If you own or run a commercial property, you’ll likely have to deal with roofing at some point. No problem – you can just draw on experience from your home, right? Wrong. There are a number of differences between commercial and domestic roofing. And it’s important to understand what separates them when you’re looking for repairs or a replacement. Read on as we discuss the key differences between the two.
1. Size, design and access
While there are many exceptions, most commercial roofs have a low-slope or are completely flat. They’re also much bigger than typical domestic roofs. In contrast, domestic roofing tends to have a higher pitch and is relatively small. As well as being smaller, the vast majority of domestic roofs can be accessed using conventional scaffolding. However, for commercial roofs, it may be more suitable to use a mobile elevating work platform. Another design difference is the external pieces – such as piping and air flow systems – that commercial roofs have to accommodate. Domestic roofs don’t tend to have anything other than a chimney stack.
2. Cost and maintenance
Pitched roofs typically cost more than flat roofs of the same size. That said, a commercial roof will normally cover a much larger area than a domestic one, so it’s going to set you back more overall. Pitched roofs also require less maintenance and generally last a lot longer. As a result, you can usually expect a commercial roof to cost more in maintenance and repairs, which could be anything from patching up cracked roof sheeting to a complete recoating.
3. Materials
Because they have a larger surface area, commercial roofs use affordable, functional bituminous materials to provide a waterproof covering. For a more long-lasting solution, you can also opt for robust single-ply membranes, which are applied as a liquid and set to provide complete weather resistance. Another option is Plastisol roofing sheets (steel profile sheets coated in a coloured plastic) On the other hand, domestic roofing uses materials that are more focussed on appearance. Concrete tiles, clay tiles and even slate can be used on domestic properties, which boost a property’s appearance and value. When maintained properly, these materials can also last several decades.
4. Urgency
A final difference is the urgency when it comes to repairing a commercial or domestic roof. It’s important to get domestic roofing repairs as soon as possible, to stop problems developing into something worse. However, with commercial roofing, things can be even more serious. If you’re letting out your commercial space to other businesses, or even just housing your own business, any leaks or water ingress could pose a health and safety risk. It’s imperative to have your commercial roof repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid any tricky legal situations.
High quality roof repairs
Whether you need maintenance, repairs or a full replacement, DPR Roofing offers a wide range of high-quality roofing services for both domestic and commercial properties. With over 29 years’ experience, we’re best placed to provide the perfect, long-lasting solution for any roof.