The difference between commercial and residential roofing is beyond just colour and size. These two types of roofs are so distinct that you cannot, for example, switch the roof of your house with that of your restaurant. This article discusses the several ways in which commercial and residential Perth roofing are distinct.
Commercial and residential Perth roofing differ in:
- How they are installed
- The choice of roofing materials
- Size
- Structural needs
- Outlook and aesthetics
- The roofing cost
- Maintenance needs
How they are installed
Residential roofs are relatively quick and easy to install, even where some homeowners wish to have solar panels installed. Sometimes, including a chimney, flue, vent, or skylights may slightly complicate the installation of a residential roof. In such cases, roof flashing is necessary. Roof flashing, mostly done using galvanized steel, helps to prevent insects and water from getting into the chimney, vent or roof deck. It specifically helps to channel water to the shingles rather than the roof deck or vents.
While the installation process of residential roofs is straightforward, installing commercial roofs requires expertise and experience in certain roofing aspects, such as:
- External piping
- Smokestacks
- Airflow systems
If you are looking for Perth roofing services, contact McKay Roofing for your residential or commercial roofing needs, including solar panels, vents and chimneys.
The choice of roofing materials
When you take a keen look at the roof of a commercial building, you will realize it is different from the roof of your home. Materials used in a residential roof differ from those used in a commercial roof. For example, roofs of commercial properties typically include metal panels and single-ply membranes. Also, commercial roofs will have a flat or nearly flat membrane, while residential roofs usually have steep slopes.
The choice of these materials is critical to the lifespan of the roofs and is determined by different factors. For instance, homeowners will decide on the material to be used on the residential roof, usually based on:
- The look they desire to achieve
- The durability of the material
- Anticipated frequency of maintenance
- The budget of the homeowner
For commercial roofing, the function of the building is given priority. For example, facilities meant for use with heavy machinery will require durable and robust roofing materials to withstand any heat or vibrations emanating from the building.
Here is a list of some of the most common materials used in residential and commercial Perth roofing:
- Cedar tiles
- Pebble
- Steel roofing
- Terracotta tiles
- Thatched
- Corrugated metal
- Glass
- Timber-clad
- Ceramic or clay roofing tiles
- Solar tiles
Property owners who are not worried about the budget use supporting materials such as polyester and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) alongside the other materials to increase tension as well as achieve desired shapes and insulation properties.
Size
Even though commercial buildings differ in size, and some may be smaller than mansions, they are mostly larger than average residential buildings.
Structural needs
The structural prerequisite for commercial roofing is more demanding than residential roofing. This is due to the differences in roofing size and load-bearing capacity.
For example, commercial malls’ roofs are expansive and should be covered with appropriate materials that match their sizes. Also, compared to residential roofs, commercial roofs have a larger load-bearing capacity, which requires fixture and load requirement considerations during installation.
Outlook and aesthetics
We all desire to have an appealing home outlook. The roof gives the first impression of our homes and should stand out. Most homeowners will therefore choose visually appealing roofing materials, like asphalt shingles. Commercial buildings do not consider aesthetics when it comes to the choice of roofing materials.
The roofing cost
The quality of the roofing structure, the material used, and the roof installation process will determine the quality of both types of roofing. Quality roofs are durable but more expensive to install. Because of the structural requirements and other considerations, commercial roofs are generally costly to install. For example, contractors use unique tools and heavy-duty protection equipment when installing commercial roofs, making them more expensive than residential roofs.
Maintenance needs
Because of their large sizes, commercial building roofs are more expensive to maintain. Also, commercial buildings’ roofs are usually low-sloped and sometimes completely flat, requiring more inspections and upkeep.
For example, piling of debris during extreme weather conditions like autumn and winter can cause blockages; hence the gutters need regular inspections and cleaning. Harsh weather can also cause tiles to fragment hence the need for regular inspections.
On the other hand, it is much easier to maintain residential roofs because they are smaller in size. Checking for issues in residential roofs is easier, and you can also unclog gutters yourself as needed.
Other differences
Note that most residential roofers can also install commercial roofs and vice versa. Some other differences between commercial and residential roofing include:
- Commercial roofers often charge higher than residential roofers.
- Before installing commercial roofs, the climate of the area is considered to ensure functionality, while for residential roofs, the focus is on aesthetics.
- Unlike residential roofing, commercial roofing systems are typically flat and do not have a water-shedding feature. Because of this, commercial roofs should be done carefully to ensure there is no water accumulation.
- Waterproof roofs with impermeable weather membranes are commonly used in commercial roofing to protect the whole structure. This is not done on residential roofs.
