residential roofing - Facts about Residential Roofing and ...

Residential roofing and commercial roofing may share certain features, but they differ in many respects as well. The roof is an integral part of any structure. It provides protection to the people and things inside, and gives a particular form to the building. While commercial and residential roofing serve the same purpose, their basic design, ventilation, and structure differ. Here are a few important aspects discussed in detail.

Structure and Size

A commercial roof will generally be much larger and cover more area than its residential counterpart. Secondly, due to various components and fixtures required for commercial buildings these roofs can be quite complicated and difficult to build despite the common flat design. The installation procedure usually takes longer and requires much more expertise. Conversely, residential roofing is comparatively smaller, much easier to install, and has lesser protrusions and fixtures.

Materials Used in Roofing

Commercial roofing is often flat, and hence requires many material layers to make it weather resistant and leak proof. Materials like tar, metal sheets and gravel are used to make the roof extremely durable. Depending on the temperature of the area, membrane material is used to reduce the temperature, and insulating material is used to keep out the cold. This heat deflection or insulation can drastically cut down the cost of air-conditioning or heating. Residential roofing material usually consists of tiles or shingles made of wood, slate, or asphalt. However, some residential structures may also have a layer of insulation or membrane to cut energy costs. When the commercial roof is not flat, it would then be practical to use the same type of materials commonly used in residential roofing.

Functionality and Aesthetics

Although any type of roofing should concentrate on functional requirements, residential structures tend to put more emphasis on aesthetics and design. The roof is a highly visible portion of a house, and therefore, needs to compliment the beauty of the structure. Hence, when selecting roofing for your home, you should consider the overall architecture, colours, design of your windows, and more. You need to style the roof in a shape that is aesthetically pleasing, while using materials that compliment the general look. Roofing for commercial structures, on the other hand, mainly focuses on functionality, durability, and reducing maintenance overheads.

Ventilation

Ventilation is an important consideration in residential roofing. Improper ventilation can cause a build-up of moisture and heat in the attic area. This provides an ideal breeding ground for molds and fungus that are not only bad for your health, but also harmful to the structure. Excess heat can damage the sheeting and shingles of the roof, and the heat will be able to penetrate the living areas. Commercial roofing being mainly flat will have no vents, and usually house air-conditioning units or large temperature control systems.

There are different aspects to consider while building or renovating residential and commercial roofing. Always plan your roofing project carefully and in detail.

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