Commercial Roof vs Residential Roof

What is the difference between a commercial roof and a residential roof?

area view of a commercial roof

You may believe that all roofs are the same, yet they each have their own set of criteria and specs. Residential and commercial roofing systems, in particular, have distinct requirements, so it's critical to grasp the distinctions. This will assist you in selecting the best roofing system for your structure. The following are some important distinctions between residential and commercial roofs:


  • Installation: Commercial roofs might take weeks to build depending on the size of the structure, although residential roofs usually just take a few days. Commercial roofs are more expensive since they necessitate the use of specialist techniques, materials, and safety equipment on the job site. Before repairs or installation can begin, your contractor may need to tear off a larger area.
  • Slope: Because residential roofing systems have steep slopes, they are an important part of curb appeal. The roof also puts less pressure on the structure because the covered regions are smaller. Residential roofs can also be easy to maintain depending on the materials utilized. Commercial roofs, on the other hand, have a minor or flat slope to enable structural alterations, making them unseen from the street. Because they usually cover a bigger surface area, they require more care.
  • Materials: Both commercial and residential roofing materials have different costs and lifespans. They also have their own set of applications that they recommend for optimum performance. The most popular materials used in residential roofing are Single-ply & EPDM rubber membranes and metal  are commonly used, all of which shed water easily when laid on a steep slope. Single-ply membranes or modified bitumen are commonly used in commercial roofing because they can cover huge areas at a low cost while yet providing outstanding performance.


To learn more about our roof repair maintenance and installation services, call Rodd  Roofing today at (800) 331-7663. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and estimate. We have been proudly serving all of Vermont for over 100 years.

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