Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against rain, wind, snow, and sun. When it needs attention, knowing whether you need residential roofing services or commercial ones – and understanding the differences – is crucial.
This guide breaks down everything: what each service covers, typical costs, how to find the best house roofing specialists, and key differences.
Residential Roofing Services: Focused on Your Home
Residential roofing services are all about houses – single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses, and smaller apartment buildings. Home roofers specialize in the materials, designs, and installation methods perfect for these structures. Think steep slopes, shingles, and making sure your roof looks great while keeping you dry.
What Do Residential Roof Specialists Do?
- Installation: Putting on brand new roofs using materials like asphalt shingles, metal panels, tile, slate, or wood shakes.
- Replacement: Taking off the old, worn-out roof and installing a completely new one.
- Repairs: Fixing leaks, replacing damaged shingles or tiles, repairing flashing (metal around chimneys/vents), fixing gutters.
- Inspections: Checking your roof’s health to spot problems early, often needed for insurance or before buying/selling a home.
- Maintenance: Cleaning gutters, removing debris, checking for minor issues to prevent bigger (and more expensive) problems later.
Related Services
Many residential roof specialists also handle siding installation, skylight installation, and ensuring proper roof ventilation – all key to a healthy, efficient home.
Popular Residential Roofing Materials
- Asphalt Shingles: Affordable, comes in many colors/styles, and relatively easy to install. Good lifespan (15–30 years).
- Metal Roofing: Long-lasting (40–70+ years), energy-efficient, and great in snowy or fire-prone areas.
- Tile (Clay or Concrete): Heavy and durable (50–100+ years), but more expensive.
- Slate: Extremely durable and beautiful, but the heaviest and costliest option.
- Wood Shakes/Shingles: A rustic look requiring more maintenance, not ideal in wet or fire-prone areas.
The Residential Roofing Process: Step-by-Step
- Estimate & Agreement
- Prepping the Site
- Tear-Off (if replacing)
- Deck Inspection & Repair
- Installing Roof Underlayment
- Flashing Installation
- Installing the Main Roofing Material
- Ridge Vent Installation
- Clean-Up & Final Inspection
For a comprehensive overview of the entire process, check out our complete guide to roof installation, which covers materials, costs, and expert tips.
Commercial Roofing Services: Built for Bigger Jobs
Commercial roofing focuses on larger, mostly flat or low-slope buildings: offices, warehouses, shopping malls, factories, schools, hospitals.
What Do Commercial Roofers Handle?
- Flat/Low-Slope Systems (EPDM, TPO, PVC)
- Metal Roofing (Large panel systems)
- Specialty Reflective Coatings
- Roof Maintenance Programs
- Drainage Systems
- HVAC Curb Repairs
Key Commercial Roofing Materials
- EPDM (Rubber)
- TPO & PVC
- Built-Up Roofing (BUR)
- Modified Bitumen
- Metal (Standing Seam)
Residential vs Commercial Roofing: Spotting the Big Differences
|
Feature |
Residential |
Commercial |
|
Building Type |
Homes |
Warehouses, Offices |
|
Roof Slope |
Steep |
Mostly flat |
|
Scale |
Smaller projects |
Large surface areas |
|
Materials |
Shingles, Slate |
Membranes, BUR |
|
Focus |
Aesthetics |
Durability, Energy Efficiency |
|
Installation |
Nailing |
Adhesives, Welding |
|
Complexity |
Lower |
Higher |
When considering roofing options, understanding the key differences between residential and commercial roofing is crucial to making an informed decision. You may want to explore more about how roof replacement services can vary based on your specific needs.
Cost Showdown: Residential vs. Commercial Roofing
Residential Roof Costs
- Asphalt Shingles: $3.50 – $7.00+ per sq ft
- Metal: $8.00 – $15.00+ per sq ft
- Tile/Slate: $10.00 – $30.00+ per sq ft
- Wood Shakes: $9.00 – $14.00+ per sq ft
- Average Total Cost: $7,000 – $60,000+
Commercial Roof Costs
- Basic Systems: $5.00 – $8.00 per sq ft
- Advanced Systems: $10.00 – $20.00+ per sq ft
- Example: 10,000 sq ft roof = $50,000 to $200,000+
Finding the Best Residential Roofers in Ohio
How to Find Top Home Roofers
- Ask for Referrals
- Read Online Reviews
- Check Licenses and Insurance
- Look for Manufacturer Certifications
- Compare Estimates
- Ask Key Questions
- Trust Your Instincts
Material Match-Up: What’s Best for Your Home?
Asphalt Shingles in Cold Climates
- Pros: Affordable, good snow-shedding
- Cons: Ice damming risks if ventilation is poor
Metal Roofing in Cold Climates
- Pros: Snow slides off easily, durable
- Cons: Higher cost, requires expert installation
For homeowners looking into roof installation, it’s important to review how different roofing materials impact both residential and commercial properties, as explained in our article on roof inspection services.
Beyond the Shingles: Related Services & Protection
- Siding Installation
- Skylight Installation
- Roof Ventilation
- Gutters & Downspouts
Making the Smart Choice for Your Roof
- Material: Weigh aesthetics, cost, and durability
- Contractor: Verify credentials
- Scope: Repair or replacement?
- Protection: Don’t ignore ventilation and related exterior systems