Here at FS Construction Services we often have to make the distinction between residential and commercial projects. From buildings to paint jobs to garage doors, the differences are sometimes subtle and sometimes not so subtle. One area of difference that’s easy to spot if you stop to think about it, but not something many do stop to think about, is the difference between residential and commercial roofing.
Compare Commercial and Residential Roofing
Residential roofs are often peaked and sloped. Whether this is to hold attic space or simply enable water drainage, the residential roof serves both a practical and an aesthetic purpose. Many commercial roofs on the other hand are flat. At least, flat enough to not be seen by someone driving by, though they are still usually sloped some to prevent pooling water. While commercial roofing may sometimes have decorative purpose, most often the roof needs to simply cover a huge expanse of space without overloading the pressure on top of the building.
A residential roof often uses materials that easily drain precipitation, such as shingles, tiles, slate, and as we often like to talk about, metal. Commercial roofs are more likely to utilize steel, tin, copper, or aluminum.
The process of installing a residential roof usually involves attaching boards to trusses, then installing some kind of underlayment, and then the roofing material. These jobs can often be done in a day or two, and though the pitch may be steep, the surface area is likely small. Commercial roofs often involve layers of insulation and metal, and based on the size requirements can take weeks to complete.
Most homeowners don’t have to think about their roofs too much. Beyond a visual inspection every now and again, a well-installed roof within the boundaries of its lifespan may not require much maintenance. Inspection and maintenance on a commercial roof, however, will likely need a roofing contractor who does more than stands on the ground and looks up.
Whether you have or are in need of a commercial or residential roof, we have got you covered. If you would like to talk about your roofing needs, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.