What is residential roofing? What are the benefits of having a good roof? What should you know before choosing a contractor for your home’s roofing project? What do you need to look out for when hiring someone to do your residential roofing job?

These are all questions that homeowners ask themselves. Luckily, we have answers! In this blog post, we will discuss what it means to have a good residential roof and why it matters. We will also give some tips on how to choose an awesome contractor who can help make sure your house has the best possible living conditions.

Residential Roofing vs. Commercial Roofing

When comparing common residential and commercial roofing, there are some big differences. The design, materials, and maintenance of commercial and residential roofs are all different.

Let’s discuss what are the key distinctions between residential and commercial roofing, as well as how to select the best option for your needs.

Design

The design of a commercial roof will differ from the residential roof in that it has to be able to stand up to years and potentially storms. A rooftop usually does not have much movement, but the building below might shake during high winds or earthquakes.

Commercial buildings are often greater in size and weight than residential structures, so the roof must be able to sustain the additional weight and size. Residential structures, on the other hand, have a higher-sloped pitched roof that is easier to erect. It’s critical that your roofing contractors are knowledgeable about the type of roofing you want so that you don’t wind up with substandard work.

Materials

Apart from differences in design, there are also variations when you compare materials for both roofs. Commercial and residential roofs must be composed of durable materials depending on size, exposure to natural elements, design, and other criteria. This is done to give the roof a long life span while also making it versatile and simple to maintain. Commercial roofs tend to be larger and include features such as ventilation and air conditioning than residential roofing. Materials must be able to withstand the elements.

Both have to be built using durable materials such as:

Whether you hire a commercial or residential roofing company, talk to them about their experience with each roof type. Inquire about the companies they work with and the warranties they offer. You’ll be able to double-check everything and guarantee a long-lasting, high-quality roof this way.

Maintenance

This is another key distinction between residential and commercial roofs. Residential roofing requires a lot of maintenance that isn’t usually necessary for a commercial roof, such as:

Repairing leaks
Cleanliness during storm seasons to prevent ice damming (a frozen layer of snow or ice buildup on the eaves)
Keeping gutters clear
Assessing the condition of roofing materials (especially for older homes)
Cleaning chimneys and vents to remove debris, such as leaves and twigs

This is why it’s important that you hire a contractor who has experience in residential roofs. They should be able to manage these necessary maintenance tasks so that your home can have a high-quality roof with the best possible living conditions.

Types of Residential Roofing

Choosing the right type of roof for a new house or retrofitting, can be more difficult than most people could imagine. There are so many choices. Which one is right for you. Residential roofs can be made of asphalt, ceramic tile, and metal. Asphalt shingle is the most common and generally least expensive roofing material.

Here are the most common types of roofing:

Shingle

Asphalt roof shingles are still the most used type of residential roofing material. The strength and tear resistance of asphalt roof shingles is created by a continuous fiberglass “mat.”

Because they are durable and reasonably inexpensive, these shingles are the most preferred among roofers and homeowners. A vast choice of colors and styles, as well as ease of installation and adaptability for a wide range of temperatures, are all advantages. Waterproofing is also a feature of asphalt shingles.

With the tremendous sunlight and temperature variations in Florida, asphalt shingle roofs survive 15 to 20 years. Dark asphalt shingles fade quickly and have color irregularities. Algae can leave black markings on a roof, but you can prevent new development by choosing an algae-resistant shingle with copper granules.

An asphalt shingle roof is a type of roof that has been in use for centuries, with the first records dating back to 1636. What’s incredible about the history of residential roofs is how much they’ve changed over time! Some of the earliest roofs were made of straw, leaves, or bark.

Metal

One major development in roofing materials was the introduction to metal and its subsequent widespread use. What does that mean for you? It means that if you are considering a new home with a metal roof now, it is likely going to last much longer than homes built even 20 years ago.

Metal roofing systems are ideal for Florida homeowners worried about hurricane season, especially if they live in a hurricane-prone area like South Florida. Wind and uplift tests, which replicate wind speeds of exceeding 150 miles per hour, must be passed by metal roofing systems.

Metal roofs are also fire resistant, and having one placed on your property may qualify you for cheaper homeowner’s insurance costs.

Tile

This type of roofing material is one that homeowners are generally willing to pay a little more for and it’s not just about the look. What makes tile especially durable in comparison with other materials? It has an extremely high heat resistance, which means you can be sure your home stays cool during hot summers or warm winters. This material also lasts a very long time, which means you don’t have to worry about your roof becoming outdated or needing replacement.

Ceramic roof tiles may be the way to choose if you want a lot of individuality in your home, and they are generally durable. The tiles are fade-resistant and fire-resistant. Tiles of good quality should endure 50 to 70 years.

Tile roofs are most typically seen in the United States on residences with Spanish architectural influences. To keep rainfall out, the tiles are arranged in parallel rows and overlapped. Ceramic roofing tiles have a number of drawbacks, including their inability to withstand weather changes. Under these conditions, ceramic tiles are vulnerable to eroding. The tiles are both sturdy and delicate. High gusts, as well as walking on the tiles, can cause damage.

Conclusion

When you start to think about typical residential roof, it’s important that you know what is going on with your current roof. What type of material is it? What condition does it seem like the roof in currently in? What are some things that need to be repaired or replaced soon?

Now, if this article has convinced you that now might be the time to think about a new roof, you’re going to want one that will last. What material do you prefer? What color or style would work best for your home’s architecture and location? What kind of budget are you working with?

Once you’ve made all these decisions, it might be helpful if we take care of the rest for you. Give us a call today at manhattanroofingnyc.com and we’ll be happy to help!