Residential vs. Commercial Roofing

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Make sure your Salem roofing company has the expertise needed for your job, whether it’s residential or commercial. Be sure to ask for references.

If you’ve never looked too closely at the tops of buildings, you may think that most roofs are quite similar. A roof is a roof, right? Not necessarily. While the primary function of any roof is the same–to cover and protect a building–there are some distinct differences between residential and commercial roofs. You need a knowledgeable Salem roofing contractor to determine whether you have the proper materials and design for your home or business. Here are a few of the key differences between residential and commercial roofs:

  1. Design Options. Business buildings are large, so the roofs have to be large. They may also need to be able to bear the weight of heating and cooling equipment and other machinery from companies like San Marcos Heating & Air Conditioning Services. As a result, commercial roofs are almost always flat in design. This design lends itself to installation in sections, which may also mean the roof will require more frequent minor maintenance.
  2. Purpose. Residential roofs are typically more decorative in nature than commercial roofs. While commercial roofs are built for function, residential roofs are built with an eye to the lines of the house and a focus on what will be visually appealing.
  3. Skill Needed. Certainly, a residential roof may have a steep slope or some other interesting features such as chimneys, but overall they are on the easier side of installation, and present fewer obstructions than do commercial roofs. Commercial roofs often have features like equipment, external piping, HVAC systems, and smoke stacks that must be worked around. The roofing contractor must not only understand how to properly install the material, but must have the experience and skill to do so without damaging the integrity of these other structures and systems.

Whether you have residential property, commercial property, or both, you need a Salem roofing contractor who has the experience and expertise to get the job done right. Slate & Slate Roofing has years of experience installing top-quality materials on both residential and commercial buildings. Contact us today for an estimate!

Written by
Terry Slate
Terry is the Vice President of Slate & Slate Roofing and has over 28 years of experience with both residential and commercial roofing. He specializes in metal roofing, composition roofing, and PVC membrane roofing.