Before entering into a contract for roofing work, one of the most basic questions a builder is likely to ask you is whether the contract offer is for commercial or residential roofing. But have you really wondered what exactly differentiates one from another? To know the answer keep reading…
One of the biggest points of difference between commercial and residential roofing is that even though they are ultimately meant to serve the same purpose at the end of the day, they are still meant to serve on different types of roofs. In other words, the design structures of the roofs that are expected to be built on vary greatly.
Take, for example, window coverings. Can you imagine two windows of different design that have exactly the same coatings? Same is the case with roof styles. We are all now well aware of the difference in the architectural designs of a typical residential building and a commercial building. It may come as a surprise to many to learn that there is more to the difference in the design pattern of the roofs of such buildings than meets the eye. The two different categories of ceilings are intended to facilitate the specific requirements of these building designs.
In addition to the design of the roof structure, the size of the roof also plays a very important role. In most cases, it is seen that while residential roofing requires only one or two workers on the job, commercial roofing requires a whole team to work together.
Another very important difference between commercial and residential roofs is that residential buildings usually have fewer overhangs compared to commercial buildings. For example, while most residential homes would be expected to have a bulge for a single chimney, commercial buildings should consider ledges and lips for everything from ventilation systems, chimneys, pipes, roof inlets, mechanical wiring, skylights. , etc.
In addition, the building agent may often need to consider serious specifications when selecting roofing materials for commercial buildings (such as heat discharge from heavy machinery, chemical nature of substances in use, etc.), whereas, in the case of residential houses, the only important specifications are personal choices about appearance, durability, and maintenance.
Often due to these factors mentioned above, small roofers tend to view commercial roofing as a more difficult job. Since it is not uncommon for commercial roofing contracts to come with a plethora of specifications, small builders may even be hesitant to take the job, unsure if they can promise enough labor and handle the necessary tools for the purpose.
Other factors, such as the unions to which the commercial builder and commercial buildings belong, can also play a role in commercial roofing. It goes without saying that these complications are easily noticed when roofing a residential complex.
While these were the most basic differences between commercial and residential roofing, there are also other factors that are very important not only to the builder but also to the service recipient. So, the next time a builder asks you if he needs a commercial or residential roof, remember that this casual-sounding question is actually the very foundation of the entire job.