Three Main Differences Between A Commercial And Residential Roof

fThe roof is an essential part of any building, and most people do not even pay attention to this part until something goes wrong. This is particularly applicable in commercial buildings which mostly have roofs that are designed to last for an extended period. Roofing is a complicated part of the home, and if you do not understand the different dynamics involved in setting one and repairing it, you may find yourself in deep trouble when it starts affecting the structural integrity of your home. To the average individual, there is very little difference between the roof on a commercial building and that on a residential home.

Well, these two kinds of roofs are very different and when undertaking any project, ensure that you get a reliable and knowledgeable roofing contractor that understands the options at stake. This is applicable for both the installation and repair of the different types of roofs as the differences stretch even in these areas.

The Main Purpose Of Roofs

One might argue that the primary function of any roofing is to shelter the people and items inside the building from the rain and other elements of the weather. It also helps by using rolled roofing installation as an example to keep your home warm or cool.  Aside from that, roofs also add to the value of a home, and this is why homeowners have a plethora of options to choose from when selecting a roof for their place. Having an attractive and durable roof can make your home look aesthetically pleasing and make it desirable to potential buyers, something that can help it get sold fast. The mentioned things underline the main purposes of a roof in a residential building but what about the commercial counterparts? Things get different in this area because commercial roofs are mostly above the line of sight and thus there is very minimal concern over the aesthetic value. You will have to get on the roof to check out how it appears or even be on top of another building that is taller than the one you are viewing for you to see. The main purpose of a commercial roof is to serve the main function, and there is no consideration for beautiful colors as they won’t matter. However, this does not limit the options available for commercial roofs as one can select from a couple based on their preferences and budget.

Structural Design

The structural nature of both residential and commercial roofs is very different, and you cannot use the same designs for both. Most commercial roofs are normally flat or have a very gentle tilt. The main reason why the models are done that way is for practicality. Most of the commercial buildings are extensive and opting for other designs other than the flat ones can be costly since they will take up a lot of roofing material. Aside from that, commercial building roofs also serve other functions apart from just protecting the people and items inside the building. Some tall commercial buildings in large cities have helipads that are used by people who need to move fast and avoid heavy traffic in the streets. Other commercial buildings make use of massive solar arrays and other equipment such as water heaters and air conditioning equipment that can only be accommodated on the rooftop owing to their huge size.

Residential roofs are mostly sloppy, and the basis of their designs depend on what the owner wants. In a nutshell, one has several options when designing a residential roof and they could still go with the flat-roofed option.

Maintenance

All types of roofs need attention, but the amount differs in both commercial and residential roofing. One major limitation of the flat roofs seen on commercial buildings is that they are prone to water pooling when it rains heavily. In that accord, one must ensure that the roof is waterproof to avoid cases of water seeping in through the cement cracks. Waterproofing is an expensive thing especially when being done on a relatively large roof. It also needs to be repeatedly done after several years, and this makes the cost of maintaining a flat roof relatively high. Looking at the residential roofs, it is evident that there is no risk of water pooling since most of them are sloppy. However, one should install gutters to help direct the water flowing off the roof so that it cannot damage the base of the home. Building owners in areas that have a lot of trees need to clear the debris of their roofs from time to time as they can lead to ice damming and blockages. This is particularly applicable to commercial flat roofs that need to be clear of any debris that might encourage pest infestations or help to accumulate water.

Commercial roofs require regular inspections from time to time. It is terrible to have a corporate business renting your premises being disrupted from going about their day to day business due to a roof leak. Preventive maintenance should be a priority for commercial buildings so that all kinds of problems can be identified before they scale up and become larger ones. If the roof has any electrical or mechanical equipment, the roof inspectors should take care not to interfere with them when conducting their checks as they could really affect the day to day operations of many businesses. Residential roofs equally need checks to ensure that they are in perfect condition, but it does not have to happen as regularly as it does with the commercial ones.

Some main differences between commercial and residential roofing have been mentioned above, and you need to understand what you need to do when you are undertaking any roofing project. Luckily, you do not need to understand most of the technical things surrounding roofing projects if you have  armorservices.com by your side. It is important to take your time when selecting one as such an expert can help you make the right choices and even guide you on what you need to do to ensure that your roof remains in top condition for a long time.