Although flat roofs may look the same, no two are
alike. In fact, not only is there a difference between flat roofing systems and
materials, there’s also a difference between flat roofing types. For example, a
residential flat roof and a commercial flat roof are different in many ways.
And while both roofs require installation from experienced professionals, they
have many differences.
Commercial
Flat Roof & Residential Flat Roof: Differentiating the Two
If you own property, chances are you’ll require
roof repair or replacement at some point. To understand your property’s needs
and roofing requirements, you’ll have to identify what sets it apart from other
buildings and structures. Understanding what roof your property needs is
important, otherwise you might think that whatever works for one property will
also work for your property (and vice versa).
If you own commercial property in Toronto,
Ontario, for example, you’ll need to know the roofing requirements for your
specific property, as they will differ from that of a residential property. The
first step to take is by identifying the key differences of commercial flat
roofs vs. residential flat roofs.
So, what’s the difference between a resident flat
roof and a commercial flat roof? We’ve listed some below:
(1)
Design. Commercial flat roofs are among the most
straightforward when it comes to design. Commercial roofs are either entirely
flat with rainwater roll-off systems, or have slight pitches for drainage. Flat
roofs are practical for commercial buildings because the flat surface allows
for easy routine inspections and seasonal maintenance.
Residential flat roofing, on the other hand, can
have more complex designs, while still remaining flat. When it comes to the
design of a residential flat roof, there are no rules, so as long as the house
can carry its structural weight.
(2) Size. Commercial roofing is known to have a wider space than most residential
properties. Flat roofing for commercial or industrial use in Toronto should be
highly functional given the extra surface space there is. More convertible roof
space can be a huge advantage for commercial property owners. For one, there’s
more room for routine inspections and maintenance. And, more surface area
allows for more energy efficient equipment (i.e. solar panels) to be installed
onto the roof’s surface.
With residential roofing, the size of the roof is
usually decided by the owner. A residential roof doesn’t house heavy equipment
or require seasonal inspections, so the size should be based on the owner's
preference, and proportional to the area of the house.
(3)
Material. All flat roofs vary. This includes the
materials that are used to install them. Flat roofing materials will be largely
based on a few factors: (1) Preference. (2) Budget requirements. (3) Structural
capabilities. (4) Climate.
The differences of commercial flat roofs and residential
flat roofs can be largely identified through the materials used and the purpose
it will serve.
Professional
Flat Roofing Installation in Toronto
Above are just a few of the many differences
between commercial flat roofs and residential flat roofs. The most important
factor when installing your flat roof is to ensure that you’ve installed the
proper roof for your property. Installing a roofing system incorrectly will
result in premature damages and a shortened lifespan altogether.
If getting a flat roof installed on your
commercial or industrial property in Toronto is your next priority, don’t
hesitate to call the commercial roofing experts at Crown Industrial Roofing. We
have over thirty years of experience in commercial roofing in the Greater
Toronto Area, which make us among the most trusted commercial roofing
contractors in Toronto, Ontario.
Call us
for more information, or to receive a free roofing inspection.