Commercial Roofing vs. Residential Roofing 101

What is the difference between commercial and residential roofing? You might think that all roofing is the same, but it isn’t. There are marked differences between the two, and reasons why some contractors only do residential while others only do commercial.

Commercial Roofing

With commercial roofing, most of the roofs are flat because they will have other features protruding from the roof. The HVAC systems, refrigeration systems, and roof access are almost always built into a flat commercial roof. To accommodate these features and support the roof overall, the girders are often made of steel and installed horizontally underneath the final roof layers. Commercial roofing may also include roof liners, insulation layers, reflective paint, gravel, concrete, or asphalt. Almost all of these materials are not typically found in the construction of a residential roof.

Residential Roofing

Residential roofs can take all shapes, sizes, and materials. A lot of residential roofs use trusses to support the roofing materials attached to them. The trusses also help shape the roof. Over the trusses go large planks of wood referred to as “decking”. On the decking a layer of insulation and a layer of waterproofing material is attached. Over that you might have a layer of roofing rubber or roof fabric. Finally the shingles or sheets (i.e., metal roofing sheets) are installed. It is nothing like commercial roofing. 

Calling the Right Contractor

Now that you know the difference, which type of roofing do you need? Call contractors and verify that they do the type of roofing you need and can do your roof. It saves everyone a lot of time and energy when only the right contractors are called to do estimates. Fortunately, regardless of your roofing needs Grand Forks Exteriors has you covered. We are licensed for both your commercial and residential roofing needs.