners rely on budget-friendly services like repairing instead of the costly service like replacement; they tend to inspect their roofs regularly to keep them functional.
Issues like blockage, leakage, etc are tend to be repaired easily. A roofing contractor in Whatcom County is seemingly a better option for that.
Energy Retrofits
The energy retrofits are a service that is generally applicable only in commercial roofing services and not in residential roofing services. In this, the roof's coating and system overlays are performed, and solar-ready mounts are installed. It tends to add insulation for the energy retrofits.
Emergency Roof Services
Emergency backups are generally ready in terms of commercial roofing areas, slightly more active than residential roofing services. The emergency services especially in case of commercial systems, are available all the time.
Residential Roofing
Residential roofs involve the roofs of residential areas and homes. Residential roofs generally have an inclined slope, which tends to be based on the choice, budget, preference of the homeowner, and the requirements of the area.
The roofing material for the residential areas is likely to be
Asphalt shringle
Metal
Roof Replacement
In Residential roofing services, homeowners mostly consider roof replacements when there is no room left for roof repair services. As it is a very costly service, they do not desire to spend a large amount of money at once. In case of roof ageing and extreme tormentation, the roof replacement is done by the roofing contractors.
Roof Repair
Flashy and chimney leaks are repaired.
Broken Tiles repair
Gutters cleaning
Storm-damaged roof repair
Wind damage repair
Shagging areas
Weatherization Services
Residential roofing services involves the dealings in extreme weather condition as well as they are made of asphalt shingles, which can resist harsh weather, unlike commercial roofing materials. When the roofs of residential areas face extreme weather conditions, they sometimes can face minor damage or leakage issues, which can be solved.
Roof coating
Roof waterproofing services
Synthetic underlayment
Attic installation and ventilation
Shingles breach
Feature | Residential Roofing Services | Commercial Roofing Services |
Roof Structure | Typically steep-sloped roofs. | Usually flat or low-sloped roofs. |
Common Materials | Asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, and metal roofing. | TPO, EPDM, PVC, modified bitumen, and metal roofing systems. |
Installation Process | Simpler installation on smaller roof areas. | More complex installation on larger roof systems. |
Repair & Maintenance | Focuses on shingles, flashing, gutters, and leak repairs. | Focuses on membranes, drainage systems, seams, and rooftop equipment areas. |
Weather Challenges in the Pacific Northwest | Heavy rain, wind, moss, and algae can damage roofing materials. | Heavy rainfall and poor drainage can lead to water pooling and membrane deterioration. |
Service Requirements | Prioritises home protection, appearance, and long-term performance. | Prioritises durability, drainage efficiency, and business continuity. |
Final Thoughts
No matter Residential Roofing or commercial roofing, both need professional services, so do not wait for a miracle and call the professionals. If you are waiting for Bellingham or Whatcom County? Then do not wait any longer, Rainshield Roofing has been available in your service since 1988. Pick up your phone and give us a call at (888) 858-7663, or if you are not a call person, then just drop an email to Info@Rainshield.net, we will be available at your doorstep in the speed of light.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the life span of PVC roofing?
PVC has a life span of normally 25 to 30 years, which can be extended or shortened depending upon the weather conditions and its maintenance.
Why do commercial roofs need more frequent roofing services?
As commercial roofs cover large areas and more people also they are made up of different materials with flattened slopes, they tend to need maintenance more regularly.
What is the price of residential roofing service in Whatcom County?
The price of residential roofing services may vary depending on the service requirements and the area of residence.
How would I know if my commercial roof needs services?
If you notice visible shrinkage in the roof membranes or the roof is near its expected age, then you should consider its service.
How often should I do commercial roof inspections?
Commercial roof inspection needs to be done regularly. You can do the regular inspectionyourself in every 10 days and call the professional services every 4 to 6 months.