What is Commercial Roofing?

Commercial roofs are designed for buildings used for business purposes, such as retail stores, offices, warehouses, and factories. These roofs typically have a flat or low-pitched profile, in contrast to the steeper slopes often seen on residential roofs.

Commercial roofs are significantly larger than residential ones, often spanning millions of square feet. Their primary function is to shield the building and its contents from the elements, ensuring structural integrity, and protecting valuable assets.

What is Residential Roofing?

Residential roofing refers to the covering of structures designed for human habitation, such as houses and apartments. These roofs are generally smaller in scale and have a steeper pitch compared to commercial roofs, often contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the building.

Residential roofs can be constructed from a variety of materials and may feature different structural designs, such as single-pitch, double-pitch, or trussed roofs.

Where Do They Differ?

While residential and commercial roofs share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics. Let’s delve deeper into the unique features that set residential and commercial roofs apart.

Choice of Materials

Choosing materials for both residential and commercial properties is influenced by several factors, including roof design, budget, and local weather conditions.

For residential homes, asphalt shingles remain a popular choice due to their easy installation and affordability. However, other roofing materials such as wood shakes, metal panels, slate, tile, and ceramic are also available depending on your aesthetic and budget.

Commercial roofs, particularly those with flat or low-pitched designs, require specialized materials that are different from those used on residential properties. Common choices for commercial roofing include BUR systems, Modified Bitumen, EPDM, TPO, various coatings, and other specialized roofing systems.

These systems often involve multiple layers, including insulation, decking, protective coatings, and reflective coatings, to provide the necessary durability and performance. The specific combination of layers will vary depending on the chosen roofing material and the building’s requirements.

Roof Design & Architecture

Commercial and residential roofs exhibit distinct design characteristics. Commercial roofs are often flat or very low-pitched, commonly found on buildings such as warehouses, retail outlets, restaurants, and factories. These roofs are generally larger than residential roofs and frequently feature multiple openings for ventilation systems, smokestacks, and skylights.

In contrast, residential roofs are typically pitched higher and constructed using materials like asphalt shingles, slate, or cedar shakes. While some homeowners or residential roofers opt for tile or metal roofing, these are less common than asphalt shingles.

Residential roofs are generally smaller than commercial ones and often have fewer openings, except for chimneys, vent stacks, and occasional skylights. Adding solar panels is a popular residential roofing project for homeowners to consider.

Installation & Repair

Commercial and residential roofs have very different installation processes. That’s because the materials used and the sizes are so different.

Repairing a commercial roof can be a significant financial undertaking and should be done by experienced commercial roofers. When water breaches the roof’s layers, an evaluation by roofing experts is necessary to assess the extent of the damage. While minor repairs can be relatively straightforward, larger-scale projects involving replacing large sections of the roof can be more complicated and expensive.

The cost of a roof repair is determined by the size of the affected area and the nature of the damage. Small-scale repairs, such as fixing a localized leak caused by loose shingles or flashing, can often be done on time and at a lower cost. However, more extensive damage, such as widespread leaks or structural issues from storm damage, may require more significant repairs, leading to higher expenses.

Leaks in residential roofs typically occur in specific areas, often due to loose shingles or damaged flashing. These issues can usually be addressed relatively quickly and at a lower cost compared to commercial roof repairs. While localized leaks may indicate underlying problems, they are often caused by minor faults that can be easily fixed.

Maintenance & Upkeep

Due to their smaller size, residential roofs are generally easier to inspect and maintain. Homeowners or qualified residential roofers can often assess the roof’s condition and address minor issues comfortably.

Commercial roofs, particularly flat roofs, require more frequent inspections and maintenance to prevent water pooling, which can lead to significant damage. The larger scale of commercial buildings and the potential for heavy loads make regular inspections essential.

Maintenance for commercial roofs can involve specialized techniques for commercial roofers and equipment, such as accessing hard-to-reach areas or using specific tools for sealing leaks or repairing damage.

Roof Construction Done Right

Roofs are essential no matter if you need a roof for your business or your home. Using the correct materials for the job is where J&L Building Materials comes in. We work with the top manufacturers and vendors in the industry to bring you the best roofing materials available. Our team can help you get the right materials for your residential and commercial roofing projects and have your roof done right the first time.

