Both commercial and residential flat roofing belong to the
low slope roofing category, but they both are very different from each other.
Design
Commercial flat roofing is entirely flat with slight pitches
for draining water. Flat roofs in such applications are required for routine
inspections and maintenance. Residential flat roofing on the other hand can be
experimented with different designs. There are no rules here as they can carry
the structural weight.
Size
Commercial roofing has a wider space as compared to
residential roofs, because of the functionality it has to offer. Commercial
flat roofs need to be highly functional and practical, which is why size
matters more than the appearance here. They don’t have to appear extravagant or
elaborated; instead they need to be able to follow the minimum structural
requirements required. On the other hand, residential roofing could be sized as
per the owner’s preference. It doesn’t need to be wide enough for other heavy
equipment. It should just be proportional to the area of the house.
Materials
The roofs vary a lot in cost, performance, qualities, and
longevity based on the materials they are made of.
Metal – This is a lightweight material that is very
easy to install. It also comes in a wide range of colors to suit your design
preferences. However, one drawback here is that it is comparatively expensive.
The metal category could include a variety of materials like steel, aluminum,
zinc, tin, and copper. All these metals can generally last up to 50 years, and
are known to be fire-resistant. Due to all these reasons, metal roofing sheets
are preferred for both residential and commercial applications.
Built-up roofing – This material is made from tar and
gravel stacked together one over another. This is one of the most affordable
options, making it highly preferred in the commercial applications. This
material is also very superior in strength, and can last for anywhere between
25-40 long years.
Bitumen – This roofing system is made from asphalt,
fiberglass, and other synthetic polyester materials. It has amazing
waterproofing and insulating capabilities. It is also tear-resistant, and can
withstand heavy foot traffic. But, in spite of these qualities, it is a very
cheap roofing system that can last for 20-30 long years.
EPDM – The cheapest option, EPDM is an effective
waterproofing providing commercial roofing material. It is also very
lightweight and flexible, meaning being easy to use and install. However, it is
available in only a limited color selection like black and white.
Polycarbonate – Polycarbonate
is the latest material used for both residential and commercial applications,
where transparency or semi-transparency is required. Available in a wide range
of color and texture options, polycarbonate can be used to match or strikingly
contrast the rest of the building. It is a flexible, lightweight, extremely
durable material that is resistant to breakage, fire, impact, corrosion, and
solvents. Thus, it is the perfect material that you can use for almost any kind
of roofing application. You can get the best quality polycarbonate roofing sheets at Tuflite Polymers, where you can
choose from a wide range of colors, textures, and types.
