What is a door-knocking roofing scam?

A door-knocking roofing scam occurs when a contractor shows up uninvited and pressures a homeowner to file an insurance claim by promising a 'free roof' or guaranteed insurance approval, often without legitimate storm damage.

Can a roofing company guarantee my insurance will pay for a new roof?

No. No roofing company can legally or ethically guarantee insurance approval. Insurance companies only approve claims when there is verifiable damage from a covered event.

Is filing an unnecessary roof insurance claim risky?

Yes. Filing an unnecessary or exaggerated insurance claim can result in claim denial, increased premiums, policy cancellation, or involvement in an insurance fraud investigation.

What should I do if a roofer pressures me to file an insurance claim?

You should pause, avoid signing anything, seek a second opinion from a reputable roofing contractor, and speak directly with your insurance company before filing any claim.

Who do I contact to report roofing insurance fraud in North Carolina?

Suspected roofing or insurance fraud should be reported to the North Carolina Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6750.

Residential vs Commercial Roofing: Key Differences

Residential vs. Commercial Roofing: Key Differences Property Owners Should Understand

For property owners in Carteret, Craven, Onslow, Pender, Brunswick, and New Hanover counties

Residential and commercial roofing are often grouped together, but they are fundamentally different in design, materials, failure modes, maintenance requirements, and decision criteria. Property owners who understand these differences make better choices on repairs, replacements, budgeting, and contractor selection.

This guide explains the key distinctions—and why they matter in North Carolina’s wind, rain, humidity, and storm cycles.

Quick Answer: What’s the Biggest Difference?

Residential roofing is mainly about water shedding (gravity does most of the work).
Commercial roofing is mainly about waterproofing and drainage control (because water sits longer and details carry more risk).

That difference drives everything else: materials, installation method, maintenance, and how problems show up.

Structural Differences Between Residential and Commercial Roofs

Residential roofs typically:

are steep-slope / pitched
shed water rapidly
use shingles or metal panels
have many architectural details (valleys, dormers, ridges)
fail most often at transitions and penetrations (flashings, walls, chimneys, pipe boots)

Commercial roofs are usually:

flat or low-slope
depend on drainage systems (scuppers, drains, gutters, tapered insulation)
often support rooftop equipment (HVAC, exhaust fans)
have larger uninterrupted fields but higher detail risk at seams, terminations, penetrations, and drains
fail most often from ponding water, seam issues, and neglected maintenance

Material Differences

Common residential roofing materials

asphalt shingles (3-tab, architectural)
impact-resistant shingles (region- and budget-dependent)
metal roofing systems (exposed fastener or standing seam)
tile and specialty systems (less common, higher cost)

These materials prioritize a balance of appearance, wind resistance, and lifespan.

Common commercial roofing materials

TPO or PVC single-ply membranes
EPDM (rubber) systems
modified bitumen
built-up roofing (BUR)
coatings (often as restoration strategies, not universal solutions)

These systems prioritize waterproofing performance, seam integrity, and detailing around penetrations and drains.

Installation and Maintenance Requirements

Residential roofs

install relatively quickly (crew size and complexity drive schedule)
require periodic inspections, especially after storms
are often evaluated by visible condition and age
depend heavily on correct flashing and ventilation strategy

Commercial roofs

require specialized crews and detail discipline
involve more planning: drainage, penetrations, rooftop traffic paths
should follow a maintenance schedule (often semi-annual + post-storm)
benefit from documented inspections for budgeting, warranty, and risk management

Maintenance neglect is a leading cause of commercial roof failure because small seam or drain issues become big leaks over time.

Code, Permitting, and Inspection Differences

Commercial projects often involve:

stricter code pathways and more formal inspection requirements
occupancy and safety considerations
engineering inputs for wind uplift, loading, and penetrations (project-dependent)
documentation requirements that exceed typical residential expectations

Residential projects are usually simpler, but code compliance still matters—especially when decking, ventilation, or structural elements are involved.

Cost and Lifespan Considerations

Residential roofs

lower overall cost (smaller footprint, simpler access)
lifespan varies by material, ventilation, exposure, and installation quality
replacement often driven by age, storm events, or repeated leaks

Commercial roofs

higher upfront cost (material systems + detailing + drains + access logistics)
longer life is achievable with correct installation and consistent maintenance
replacement decisions are performance-driven: leakage frequency, wet insulation, seam degradation, ponding, and lifecycle economics

For commercial properties, the best operators plan roofs as capex + maintenance, not “replace when it leaks.”

How Problems Show Up: Residential vs. Commercial

Residential leak patterns

often originate at flashings, valleys, penetrations, or wind-damaged shingle seals
leaks may travel inside the assembly and show up far from the entry point

Commercial leak patterns

often originate at seams, terminations, penetrations, drain bowls, or ponding zones
leaks may be intermittent and weather-dependent (wind direction, rain volume, ponding duration)

In both cases, the stain location is often misleading—but commercial systems are especially deceptive because water can migrate across larger areas.

Why Contractor Experience Matters (and how to verify it)

Not all contractors are equipped for both categories. Property owners should verify:

System-specific experience (steep-slope shingle/metal vs low-slope membrane)
Material certifications (especially for manufacturer warranty eligibility)
Project management capability (safety, access, staging, scheduling)
Maintenance support (particularly for commercial roofs)
Documentation maturity (photos, moisture findings, repair logs)

System expertise is a performance variable, not a nice-to-have.

FAQs: Residential vs. Commercial Roofing

Is commercial roofing just a bigger version of residential roofing?

No. Commercial roofs are usually low-slope waterproofing systems with seams, drains, and terminations that require different materials, detailing, and maintenance.

What lasts longer—residential or commercial roofs?

Commercial roofs can last a long time with documented maintenance, but neglect can shorten life dramatically. Residential roof life depends heavily on material, ventilation, and installation quality.

Why do commercial roofs need regular maintenance?

Because seam, drain, and penetration issues can develop without obvious visible symptoms and can create large wet-insulation zones before leaks show inside.

Can the same roofer do both residential and commercial?

Some can, many cannot. Verify system-specific experience and manufacturer credentials for the roof type you own.

Final Takeaway

Residential and commercial roofing serve different purposes and require different expertise. Understanding the differences helps property owners:

choose the right system and materials
hire the right contractor (and avoid costly mismatches)
plan maintenance and budgeting realistically

If you own or manage property in Carteret, Craven, Onslow, Pender, Brunswick, or New Hanover counties, Fortitude Roofing can provide a system-specific evaluation—residential or commercial—focused on clarity, documented findings, and long-term performance.