The Difference Between Domestic and Commercial Roofing

Maxwells Roofing explains how domestic and commercial roofing differ, and how we deliver both to the same owner-led standard across Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton and surrounding areas.

At a glance
- Roof type: Homes are mostly pitched tile/slate with smaller flat sections; commercial roofs are typically large flat/low-slope with plant and penetrations.
- Materials: Domestic uses tiles, slates, EPDM, GRP and felt. Commercial uses single-ply (TPO/PVC), reinforced bitumen, liquids, profiled metal, and green/PV-ready systems.
- Regulations: We manage Parts A, B, C, F and L. Flat roofs require appropriate fire performance (e.g., Broof(t4)). If over 25% is renewed or structure/insulation changes, Building Control is usually needed.
- Access and safety: Homes use scaffold/towers. Commercial projects require fuller temporary works, edge protection, MEWPs/cranes and RAMS under CDM.
- Warranties and lifespan: Domestic typically 10–20 years (20–60 years service life by material). Commercial systems can be 20–30+ years when installed to spec and maintained.
- Maintenance: Annual/biannual inspections, gutter/outlet checks and minor repairs extend life and protect warranties.

What we install and repair
- Domestic: clay/concrete tiles, natural/fibre-cement slate, EPDM, GRP, RBM felt, roof windows/lanterns, fascias/soffits/gutters.
- Commercial: single-ply TPO/PVC, RBM warm roofs with tapered insulation, liquid-applied systems, profiled metal/standing seam, green/PV-ready roofs, internal/box/siphonic drainage.

Process and documentation
- Survey (visual/drone), clear options (repair/overlay/replacement), access and phasing plan, neat delivery, and handover with warranties, O&M and maintenance schedules.
- Proportionate RAMS for every job; owner Luke Maxwell oversees quality and safety.

Typical issues we resolve
- Domestic: storm-damaged tiles, failed flashings, flat roof ponding/blisters, blocked gutters, loft condensation.
- Commercial: ponding from poor falls, split seams, leaks at penetrations, wet insulation, loose edge trims/parapets.

Local case studies include a tiled re-roof in Newport Pagnell, a TPO overlay with tapered insulation in Wolverton (25-year warranty), and liquid detail repairs with a maintenance plan at a Bletchley school.

Why choose us
- Local expertise, owner-led quality, 80+ 5★ Checkatrade reviews and 5★ on Google, insured and qualified, transparent pricing, and fast response.

Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk for clear advice and a free quote.

Maxwells Roofing – Milton Keynes | Family owned and owner-led by Luke Maxwell | 80+ 5★ Checkatrade reviews | 5★ on Google

Call 07311091804 for a free quote • Email: sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk

The Difference Between Domestic and Commercial Roofing

Every roof has the same job – keep water out and protect the building. How that roof is designed, specified, installed and maintained varies a lot between homes and business premises. As a highly reviewed, family owned contractor serving Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton and all nearby towns and villages, Maxwells Roofing delivers both domestic and commercial projects with the same owner-led attention to detail and tidy, respectful workmanship.

Call 07311091804 for advice and a free quote

Quick Summary

  • Roof type: Homes are mostly pitched tile or slate with smaller flat sections. Commercial roofs are usually large flat or low-slope areas with plant and penetrations.
  • Systems: Domestic – tiles, slates, EPDM, GRP and felt. Commercial – single-ply, reinforced bitumen membranes, liquids, profiled metal, green and solar-ready roofs.
  • Complexity: Commercial work involves larger areas, more details and formal compliance records. Domestic projects are smaller but need the same standards.
  • Access: Homes – scaffold and towers. Commercial – edge protection, MEWPs, cranes and fall arrest with RAMS and CDM planning.
  • Warranties: Domestic usually 10-20 years. Commercial can reach 20-30+ years with approved build-ups and maintenance.
  • Maintenance: Domestic – routine checks after storms and annually. Commercial – planned preventative maintenance with documented inspections.

Not sure which approach suits your property – call 07311091804 and we will explain your options clearly.

What Counts as Domestic vs Commercial

Domestic roofing covers houses, bungalows, terraces, semis, detached properties and small residential blocks. In Milton Keynes this ranges from tiled pitched roofs in Stony Stratford and Great Linford to EPDM flat roofs on kitchen extensions in Newport Pagnell.

Commercial roofing covers warehouses, logistics hubs, retail parks, schools, offices, factories and public buildings across areas like Tongwell, Kiln Farm, Mount Farm, Brinklow and Wolverton. Typical roof forms are large low-slope warm roofs with penetrations for HVAC, vents and PV.

Both must be watertight, safe and durable. The main differences are scale, product choice, documentation and access planning – all of which we manage for you.

