What are the Differences Between a Commercial and Residential Roof?

The roof is simply defined as the top envelope of any building.  The roof exists to cover a structure and protect its contents from the elements, provide insulation, and help structurally support the building itself.

Modern roofs can be constructed with a variety of slopes and materials, and often add aesthetic value or other specific functionalities depending on their specific design. Commercial and residential roofs do equally important work: They protect the people and objects in the buildings beneath them. Although they share some basic similarities, major differences exist as well.

What’s the Difference between Commercial and Residential Roof?

The differences between commercial roofing and residential roofing mainly revolve around slope, scope, and scale.

Residential roofing is typically designed to cover houses or other smaller-scale buildings used as primary living spaces. Residential roofs are commonly pitched, meaning they have some degree of slope. The greater the slope, the more easily rain, snow, and debris can flow off the roof and be channeled away from the building.

Residential roofs, by design, do have drainage but they aren’t built-in. Rather, they take the form of gutters which, while part of the roof, is still separate from the entire structure and can be changed as you see fit.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular material for covering residential roofs in Winnipeg, but there is a wide variety of other materials that are also commonly used, including composite shingles, tile, slate, wood shakes, and metal. Residential properties usually have mid to high pitches and this means the “classic” roofing materials.

Commercial, industrial, and institutional roofs on the other hand are typically flat roofs, which range from old-style built-up roofs to modified single-ply. Because of their flat surfaces, these types of roofs can often serve as locations for gardens or solar panels. Commercial roofs tend to be much larger than residential roofs, and special consideration is required for the weight of the mechanical equipment often located on them.

Flatter roofs are not as common for residential buildings, except in some areas that have very dry climates. The other exception to that rule is metal roofing; a metal roof can be installed for residential roofing purposes with a lower slope than that which is required for shingles or other common residential roof materials.

Commercial roofs are generally more expensive than residential roofs, in part because of overall square footage but also due to the specialized tools and equipment required for safe, high-quality commercial roof installation and maintenance.

Residential and commercial roofs both require attention, but often of differing amounts. All building owners, particularly those in areas that see a lot of tree debris, should ensure that gutters are clear and downspouts are open, as built-up debris can lead to ice damming or blockages.

If downspouts open to the ground, owners should also make sure that exit points are clear so that water can move freely away from the building. If a building owner is unable to remove debris from gutters and downspouts, most professional roofing contractors will be able to do this for them.

Whatever type of roof you have, you should always work with a professional roofing contractor that specializes in your particular type of roof. Find an expert who can provide the best possible advice and service, and your roof will keep you—and everything else under your roof—protected from the elements.

Why You Should Choose All Weather Exteriors for your Residential Winnipeg Roofing Needs?

All Weather Exteriors is a name you can trust for residential roofing. No matter which roofing material you choose for your new residential roof or residential roof replacement, having a proper, professional installation in the first place is the biggest deciding factor in determining your roof’s longevity.

All Weather Exteriors is proud to treat each and every residential client as if they were All Weather Exteriors ONLY client, and they’ve been operating that way for over 10 years. All Weather Exteriors has steadily grown through their commitment to excellent work ethic, superior craftsmanship, and unbeatable customer service, and they still believe that quality matters more than quantity.

All Weather Exteriors is happy to come out and do a full, free assessment of your residential roof and happy to provide estimates for both repair and replacement options.

Check out All Weather Exteriors and read the reviews shared by their customers and clients themselves. Give All Weather Exteriors Winnipeg Roofing a call today at (204) 510-2959 and let them show you why All Weather Exteriors is THE best local contractor for all your residential roofing, siding, soffit, fascia, guttering, and e xterior services!