There are likely more types of roofing on the market than what you are currently aware of. According to Hook Agency, 88% of respondents to a recent survey said that their companies all sold single-ply roofing. However, 82% further sold commercial roofing, while 67% sold roof coatings. You may have noticed the focus on commercial roofing in that statement. While commercial roofing is certainly a strong source of roofing needs in the country, this doesn't mean that residential roofing should be ignored. There is simply a big difference between commercial roofing and residential roofing. Let's look into what those differences narrow down to.

1. The Materials Used

Commercial roofing and residential roofing often differ in terms of the materials used for the roofing. The different types of materials used often vary depending on the location of the roof, the weather it will face, the designs used, and the budget involved per project. Usually, residential roofs are made up of materials like asphalt shingles. This is because they are cost-effective and easy to install. Metal panels, slate, ceramic, and tile are often used for similar reasons. Commercial roofs are usually flatter, and therefore need to be made of different materials, like tar, gravel, and modified bitumen.,

2. Installation and Maintenance

As different materials are used for commercial and residential roofs, different approaches should be taken to installing them. A commercial roof can take up to a month or more to initially install, simply because commercial roofs are often much larger than residential roofs. In comparison, a residential roof may take no more than a few days to install. In turn, the materials used on commercial roofs can lead to different problems. Commercial roofs may be more likely to take on water damage. Residential roofs may suffer from leaks and damage, but this is usually confined to isolated spots on the roof, while it tends to spread throughout commercial roofs.

3. Design

Usually, a roof provided by commercial roofers will be rather flat. Additionally, it will have openings like smokestacks and skylights. A residential roof will have a higher pitch while being smaller and possessing fewer openings. A residential roof design is simpler and often a bit sturdier.

Some companies offer both types of roofs, while some specialize in one. Make sure you know what you're dealing with when choosing a roofer!