Looking for the best materials to solve your residential vs commercial roofing problem? Contact our sales team to get answers and recommendations. 

In this blog, we made a guide to roofing materials to help you know when it’s time to purchase a new roof, what types of roofing materials to consider, and how to make the most of the investment for years to come.

Signs You Need a New Roof

Keep an eye out for cracked, damaged, or buckling shingles. Shingles should lie flat against the roof, so anything that looks misshapen or out of place may be a sign of damage. 

A droopy and sagging roof is another indication it’s time for an upgrade. If your roof looks soft and even warped, be sure to check the surface for any trapped moisture, rotting boards, or sagging spots.

Finally, beware of moss growing on certain parts of your roof. While it may look magical and enchanting in a forest, it’s usually indicative of trapped moisture between a roof and the structure of your home.

Be sure to take precautions when inspecting your roof. While visibly assessing and gently testing your roof for any damage is fine, we recommend contacting a professional for a more in-depth inspection to avoid any injuries on your part.

Do You Need a New Roof or Just a Repair? 

If your roof is fairly new but showing signs of damage (such as after a heavy storm) like cracks in a few shingles or a minor water leak, then a repair may be all you need. However, if it seems like your roof has sustained serious structural issues (such as significant water damage or weak parts in the foundation of your roof), then a replacement may be in order.

If you’re noticing higher-than-usual electric bills, your roof could be the culprit. As your roof weakens and air pockets emerge, it grows less and less efficient in trapping cool air or heat within your home. This means your AC or heating system will have to work harder to regulate the temperature of your home. If this is happening to you, you may want to consider a complete roof replacement.

Types of Roofing Materials

There are more than a few types of roofing materials to choose from. After some careful consideration, you may even find yourself choosing a different type of roofing material than the current material you have. To help you choose the right roofing material for your home, we’ll help you weigh your options — from appearance, longevity, and cost.

Asphalt Shingles

Durable, affordable, and available in a wide variety of colors, asphalt shingles are a popular choice for roofing. Made of fiberglass, asphalt shingles are the “people’s choice” when you’re looking for something more basic yet effective.

Cost and Lifetime: Asphalt shingles typically cost around $1.50 per square foot and last around 30 years before they need to be replaced. Estimated costs do not include labor. We recommend contacting a trusted contractor for an accurate and up-to-date estimate.

Slate

Slate shingles are some of the longest-lasting roofing materials available. They’re also one of the more expensive listed in this roofing materials buying guide. Available in hard and soft forms, slate shingles are ideal for durability and endurance.

Cost and Lifetime: Slate shingles typically cost anywhere from $10 to $20 per square foot for soft slate and $20 to $30 for hard slate. A slate roof can last between 100 to 200 years. Estimated costs do not include labor. We recommend contacting a trusted contractor for an accurate and up-to-date estimate.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

For a natural and rustic look, clay and concrete tiles are an attractive choice for homeowners. Clay and concrete shingles are popular for homeowners dwelling in hot climates since they’re durable, fire-resistant, and slow to absorb heat.

Cost and Lifetime: Concrete tiles can cost between $10 to $20 per square foot, while clay tiles can cost between $12 to $25 per square foot. On average, both types of shingles have an average lifespan between 50 to 100 years. Estimated costs do not include labor. We recommend contacting a trusted contractor for an accurate and up-to-date estimate.

Metal

Durable and virtually maintenance-free, metal roofs are great at reflecting heat and are nonflammable. However, depending on the weather, certain types of metal roofing can be quite noisy during a rainstorm or hailstorm. The most common metal roofing materials are painted and coated steel and copper.

Cost and Lifetime: Metal roofs typically cost around $8.50 to $16 per square foot. On average, a metal roof will last between 40 to 70 years. Estimated costs do not include labor. We recommend contacting a trusted contractor for an accurate and up-to-date estimate.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shingles add a natural and rustic touch to a home. Wood roofing materials are usually available in two types: wood shingles and wood shakes. 

