Commercial roofing is installing, maintaining, and repairing roofs to protect commercial structures like offices and warehouses. It protects the business building and everything within it from elements like snow, hail, and rain.
The installation usually considers the features required for the effective running of the building. For instance, during commercial roofing installation, the number of lights that would be fixed to the ceiling would be considered to ensure the roofing material can withstand the generated heat.
Commercial roof Vs. Residential roof
Roofs are generally used to protect a building, hence a similarity in the primary purpose of residential and commercial roofing. However, that is the only major similarity.
If you are considering a new commercial roof, it is important to know the difference. Below is a comparison of the two;
Size
A commercial roof is usually much larger than a residential roof in square footage.
Design
Most commercial roofs have a low or flat slope. In contrast, a residential roof has a steeper pitch.
The shape of commercial roofs can be complex compared to residential roofs as they are produced to fit the need of the business building.
It is usually designed to support the building’s extra weight, size, and functionality. For example, the roof might be designed to accommodate extensive ducted air conditioning.
Labor
A small residential roof may only need a few crew to install it. On the other hand, a commercial roof is heavier due to its material and would need more manpower and expertise to install successfully.
Available options
Deciding when in the market for a residential roof is easier. Meanwhile, various options are available for a commercial roof, and deciding the best for your purpose can be confusing.
Installation time
Due to its simple design, a residential roof can be installed or repaired within a few days; a commercial roof could take a month or more to install because of its size and number of layers.
Life expectancy
Commercial roofs can last between 10 and 40 years, depending on the material used. Residential roofs have a life expectancy of 15 to 30 years.
Types of commercial roof materials
There are different roofing materials, and the best for a commercial building depends on the purpose and preference. Aside from the primary function of protecting, roofs can also serve aesthetic purposes too.
Some of the common materials used in making roofs include;
- Metal
- Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
Types of commercial roofs
There are numerous types of commercial roofs in the market today. Below are some of the common ones;
Flat roofs
As the name implies, these roofs are leveled so you can conveniently walk on them. It can be found in warehouses and big box stores. For water run-off, the roof is typically at about ¼ inch slope.
Commercial flat roofing systems
- Single-ply: This system features one layer of roof material. The system is used for its resistance to weathering and peeling.
- Build-Up Roofing (BUR): It is created by building up multiple layers using different roof materials to create a durable and easy-to-maintain commercial roof.
- Modified bitumen: A proper blend of asphalt and chemical polymer creates a roof that can withstand storms, wind, fire, and hail.
- Liquid applied or roof coating: It goes over an existing roof. The material, which is in liquid form, is applied either sprayed or rolled on. Its fluidity makes it a preferred choice for covering hard-to-reach corners and crevasses.
- Green roofs: A green roof, also called a vegetative roof, involves planting vegetation on the roof to provide coverage and water absorption.
Low-sloped roofs
Low-sloped roofs are similar to flat roofs except that they may have a little steepness. Unlike a flat roof, a low-slope roof has at least a 4/12 pitch. Roof pitch measures how many inches it rises for every 12 inches in depth.
Roofs with lesser pitch are considered flat.
Pitched roofs
A pitched roof slopes downward from a central ridge or just on one part. If pitched from the center, the roof may appear triangular.
Types of pitched roofs
- Mono-pitch
- Double-pitch
- Couple pitch
- Couple close
- Collar beam
Five maintenance tips for commercial roofs
- Fix leaks as soon as possible to avoid them getting worse and more expensive to repair.
- Schedule at least twice a year inspection of the roof by professionals.
- Check the roof for any damage after a bad storm or snow. If you notice an accumulation of snow on the roof, hire a removal to get rid of it.
- Falling tree branches can damage your roof; hence, always prune any nearby tree.
- Always unclog the roof drainage system, especially after heavy rain.
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