Many of us work in commercial properties during the day before returning to our homes in the evening, but if you’ve witnessed first-hand roofing work undertaken at home or work, you’ll understand some of the significant differences a roofer encounters between commercial and domestic roofing in Birmingham.
Scope, pitch and access
Most commercial roof spaces in Birmingham tend to have low pitches or be flat and are generally quite large, whereas domestic roofs have a steep slope and are smaller in area. A roofer can access a domestic roof with conventional scaffolding, whereas a commercial site will require the roofer to use an elevated work platform.
Overall cost and maintenance
If the dimensions of the roof space are identical, then a pitched roof will prove more expensive than a flat one. However, flat roofs on commercial buildings usually cover much larger areas and require more maintenance, making them far more expensive in initial cost and upkeep.
Material types
One of the main differences between commercial and domestic roofs is the materials used. A roofer will use mainly bitumen, EPDM rubber roofing systems or steel roofing sheets to cover roof spaces on commercial buildings. Domestic properties require a more pleasing appearance, so clay tiles and slate will provide durability and a suitable aesthetic.
Emergency repairs
A roofer is always urgently needed whenever a commercial or domestic roof is damaged, but the consequences of not fixing repairs can differ. A leaking roof can cause problematic structural issues to a home if not attended to quickly. In contrast, in a commercial space, damaged roofs can pose a health and safety risk, potentially leading to legal issues should an injury occur. If you own a commercial building or your home roof needs repairing, get in touch with us for a free quote.