Shingles are often machine cut, sawn on both sides, and usually thinner than shakes. Wood shakes are typically composed of cedar and split by hand and/or power equipment. They’re often less uniform than shingles, making each roof made up of wood shakes unique and one of a kind. Both wood shingles and shakes require upkeep every few years.

Cost and Lifetime: Wood shingles and cedar shakes typically cost around $9.50 to $15.50 per square foot. On average, wood shingles and shakes will last around 30 years. Estimated costs do not include labor. We recommend contacting a trusted contractor for an accurate and up-to-date estimate.

Synthetic Shingles and Shakes

For homeowners who love the look of cedar or slate but don’t like the upkeep, synthetic shakes and shingles are a terrific option. Synthetic (sometimes referred to as composite) are made of recycled materials and designed to look exactly like cedar or slate, while boasting the durability and longevity of synthetic materials.

DaVinci Roofscapes offers a synthetic shake known to last decades without the maintenance issues of typical cedar shakes. Able to handle winds up to 110 miles per hour, DaVinci offers single-width, multi-width, bellaforté, select shake, and hand-split options.

Currently, synthetic shingles and shakes are significantly cheaper than wood or slate, and their durability and virtually maintenance-free options can actually provide a greater return on investment than their traditional wood counterparts. 

Cost and Lifetime: Synthetic shingles and shakes typically cost between $8.50 and $14.50 per square foot. Installation typically costs around $9.50 to $15.50 per square foot. On average, synthetic shingles and shakes can last up to 50 years. Estimated costs do not include labor. We recommend contacting a trusted contractor for an accurate and up-to-date estimate.

Rubber Composite Shingles

With proper installation, rubber composite shingles are incredibly resistant and can withstand strong winds up to 110 miles per hour. They’re also an excellent choice for withstanding extreme weather conditions and have been tested to withstand impact from hail up to 2-inches in diameter.

Cost and Lifetime: Rubber shingles typically cost around $4.25 to $8.25 per square foot. On average, rubber shingles can last for 30 years or more. Estimated costs do not include labor. We recommend contacting a trusted contractor for an accurate and up-to-date estimate.

What to Consider Before Purchasing Roofing Materials

It’s not just the different types of roof shingles you need to consider before starting the project. Cost, contractors, and warranties are three important factors to consider when choosing a roof. As part of our guide to roofing materials, let’s explore how to make the most of your budget and find a contractor experienced in roofing repair and replacement.

Cost

The national average cost to replace a roof is around $8,000, and that price is mainly made up of the type of roofing materials you choose and how big your home’s roof is. If you’re strapped for cash and in need of immediate repairs to your roof, you can ask the bank for a personal loan, inquire about a home equity line of credit, or look into home improvements grants such as the Repairing and Improving a Home program.

As with all home improvement projects, determining your budget will help you figure out what you realistically can and can’t do. As we touched on above, asphalt shingles are going to be the best bet for a more budget-conscious homeowner. If the price of a new roof is of no concern to you, then any roofing material will likely work, though you’ll still want to keep in mind components like weather resistance and maintenance needs.

Warranties

It’s important to understand the warranty on your new roof. Your roof’s lifespan will depend greatly on installation, climate, and maintenance, and having a warranty will help protect your investment. 

When evaluating warranties, check the length of the policy, what’s covered (manufacturer’s warranty for material defects, labor to repair material defects, installation, workmanship, etc.), and homeownership warranty transferability.

Trusted Contractors

If you only take one thing away from this roofing materials buying guide, it should be the importance of finding trusted contractors. If your contractor isn’t experienced with installation, working within a certain timeframe, and staying as close to your budget as possible, then your roofing remodel or repair will be a disaster. Before signing a contract, always be sure to learn as much about the contractor and their working style before entering into a final agreement.

A Few Basics on Roof Maintenance

No matter what type of roof you have and how durable the materials are, roof maintenance is essential to prevent leaks and make the structure last longer. The last thing you want is to have your brand new roof suffer serious damage because of a lack of proper routine maintenance. 

