A roof is the part of any building that protects it from the ever-changing weather, just like in Pennsylvania. While a roof in your home shields the space where you live, a commercial roof does much more than that. It protects your employees, clients, tenants, equipment and stock, as well as all the activities going on inside the building.

At Topper Roofing, we’ve helped business owners protect a wide variety of commercial properties, and we’ve seen firsthand how their roofing needs differ from those of a typical home. This difference affects many things, such as the design and materials used, how often inspections are needed, and even who needs to do the installation or repairs. For any business owner, knowing the differences between commercial roofing and residential roofing can make the difference between smooth sailing through each season or serious complications.

A Home and a Business Place Different Demands on Their Roofs

Both residential and commercial roofs serve the same function; however, there are different demands placed on them.

In Pennsylvania, most houses have sloping roofs to quickly drain off rain, snow, and falling leaves. The asphalt shingles continue to be widely used in homes due to their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Commercial roofs are different in structure; they consist of flat or low-slope roofing systems for maximum area usage and installation of rooftop equipment such as air conditioners. The roofs are based not only on gravity but also on an elaborate system of drainage.

This aspect becomes especially important in Pennsylvania during spring rains, winter snowfalls, and freeze and thaw cycles.

Roofing Materials Are Chosen for Different Reasons

When choosing a new roof for your house, aesthetic appeal is one of the factors that are taken into account along with durability and cost. 

On the other hand, business owners give importance to performance and energy efficiency. This can range from single-ply membranes, modified bitumen, built-up roofing systems, metal roofing, or roof coatings based on the type of building. 

The proper choice of roofing material would depend on the usage of the building, the area of the roof, and the climatic conditions that prevail during the year.

Pennsylvania Weather Affects Commercial and Residential Roofs Differently

The climate in Pennsylvania consists of four seasons that impact each roofing system differently.

For instance, the steep pitch of a home’s roof will allow the melted snow and rainwater to drain quickly. However, the flat or low-slope roof in commercial establishments needs drainage systems, such as scuppers and proper grading, to avoid accumulation of water.

In winter, the freezing and thawing of the roof materials are affected by the changing weather. Leaves and debris in fall can obstruct the drainage system, while summer’s heat and ultraviolet rays contribute to wear and tear of roofing materials.

Seasonal factors influence the importance of regular inspection of the roof of commercial and residential establishments, but more so for commercial buildings.

Maintenance Looks Different When Business Is Involved

For homeowners, getting their roofs fixed usually happens only when there is something wrong, like damaged shingles or signs of a leak.

Even a small problem with the roof over offices, retail locations, or warehouses can be very costly, affecting inventory, business processes, tenants’ well-being and safety, or even causing disruptions long before the source of leaks can be spotted.

Therefore, commercial roofs require preventive maintenance to spot any potential problems in advance.

Examples of preventative maintenance include:

• Checking flashing, seams, and roof penetrations
• Cleaning gutters and downspouts
• Removing debris from the roof surface
• Examining the areas near the rooftop mechanicals
• Dealing with any small damage before it becomes a serious problem

Regular maintenance not only extends the life expectancy of your roof, but also decreases the chances of unexpected interruptions to your business operations. At Topper Roofing, we encourage Pennsylvania business owners to have your commercial roof inspected regularly to avoid having to pay more later on.

Lifespan Depends on More Than the Roofing Material

When business owners ask how long a commercial roof will last, the answer goes beyond age.

Residential roofs and commercial roofs are both affected by installation issues, weather conditions, drainage, ventilation, and maintenance. However, commercial roofs are further affected by equipment use on the roof, increased service usage, and larger surface areas, which must be constantly monitored.

Well-maintained commercial roofs can have lifespans of decades, while poor inspections could decrease their lifespan.

Instead of focusing on age, the state of the roof would be a better determinant for its need for repairs or replacement.

Why Business Owners Need Specialized Commercial Roofing Contractors

While residential roofs have similar functionality as commercial roofs, there are some differences in knowledge and experience required to perform the work.

Commercial roofing contractors have knowledge about the systems of low-slope roofs, the techniques of waterproofing, draining, insulation requirements, and other codes for commercial roofs. They also have the ability to plan roofing projects around the occupied buildings, which will allow them to keep business going during the process of roofing repair.

Diagnosing the defects in the roof is different for commercial roofs. The leaking water in the commercial building may not necessarily enter from the point where the problem is. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect the whole roofing system.

Selecting an experienced commercial roofing contractor can help to diagnose the problem correctly.

Right Roofing Strategy Is the Key to Safeguarding Your Business

While both residential and commercial roofs shield the buildings beneath them from harsh weather, there is a difference in the requirements they have. Changing weather conditions in Pennsylvania, the large size of commercial structures, low-slope roof systems, and the demands of running a business necessitate the right roofing strategy for commercial buildings.

As a reliable roofing company in Pennsylvania,  Topper Roofing offers commercial roof services intended to ensure longevity. If you are looking for any type of repair service or commercial roof replacement in Pennsylvania, you can rely on our experienced team.

Contact us today to schedule a commercial roof inspection and consultation with our roofing specialists in Pennsylvania.