What’s the Difference Between Commercial & Residential Roofing?
If you think that all of the roofs are created equal, the difference being only the name (here residential, there commercial), be ready for a surprise. Actually, as roofing contractors Chicago, helpfully point out, there are several characteristics, that allow you to distinguish between both types of roofing.
Major roofing differences
First, plain and simple, is size. As factory, warehouse or shopping center is on average much bigger than residential building, its roof surface is bigger as well. With size comes additional weight, so the construction of a frame needs to be able to support it. Another difference between residential and commercial roofing is shape. Residential houses have roofs in many different shapes – flat, steep, gabled, you name it. On the other hand, commercial roofing is usually either completely flat or lightly sloped.
Roofing types
Steeper roofs perform better under many weather conditions, so why roofing companies Chicago don’t install those in commercial buildings. Warehouses or shopping centers aren’t your average suburban house, where roofing contractors Chicago don’t need to get on very often. Commercial roof require easy access for all of the necessary maintenance and repairs. That is exactly, what flat construction provides. On top of that, you can virtually use all of the available room, both inside, as a storage or display area and outside. Yes, you read that right, outside.
Roofing materials
What comes to your mind may be some extravagant green roof or a viewing deck. These are of course completely legitimate options but not suitable for every building. Commercial roofs are actually places, where you can find many mundane yet useful fixtures like elevator machine room, water tank, telephone antennas and so on. Last but not least, while considering differences between commercial and residential roofing, come roof-covering materials. Commercial roofs rely mostly on rubber, asphalt and metal, while with residential you have wider choice of materials.