To help you get the most out of your new roof, below are a few basic maintenance tips to help you protect your investment:

• Clean your gutters. Leaves, branches, sticks, and pieces of your shingles can end up in your gutters, causing issues in the long run. Clogged gutters can cause rainwater to pile up and gather on your roof, causing water damage if left to persist. To clean your gutters, use a sturdy ladder with a stabilizer and scoop out the dirt and debris out of the gutter channel.

• Schedule routine roof maintenance. The best time to do a roof inspection is during the spring. This is will allow you to take a look at your roof after the winter, when snow, ice, and water can tend to take a toll on your roof. It’s also a much more pleasant (and safer) time to move around the yard and inspect the roof.

• Trim vegetation and trees. Trees can provide wonderful shade and aesthetics to your yard, but they can also be a major reason for your gutters constantly getting clogged. More than that, heavy branches too close to your house can break off under heavy winds and permanently damage your roof.

At J&L, we help our customers find trusted contractors, so no matter the job, you can be sure you’re in good hands. Contact us today to get started!

After an intense storm, it’s a good idea to conduct a quick inspection of your home’s exterior surfaces to check for any damage. This blog will explore how to inspect your roof for storm damage and important next steps, should you find any major damage.

Different Types of Roof Storm Damage

When creating a roof storm damage checklist, it’s important to understand the effects of different types of weather on your property and how to spot the telltale signs of damage that often accompany them. Below is a list of the most common elements that often cause damage to your home’s roof.

Wind

Signs of wind damage to a roof can take the form of loose or missing shingles, chimney issues, curling or peeling shingles, granule loss, damaged soffit or fascia, and indoor leaks. How wind speeds interact with a given structure will vary, but you’ll find general rules of thumb below:

• 25-30 mph: Large branches may move, but little to no damage is likely to occur to your roof.
• 30-40 mph: Whole trees can sway back and forth, though it’s unlikely this will cause any major debris to circulate in the air.
• 40-45 mph: Twigs and small branches may break, increasing the likelihood of small debris making its way onto your rooftop.
• 45-55 mph: Larger branches and weak limbs may break, and slight structural damage may occur if your home is around a lot of trees.
• 55-65 mph: Moderate structural and tree damage may occur.
• 65+ mph: Heavy to severe structural and tree damage may occur.

Hail

While hail the size of tennis balls is rare in much of the United States, hail storms are responsible for property damage to crops and homes every year. In the case of your roof, the impact of a hailstorm can crack shingles and lead to water damage in your home.

After a hailstorm, if you notice dents on your vehicles that are parked outdoors, plants stripped of their leaves, or damage to your home’s siding, you’ll want to inspect your roof for possible damage as well.

Water

The most common sign your roof has sustained water damage may actually come from looking at your home’s ceiling. If you notice leaks, spots on the wall, or wet stains, you’ll want to contact a roofing contractor ASAP. Excess water often makes it into the interior of your home’s structure due to loose or cracked shingles and damaged rafters.

Ice Dams

After a heavy snowfall, ice dams are caused by warm air in a home’s attic causing the snow to melt on the roof above it. When this happens, water runs down the roof and refreezes once it reaches the colder end of the roof, forming a mount (or dam) of ice at the edge. At first, ice dams are no more trouble than icicles are hanging off the edge of your roof.

However, during the warmer parts of the winter day, water melting off the roof behind the ice can get blocked up and seep under the shingles and into your home’s exteriors. The best time to stop ice dams is before winter comes. Start by inspecting your roof for damaged shingles (more on that below) and plugged gutters, as they’ll make it easier for water to sneak into your roof. 

Shingle manufacturers’ warranties will often require the use of protective equipment called ice and water shields (sometimes called ice and water protectors) during the roof installation process. This is a waterproof membrane developed to protect vulnerable areas on a roof from ice and water damage. Ice and water shields are made with polymer-modified bitumen. Another option is to lay down heat cables to help water flow off your roof instead of under it. Heat cables attach to your roof and melt channels of snow and can help provide a path for snowmelt to drain off your roof instead of pooling behind an ice dam.

Debris

Debris – such as falling trees, branches, or even building components like shutters, vents, satellite dishes, and nails from other people’s properties – can cause damage to your roof when blown around by heavy winds.

