Every building needs a roof, whether a single-family house or a 20,000-square-foot mall. However, that doesn’t mean all roofing contractors are qualified for either job. That means you will need a contractor with commercial experience if you need commercial roofing in Alachua County, FL; Bradford County, FL; Marion County, FL; Clay County, FL; or Putnam County, FL.
Although one may think that commercial and residential roofing differ only in the name, roofs on commercial properties require unique skills and knowledge for installation, repairs, and maintenance. It is better to let professional commercial roofing services care for your business’s roof, whether a retail store or a large factory.
Residential roofing vs. Commercial roofing: where do they differ?
Although they serve the same purpose—protecting your property from weather hardships—these roofing systems differ in multiple aspects, including material, size, and pitch.
Size and pitch: The area of a commercial roof is typically larger than a residential one since businesses, especially retail ones, use hauls to locate their stores.
Regarding the pitch, commercial and industrial roofs tend to be flat, while residential roofs are steeper and have more angles and slopes. This occurs because commercial buildings are designed with functionality, and their roofs consider large HAVC units, vents, and other equipment placed on the roof. Meanwhile, residential roofs are designed to increase a home's aesthetics and curb appeal.
Since commercial roofing is designed to support more weight than residential roofs, these roofs are installed over sheet metal decking, while residential roofs typically use plywood decks on the roofing.
Materials: Industrial roofing solutions must withstand more weight and weather conditions while maximizing the building’s efficiency. Thus, commercial roofs use industry-grade materials that are uncommon in the residential sector. Some of the most used materials are:
- Modified bitumen roofing: This is asphalt roofing with modifiers that give it plastic or rubber-like properties. It is excellent at reflecting heat and is fire retardant, preventing more significant loss in fires. A single-layer installation usually lasts 12 - 16 years.
- TPO Roofing: Thermoplastic Polefin roofs are single-ply membranes made with synthetic materials commonly used in buildings with flats or nearly flats roofs. Their highly reflective properties can help commercial properties save energy costs, often up to $250,000 in a 10-year period.
- EDPM Roofing: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer is most known as rubber roofing. This membrane is black and as flexible as a rubber inner tube, thus the name. It is most suited for flat and low-slope roofs. However, its appearance doesn’t leave much space for personalization and aesthetics, and it’s prone to punctures, so these industrial roofs may not endure heavy storms where objects are slammed into the ceiling.
Meanwhile, residential roofs often use asphalt shingles, clay, slate tiles, or metal panels, which are more versatile in aesthetics and styles. Maintenance: Commercial roofs usually require more frequent maintenance than residential ones due to their size, systems, and equipment installed across their surface, whose weight can deteriorate the roof quality faster than a home with no equipment on its roof. Unlike residential roofing, your business’s roofs should be inspected and maintained at least twice yearly to ensure longevity.
Atlantic Roofing & Exteriors: The commercial roofing experts in your area you’re looking for
For over a decade, we have proudly served businesses of all sizes in North Central Florida with roofing installations, repairs, and commercial roof replacement. Our customized service has earned us the trust of noteworthy commercial establishments in Gainesville and beyond, such as the City of Waldo Library, the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, or the Doak Campbell stadium. These projects testify to our expertise and commitment to being the zone's most reliable commercial roofing contractor.
No matter the size of your commercial property or the roofing solution you need, whether a replacement or a minor leak, we’ll take care of it so you can focus on running your business.
Let us be your partner in growing your business. Call us today to get your quote!