What Is the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Roofing?

If you want to know the difference between commercial and residential roofing, this blog is for you. Commercial roofs and residential roofs look similar at first glance. But there are large differences between the two. Their differences are worth knowing for tenants and workers, but especially owners and roofers.

Differences in Size and Repairs

Commercial roofs are larger in size than residential roofs. Commercial roofs sit atop buildings with multiple stories. They’re also much longer in distance. Commercial roofs have flatter designs as a result, compared to residential roofs that tend to be sloped. 

Roofers need more training and specialized equipment to work atop commercial buildings. Ladders and scaffolding are all that’s required to reach residential roofs. But more is needed to reach and work on commercial roofs. Commercial roofers need equipment such as cranes, boom lifts, and cherry pickers for repairs. They also need experience to use them. Residential roofers are typically not taught how to use these. Training sessions are required to use equipment for commercial roofing, or roofers will risk injury.

A commercial roof takes longer to repair. It can take weeks, if not months, to complete work on one with the planning and construction involved. Commercial buildings have several more levels. They require specific repairs to ventilation and other elements. A roofer needs a dedicated repair plan alongside the specialized equipment. This roofer must work with the owner for an extended time for planning and eventual payment. A residential roof can be repaired in two to three days, with much less planning.

PRO TIP: If you are not sure how to deal with some of the issues that may arise, contact United Chimney and Roofing. They are a roofing contractor located in Morris County, NJ and can help with a variety of services such as masonry, chimney repairs and more.

Differences in Team Size Requirements 

A commercial roof is complicated in structure compared to a residential one. A larger team is required to complete repairs. Commercial roofers have teams experienced with working on larger buildings. The teams include project managers, inspectors, engineers, architects, and drivers to transport equipment. They will all work with the roofers themselves. Teams can reach or exceed 100 in number depending on the commercial building size.

This is contrary to residential roofers with smaller teams. That is, if they require a team. If the roof is small enough, only two of three people will be necessary for residential roofing repairs. Specialists on residential roofing teams are less experienced than those working on a commercial roof.

Commercial roofers also have team members equipped with working on different kinds of roofs. Flat roofs and sloped roofs are the most common. There are also metal roofs, solar roofs, and green roofs that roofers must know how to repair. Most residential roofs are constructed with similar materials. Their roofers need less experience for repairs.

Differences in Regulations for the Owner and Roofer

Commercial roofers need much more experience. They must be certified with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. The certification means the roofers involved can handle the work. OSHA’s requirements for commercial roofing are much stricter compared to those for residential roofers. Commercial roofers need training for fall protection and other hazards to work on larger structures. Not having this training will raise the possibility of accidents.

PRO TIP: Reach out to us at United Chimney & Roofing.

Commercial roofers follow safety codes from the International Code Council. The guidelines outline the expertise necessary for working on the roof. They provide installation methods and outline materials necessary for repairs. Roofers must also follow codes specific to different areas thanks to local laws and ordinances. Failure to follow them could result in fines. Too many fines could result in the loss of licenses and a damaged reputation. The roofing organization must do research to determine the local laws to follow. New laws can be passed and enacted over time.

Laws and regulations necessary for residential roofers are smaller in number. But they should still be experienced in their work. 

What Is the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Roofing?

Commercial roofs are larger and more complicated than residential roofs. The roofers needed for repairs must have larger teams. They must also be trained to handle the larger work required. Commercial roofers must follow local and national codes, or risk penalties. This is the difference between commercial and residential roofing.