What’s The Difference Between Commercial and Residential Roofing

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Local Roofing Experts Discuss the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Roofing Systems

Those outside the industry often assume that commercial and residential roofs are much alike. After all, damage to either can lead to expensive structural damage and decreased property value. Both require quality materials and proper upkeep. While the primary purposes of protecting the structure and its occupants are the same, the two roofing systems are very different, explains San Francisco commercial roofing expert Apollo Roofing Company.

Roof Design

The first significant difference between residential and commercial roofs is the design. Commercial roofing systems have a shallow slope or are entirely flat because commercial buildings are usually quite large, and the roof needs to accommodate air conditioners, fans, ventilation systems, and other components. Typically, commercial roofs have reinforcement to provide regular access to these systems.

A residential roofing system is smaller and may be flat or have a higher-pitched design. Residential roofing systems are designed to accommodate lighter-weight elements such as skylights or solar panels and do not need to accommodate as much traffic or service access as commercial systems.

Roofing Materials

The materials used on both residential and commercial roofs vary according to the type of roof, its location, building purpose, and area weather conditions. The materials used, however, are often very different.

Most residential structures use common roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, shakes, or tiles. Residential roofing structures may also include metal, torch down, TPO, or PVC roofing materials.

Because commercial roofs are flat or low-pitched, they are not fit for many of the options used on residential roofing systems, such as asphalt shingles. However, that does not mean the options in commercial roofing systems are limited. Many people are surprised to discover that there are actually far more options in commercial roofing options than residential ones! Some options include modified bitumen, tar, gravel, single-ply coverings such as PVC or TPO, sprayed polyurethane foam, or other commercial roofing materials.

A licensed roofing contractor can recommend the best system for a particular structure and its intended use.

Commercial and Residential Roof Installation and Repair

Unsurprisingly, because the roofing design and requirements and roofing materials are very different, the installation and repair requirements differ between the two systems.

Installing a residential roof can take as little as a few days because of its simple construction, the type of materials used, and the smaller size of the project. Commercial roofing systems are more extensive, involve more steps, and have more layers. Because of this, installing a commercial roofing system can take a qualified commercial roofing company more than a month to install the roofing structure properly.

Repair needs are also different. When a residential roof leaks, the cause is usually isolated spots where shingles have come loose or are missing or other quickly corrected causes. While residential roof leaks are serious, more often than not, fixing a problem is a fast and simple process.

Leaks in commercial roofing systems should always be addressed as soon as possible. Water entering a commercial roofing system can infiltrate the many layers and compromise the entire system. When the leak is identified quickly, it may be possible to fit it with a simple patch, while a more severe problem might need more significant repairs.

Needed Expertise

Because residential and commercial roofing systems are so different, they each require a specialized skill set for installation, maintenance, repairs, and inspections. Working with a trusted, local, and experienced roofing contractor is always important.

Roofing Company Near Me | Apollo Roofing Company

When looking for roofing services in San Francisco, look no further than Apollo Roofing Company. Serving San Francisco and the surrounding areas, Apollo Roofing Company is a full-service residential and commercial roofing company. Focused on honesty and integrity and delivering quality products and services while upholding best industry practices, the company offers roof maintenance, roof repair, and roof installation or replacement.

For more information about their services or to contact the company to discuss your roofing needs, just call (925) 701-8458.