Materials and Roof Systems

Domestic Roofing

  • Clay and concrete tiles: Robust, long lasting and suited to local housing styles. Correct battening, breathable underlay, fixings and verge/ridge detailing to BS 5534 are essential.
  • Natural slate and fibre cement slates: Elegant looks with excellent longevity when laid by a skilled slater using the right headlap and fixings.
  • Flat roofs on extensions, dormers and garages:
    • EPDM rubber: Single-piece membranes for simple shapes – minimal joints, fast installation and tidy finishes.
    • GRP fibreglass: Hard wearing, seamless and great for complex upstands, rooflights and parapets.
    • Reinforced bitumen membranes: Multi-layer torch-on or self-adhesive systems that perform well when detailed correctly at edges and outlets.
  • Roof windows and skylights: Velux windows, roof lanterns and low pitch solutions to bring light into lofts and open-plan spaces.
  • Roofline: Long life UPVC fascias, soffits and gutters to protect eaves and manage rainwater without constant repainting.

Commercial Roofing

  • Single-ply membranes – TPO and PVC: Lightweight, quick to install and ideal for large areas. Usually mechanically fixed or adhered with neat perimeter trim details.
  • Reinforced bitumen warm roofs: Durable multi-layer systems over tapered insulation to create falls. Widely used on schools and offices with strong warranties.
  • Liquid-applied waterproofing: Seamless and perfect for complex details around plant, gutters and interfaces with cladding or curtain walling.
  • Profiled metal and standing seam: Rapid coverage for industrial and logistics units with integrated insulation and long spans.
  • Green roofs and PV-ready roofs: Biodiversity, thermal and attenuation benefits. Requires correct loading, fire strategy and maintenance access planning.
  • Gutters and drainage: Internal outlets, box gutters, siphonic systems and overflow planning to handle MK’s heavy downpours.

We help you choose the right build-up for performance, budget and appearance – and we source from trusted manufacturers with proven track records.

Call 07311091804 for a friendly chat about materials and options.

Building Regulations, Fire and Compliance

A compliant roof is not just about the covering. It is about structure, fire performance, moisture control, insulation, ventilation and documentation. We handle this for you and keep it clear and hassle free.

Core Approved Documents

  • Part A – Structure: We assess loading when changing coverings or adding insulation and green roofs. Timbers and deck condition are checked before specification.
  • Part B – Fire Safety: Flat roof coverings require appropriate external fire performance classification such as Broof(t4). We design fire breaks, upstands and details in line with the building’s fire strategy.
  • Part C – Resistance to Moisture: Vapour control layers, correct insulation type, airtightness and waterproofing prevent leaks and interstitial condensation.
  • Part F – Ventilation: Roof void ventilation for pitched roofs and correct warm roof build-ups for flats to control moisture.
  • Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power: If more than 25% of the roof is being renewed, insulation upgrade to current U-values is generally required.

Notifications and Certification

  • When we notify: Re-roofs over 25%, structural changes, PV installations and loft conversions usually require Building Control involvement. We will advise and coordinate.
  • Competent Person Scheme: Where permitted, we self-certify eligible works and issue Building Regulations Compliance Certificates.
  • Manufacturer compliance: We install to manufacturer specification to protect warranty eligibility and performance.

Commercial Extras

  • CDM Regulations 2015: RAMS, construction phase plans and formal roles are produced proportionately to the project.
  • Handover pack: O&M manuals, warranties, drawings and maintenance schedules for end users and facilities teams.

With Maxwells Roofing you get quality workmanship and tidy paperwork – both matter equally to a reliable outcome.

Access, Installation and Safety

Good planning avoids disruption, protects people and keeps the weather out while work is underway.

  • Access: Homes usually need scaffolding or towers. Larger sites may require MEWPs, cranes, edge protection, debris netting and demarcation.
  • Safety and RAMS: We prepare risk assessments and method statements for every project. Owner Luke Maxwell personally oversees safety on site.
  • Weatherproofing and phasing: Temporary coverings, daywork sequencing and leak mitigation plans keep homes habitable and businesses operational.
  • Clean, respectful working: Daily tidy ups, protection to gardens and footpaths, and careful control of noise and dust.

Lifespan, Warranties and Maintenance

Long service life is achieved by correct installation and sensible maintenance. We support you with both.

  • Domestic: Typical lifespans 20-60 years depending on slate, tile or flat system. 10-20 year workmanship and system warranties are common when installed to spec.
  • Commercial: Manufacturer-backed 20-30+ year warranties available with approved warm roof build-ups and documented maintenance.
  • Planned maintenance: Annual or biannual roof checks, gutter cleaning, outlet clearance and minor detail repairs extend life and protect warranties.
  • Reporting: Photo reports and optional drone inspections for large, fragile or complex roofs with prioritised actions.

Ask about our maintenance packages for homeowners, landlords and facilities teams across Milton Keynes.

Call 07311091804 to set up a visit.