How to Inspect Your Roof for Storm Damage

Did a storm blow shingles off your roof? Are you noticing gutters filled with debris? If you’ve just experienced a rough storm and think your home will benefit from a quick inspection, you’ll find a list of the major items to inspect and how to spot potential damage to them below.

When assessing damage, try using a pair of binoculars instead of climbing on the roof yourself, as this can be very dangerous. As best you can, try to estimate the general square footage of damage and note any specific areas that have been damaged. This will help you communicate the situation to a roofing contractor and your insurance company.

Commonly Damaged Areas

To help you make a roof storm damage inspection checklist, we’ll review the major parts of a home’s roof that often experience damage during severe weather.

Exterior Shingles

Shingles are your home’s first line of defense against heavy wind, rain, and debris. When examining your roof’s shingles for damage, pay close attention to curling or cracking shingles, as well as any missing ones! If you decide to do a preliminary inspection of your roof yourself, be careful not to step on the roof, as the structure may be weak depending on how much damage was inflicted during the storm.

Roof Vents

You may be wondering what your roof vents are and where they’re located. Roof vents are systems that allow air to circulate through the attic and extend the life of the roof while regulating indoor temperatures. 

After a storm, roof vents may be blocked by debris, have loose vent caps/covers, or suffer from diminished water sealant due to damaged flashing. Chances are, you’ll know if your home has them or not, but here is a picture of a standard roof vent:

Gutters

After a storm, your gutters may be clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. When gutters get backed up, water can get under the shingles and start to leak into the interior of your home. A storm with heavy winds may even cause a gutter to become detached from your roof. Along with clearing your gutters of any post-storm debris, we recommend pressing on and shaking your gutters a bit to see if they feel loose.

Ceilings

Has a rainstorm caused a leak in your roof? If so, you’ll want to head inside and see if any water spots or leakage have formed on your ceiling, as water can become trapped in a house’s siding and make its way into the structure of a home if allowed to persist. If you have an attic, you’ll want to pay careful attention, as this is one of the first places water damage will typically form.

How to Get Emergency Roof Repair After a Storm

If your home’s roof has been seriously damaged by a storm, you should contact a roofing contractor ASAP. You should also inform your insurance company, as they’ll likely send out an adjuster to survey the damage and provide a roofing insurance claim for any storm damage your home has suffered.

If you’re not able to get a contractor or adjuster out to assess your roof’s storm damage immediately, here are some ways you can temporarily repair a storm damaged roof and help mitigate further damage in the meantime:

• Cover holes with a plastic tarp. If the damage to your roof is able to be reached and covered without endangering yourself, try covering cracked shingles or holes in your roof with a plastic tarp to prevent water damage inside of your home.

• Place buckets inside as needed. If you can’t access the area of your roof that’s allowing the water inside, placing a bucket under the hole – while not ideal – is still better than nothing. The last thing you want to deal with is having to pay for a new floor in addition to your roof.

• Don’t climb on the roof. While it’s tempting to climb on your roof to conduct minor repairs, doing so can be extremely dangerous. A roof that’s suffered damage because of heavy wind and rain may be weakened by moisture and loose shingles, and it may not support you if you try to climb on it.

Should Your Roofing Contractor and Adjuster Assess the Damage Together?

When possible, we recommend having an experienced roofing contractor and adjuster assess the roof storm damage together to determine the cost of a roof repair to fix storm damage. If a major storm has recently rolled through your area, some insurance companies may bring in out-of-state adjusters due to the influx in property assessments. 

While this is not done with ill-intent, these professionals may not be aware of zoning rules and local building codes specific to your state or county. A roofing contractor familiar with your area can help guide the process to ensure the roof is repaired and replaced to code.

Roofing Contractors for Storm Damage

Excessive damage to a roof isn’t something to repair by yourself, as it can prove extremely dangerous, especially in unsafe conditions. Working with a roofing contractor experienced in working with homeowners and storm damage is essential. A trusted contractor has the knowledge, tools, and safety equipment needed to accurately assess storm damage to your roof and repair it as needed.

Wondering how to get an emergency roof repair after storm damage? At J&L, we partner with top contractors who specialize in roofing. To learn more, visit our homeowners page and reach out to us for help.