The Differences Between Residential and Commercial Roofing

If you’ve ever flown in an airplane, you know that you can see all the different roofs on homes and buildings throughout the area when you fly over towns and cities. Some are colorful, some have shingles, and some are black, but are they actually made differently? 

Most roofs on homes are made similarly, but roofs on commercial buildings are different. 

Roofs help keep the structural integrity of a building solid. They provide protection and must be able to hold up during inclement weather. 

So what’s the difference between your roof at home and the grocery store’s roof down the street? 

We are here to explain! Here at Stephens Roofing, we want to provide our home and business owners with the education and resources they need to make informed decisions regarding roofing services. 

Our last article talked about the “5 Benefits of Metal Roofing in San Antonio.” Today we are going to discuss the differences in commercial vs. residential roofing. 

Roof Shape & Design

Most houses have triangular-style roofs with the sides of the roof slanting in to create a peak in the middle. 

Commercial buildings typically have flat-topped roofs. 

The reason for the differences is for structural stability and accommodation for rooftop additions. 

Residential homes don’t need to put anything on the roof, and if it rains, or snows the water and ice slide or melt off without needing to be cleaned. This makes a triangular roof a functional design for a home. 

A flat roof for a commercial building is designed to hold vents, pipes, air conditioning units, exhaust fans, generators, etc. 

Commercial roofs are also designed that way so that people can walk on them to access these rooftop additions. 

The shape of a residential vs. commercial roof isn’t the only difference. Maintenance and repair for the roofs also change depending on the style. 

Maintenance and Repair

For residential and commercial roofs, yearly maintenance and inspection should be completed to ensure that they are structurally sound and free of damage. 

Residential Roof

Maintenance of residential roofs are meant to be easy enough to enable the homeowner to assess and address quickly. These issues are clogged drains and gutters and the removal of debris that can be easily gotten to. This is another reason that roofs are slanted; so that debris and elements just slide off. 

Any missing shingles or noticeable damage should be repaired by a certified residential roofing company (like us!) and NOT by the homeowner. Damage to your roof can also be covered by insurance; it’s essential to contact the insurance company if the situation arises. In that case, your repairs and contractor work will be taken care of! 

Commercial Roof

Maintenance and repair on a commercial roof can be anything from minimal patching to extreme water damage due to pooling. 

Made for walking on, the commercial roof can be examined after severe weather conditions. This is so the property manager can assess what needs to be done. 

If any noticeable leaks are coming from the roof, you are more than likely able to pinpoint the source of the issue and can then call your roofing contractor to fix the problem. This is why yearly inspections are crucial in commercial roofs. 

A yearly inspection by a certified commercial roofing company (like us!) will help identify issues that an ordinary person might not be aware of. These are issues like broken seals around pipes and fans, pooling water, and minor damage that, if left alone, could lead to further damage. 

Have a Roof Project? Call Stephens Roofing!

If you’ve got roof repair, replacement, or installation needs, contact us today here at Stephens Roofing! We are certified roofing contractors who work with those in the San Antonio area from Hill County to the Coast! 

We have been inspecting, installing, repairing, and maintaining residential and commercial roofs for over 30 years! 

Let’s get your roofing issues solved today!