Commercial Roofing vs. Residential Roofing in San Antonio
When it comes to roofing, no roofs are the same. Because all roofs are different and unique in their own way, it takes very skilled professionals and an experienced company to take on a roofing project.
A roof provides protection and stability for a home or building. If you don’t take careful steps with each roofing project, you could end up in a situation that could lead to costly repairs and damage or even injury to the people working or living under that roof.
Whether you need a commercial or residential roof built or repaired, it is vital to hire the right professional company to do the job.
In order to understand the importance and necessity of hiring a well-trained professional, it is just as important to understand the complexities and differences between commercial and residential roofing.
Design
The most significant visual difference in residential vs. commercial roofing is the overall look of the roof. Most commercial buildings have flat roofs that accommodate additional appliances and structures like exhaust pipes, fans, air conditioning units, and skylights. The structural stability of a commercial roof is integral because it must cover a more expansive space and square footage of the building.
A residential roof is typically more slanted and reaches a peak at the top, forming a triangle-shaped roof. This shape is not just for looks but also for structure. A residential roof is sloped so that water and debris run off more quickly and don’t require a lot of maintenance and upkeep.
Materials
Even though similar base materials are used for commercial and residential roofing projects, it is unlikely that you’ll see a commercial property with a flat roof along with terracotta tiles or shingles. The marriage of these materials just isn’t meant to be.
When looking at the type of roofing materials, you’ll see that both commercial and residential roofing will use:
Wood
- Rubber
- Asphalt
- Metal
- Slate
- Ceramic
Residential roof designs have more flexible and aesthetic options for a roof covering, such as:
- Ceramic Tile
- Shingles
- Terracotta
- Wood planks
These materials will be used in conjunction with the home’s design to provide a more aesthetically pleasing look that adds another layer of structural protection.
It is important to note that the area you live in will also help determine what materials will be used. The weather and natural elements play a significant role in deciding the strength, structure, designs, and material used.
Your roofing contractor should be well-versed In the material and the area in which your building or home resides to choose the best options for your space.
Installation & Repairs
Both types of roofing are unique and intrinsic to the specific space you are building for. Like we said at the beginning of this article, no two roofs are the same. Therefore, it’s vital to research professionals and companies before choosing who to partner with on your roofing project.
The initial installation of your roof sets the bar, quite literally, for the future lifespan and maintenance that will be needed.
Having a mediocre roof installed just to save time or money could lead you to costly repairs over time. Not hiring the right professionals to do the job can also prove expensive as well.
If you need a residential roofer, read our latest article, What To Look For In A Residential San Antonio Roofer, for more insight.
Maintenance
Residential roofs are meant to be easily maintainable by the homeowner and require simple maintenance such as gutter cleaning and debris removal.
Commercial roofing will require a stricter maintenance schedule to check for leaks, areas of the roof that hold equipment and appliances, weak spots, water pooling, and damage.
Your roofer should be able to perform all of these maintenance checks yearly for commercial roofs and whenever necessary for residential roofs.
Your roof should have a warranty or insurance in place to help take care of any issues or damage. Your roofer should have experience in handling warranties and insurances.
Commercial & Residential Roofing – All Under One Roof
If you’re looking for a residential or commercial roofing project, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Stephens Roofing, we have been building, servicing, and repairing both residential and commercial roofs in the San Antonio area for close to 40 years. We make it easy by providing energy-efficient and zero-maintenance roof systems using the highest quality materials.
Connect with us today to get started on your project!
