There’s a world of difference between commercial and residential roofing contractors — even if it seems like roofs are roofs. Just like there are vast differences between retail shop contractors 
and residential home contractors, each has a specialty. Different materials are used, and different zoning laws, permits and regulations are in effect. Commercial roofs have specific installation requirements, designs and, ultimately, shelf lives, compared to residential. You also need to make sure your commercial roofing contractors abide by the warranty rules to be certain your roof is covered.
You can probably guess the biggest difference between commercial and residential roofs: size (usually). Due to its bigger size and heavier weight, most commercial roofs are sloped, but some are flat. You’re not going to find many flat roofs in homes because they tend to collect debris, standing water and heavy piles of snow. A commercial roof has the ability to withstand this kind a pressure, but a residential roof usually doesn’t. Any flat roof is going to need extra maintenance and more inspections, but commercial property owners know this and build that into the budget.
Designing a Roof
Many industrial roofs also need to bear the weight of heavy equipment. In regions with heavy snow, such as Utah, roofs need to handle hailstones and sometimes several inches of snow. This leads to extra — and sometimes customized — structural considerations. Only a commercial roofing contractor is knowledgeable, experienced and skilled enough to consider the extra needs of a commercial roof. Residential roofing contractors, no matter how highly skilled, simply don’t have the know-how to maximize structural integrity on larger roofs.
Commercial and residential roofs alike can be constructed of various types of roofing materials. Each has pros and cons, differing life expectancies and best practices for application/installation. The majority of commercial roofs use membrane or metal materials. Residential roofs are steeper, and you have a lot more options when it comes to material. After all, homeowners want their roofs to be durable and aesthetically pleasing. Commercial property owners usually don’t care as much about looks.
Business as Usual
Roofing is demanding, and you need a qualified contractor who specializes in larger roofs. They can recommend the best materials and work with you to stay within your budget. Whether it’s metal panel roofing, single-ply membranes or asphalt shingles, you and your commercial property deserve the best.
Only a commercial roofing contractor knows the ins and outs of air flow systems, external piping and other details only relevant in commercial roofs. For the best commercial and residential roofing contractors, contact The Roof Doctor today for a free quote.