What Are the Main Differences Between Commercial and Residential Roofing?
If you’re looking for commercial roofing contractors in Michigan, you might stumble upon a number of companies that specialize in residential roofing, instead. These companies may be highly recommended and offer competitive rates, making them particularly attractive. However, you need to be sure that you hire a company that either specializes in or also does commercial roofing projects, not just residential ones.
You might be thinking, “A roof is a roof. What’s the difference?” In fact, there are quite a few large differences between residential and commercial roofing. These differences are why it’s so important to work with a roofer that has experience working with commercial buildings specifically. Here are some of the major differences between commercial and residential roofing:
- Materials used: The materials used on commercial and residential buildings often differ, mainly because commercial buildings require a much larger area to be covered and because of the slope of each type of roof. Some materials can be used in both settings, but typically, commercial buildings will use certain materials that are known for their strength and affordability in bulk.
- Design: The designs of commercial roofs are very different from residential roofs. Commercial buildings typically have flat or flatter-sloped roofs and are much larger than steeper-sloped residential roofs. Commercial roofs also may need to cope with the weight of equipment, will usually require more maintenance and will need larger sections repaired at one time.
- Cost: The cost will likely vary drastically between a residential and commercial roofing project. Since commercial roofs are much larger, they will often cost a lot more than residential roofs. Additionally, commercial roofing contractors may need to charge more for the special tools and protection equipment necessary when building commercial roofs.
- Building standards: Unlike residential roofs, commercial buildings are subject to routine inspection and maintenance requirements, meaning that contractors must be certified and experienced in producing great-quality roofs that also pass safety inspections. Residential roofs must also meet building code requirements in your area, but commercial building codes are often much more strict.
- Roofing obstacles: Commercial roofs also might come with certain obstacles that must be planned for and built around, such as smokestacks and external piping. These obstacles might cause problems with the design and installation of a roof if handled by a roofing contractor who is not familiar with commercial roofing needs.
As you can see, the differences between commercial and residential roofing can be vast, depending on the materials needed, building standards and any obstacles that may present themselves during the roofing project. Be sure to speak with your potential roofing contractor to see which type of roof they specialize in and only hire someone who has experience with your type of roof.
Do you own a business and require commercial roofing contractors in Michigan? The experts at Qualified Roofing have more than 25 years of industry experience and currently serve both residential and commercial clients for all of their roofing needs. Call us today to set up a free consultation and see how our expert team can help you!
Categorised in: Roofing Contractors