Know the Difference: Commercial Roofing vs. Residential Roofing

A roof is a roof – right? Not exactly. The needs of residential properties like private homes and apartments are often very different from the needs of commercial properties like office buildings or warehouses. You don’t have to be a roofing expert, but you do need to know a bit about the basic differences to make the right roofing choices for your particular property. And you need to know about the differences so you can hire the right roofing contractor.

Here are a few things taken from a commercial roofing st louis company that need to know:

Commercial Roofing vs. Residential Roofing

Residential Roofing

Most residential roofing is designed to be both decorative and functional. It should not only protect the property from water damage and pests, but it should also make the home look nice. As such, materials like shingle and tile come in a wide variety of colors and designs. For example, you can get shingle in colors like red, white, grey, and black, as well as in materials like asphalt or wood. Similarly, tile comes in a variety of shapes, styles, colors, and materials.

A residential roofing is also typically pitched. That means that the shape of the roof naturally works to divert water away from the property. The roofing materials don’t have to work as hard to keep water out since gravity naturally pulls it down and away from the house.

Materials used for residential roofing are designed to be durable, but they typically only last a few decades, if that. Asphalt shingle can last 15 to 25 years, while certain types of tile can last 50 years or more.

Commercial Roofing

Commercial roofing is largely designed to be functional. In most cases, the roof of a commercial building cannot even be seen by those on the ground. Most buildings have flat roofs. If there is a pitch to the roof, it is very low.

Because commercial roofing is usually flat and the installation quite similar to Industrial Flooring Installation, it cannot repel water naturally. That means that the roofing materials must be designed to resist water damage, as well as the intense rays of the sun. Some businesses opt for layers of asphalt for their roofs, but more efficient options include thermoplastic roofing and spray foam roofing.

Spray foam roofing is an especially good choice for flat roofs. The foam is sprayed onto the roof when it is in liquid form, and it nestles into every crack and cranny on the roof. Then the foam dries to a hard and seamless surface that withstands UV rays and does not allow for water penetration. Foam roofing lasts about 100 years or more, making it the most durable roofing choice, as well.

The roofing choice for businesses depends in part on the design of the roof, the company’s budget, aesthetic concerns, and longevity.

Making the Right Choice

Fortunately, you don’t have to know everything about the different roofing options to make the right choice for your property. You just need to find the right roofing contractor to guide you through the options and help you understand how they will benefit your property or not. Your roofing contractor will help you see through the long-term impact to save the most money. Therefore, your contractor wouldn’t just lead you to the least expensive choice, but rather to the choice that will offer you the most long-term benefits in terms of longevity, energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance. If looks are a concern, your commercial roofing contractor will help you find the roofing option that will give you all the same benefits while also creating a beautiful aesthetic for your property.

Canyon State Roofing and Consulting can help you in Arizona whether you need residential or commercial roofing. We install shingle, tile, metal, and foam roofing for both types of properties, and we’ll help you determine which is right for your needs. We are a local, family owned roofing company that has earned a reputation for quality and affordable service. Our friendly professionals have years of experience, and they are licensed and insured. Call us in Arizona today to schedule a free estimate and to learn more about the best roofing types for your residential or commercial property.

Published By:

James McLain Owner and Phoenix Roofing Contractor at Canyon State RoofingCanyon State Roofing

4809 E. Thistle Landing, #100
Phoenix, AZ 85044

Office: (602) 400-1635
Email: robyn@canyonstateroofs.com
Website: https://staging.canyonstateroofs.com

Published On: February 7th, 2019Categories: Commercial

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