Costs and Budget Drivers

We always provide clear, itemised quotations with options. Final cost depends on the following factors:

  • Size and complexity: Total area, pitch, number of penetrations and junctions, and the level of detailing required.
  • Access and logistics: Scaffolds, MEWPs, cranes, road permits and material handling arrangements.
  • Strip or overlay: Condition of existing layers, presence of wet insulation, and whether a warm roof upgrade is required.
  • Insulation and U-values: Meeting current standards can add cost but reduces bills and condensation risk.
  • Finish and warranty length: Premium membranes and extended warranties increase upfront cost but lower lifetime cost.
  • Programme constraints: Night or weekend working, phased handovers and weather windows.

We are happy to explain options in plain English and help you choose best value – not just lowest price.

Common Issues and Warning Signs

Domestic

  • Missing or broken tiles after storms
  • Leaking around chimneys, roof windows and valleys from failed flashing
  • Ponding and blisters on older felt flat roofs
  • Rotten fascias or overflowing gutters causing damp to eaves and walls
  • Condensation in lofts due to poor ventilation or blocked vents

Commercial

  • Standing water from inadequate falls or blocked outlets
  • Split seams on single-ply or bitumen laps from thermal movement
  • Leaks at plant plinths, cable trays and pipe penetrations
  • Wet insulation reducing thermal performance and increasing energy costs
  • Loose edge trims or parapet cappings leading to wind uplift risks

Early intervention is always cheaper. If you notice any of the above, book an inspection and we will prioritise the urgent fixes first.

Local Case Studies

  • Newport Pagnell semi – tiled re-roof: Storm damage and failing felt. We stripped and recovered with breathable underlay, new battens to correct gauge, mechanically fixed tiles to BS 5534 and installed new dry ridge and verge systems. Result – smarter appearance, warmer loft and a robust 15 year workmanship warranty.
  • Wolverton light industrial – single-ply overlay: Aging bitumen roof with ponding. We installed tapered insulation to form falls and mechanically fixed a TPO membrane with new outlets and edge details. Result – 25 year manufacturer-backed warranty with minimal downtime.
  • Bletchley primary school – liquid details and maintenance setup: Localised leaks at rooflights and gutters. We carried out liquid-applied detail repairs, refurbished gutters and set up biannual inspections with photo reports. Result – leaks resolved and a clear, proactive maintenance plan.

References and more examples are available on request.

Why Choose Maxwells

  • Local knowledge: We know MK’s housing styles, estates and industrial estates, so we specify what works here – not guesswork.
  • Owner-led quality: Company owner Luke Maxwell oversees each job and is your point of contact from quote to handover.
  • Top rated reputation: 80+ 5★ Checkatrade reviews and 5★ on Google from homeowners and businesses.
  • Qualified and insured: Safe systems of work, clear RAMS and manufacturer-approved installations.
  • Transparent pricing: Itemised quotes with options and no hidden extras.
  • Fast response: Same or next day leak response where possible across Milton Keynes and surrounding towns.

How We Work

  1. Survey: Visual inspection and, where helpful, drone imagery for hard to reach areas.
  2. Options: Repair, overlay or replacement with clear pros, cons, costs and warranty choices.
  3. Plan: Access, safety, phasing and weather plan agreed before we start.
  4. Delivery: Neat workmanship, tidy site and daily updates.
  5. Handover: Warranties, aftercare guidance and optional maintenance schedule.

Call 07311091804 to book your free site visit.

FAQs

Do I need Building Control for my re-roof?
If more than 25% of the covering is renewed, or if you are adding insulation, changing structure or installing PV, Building Control is normally required. We advise and handle the process.
Can you work while my business stays open?
Yes. We plan phasing, temporary waterproofing and safe access so you can keep trading with minimal disruption.
How long does a domestic re-roof take?
Most tiled or slated re-roofs take 3-7 working days depending on size, access and weather. Flat roof overlays can be quicker.
What warranty will I receive?
Domestic projects typically include 10-20 year warranties. Commercial warm roof systems can be 20-30+ years when installed to approved specifications and maintained.
EPDM, GRP or felt – which is best for my flat roof?
It depends on size, shape, foot traffic, budget and desired warranty. EPDM is great for simple shapes, GRP excels at complex detailing and RBM or single-ply suit larger or more demanding areas.
Do you offer maintenance plans?
Yes. Annual or biannual plans with gutter cleans, outlet checks and photo reports – ideal for homeowners, landlords and facilities teams.

Areas We Cover

Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Bradwell, Wolverton, Tongwell, Kiln Farm, Mount Farm and all nearby towns, estates and villages.

Get a Free Quote

Whether you need a fast leak repair, a full re-roof or a planned program for your estate or industrial unit, Maxwells Roofing is ready to help with clear advice and quality workmanship.

Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk to book your free visit.

If you are researching specific services, you may also find these pages helpful – Emergency roofing, chimney repairs, fascias and soffits, flat roof systems and gutter maintenance.

Maxwells Roofing – trusted, local and owner-led for homes and businesses across Milton Keynes.

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