When you own a commercial property, you have many things to consider. One of the most important is something you’re likely to overlook.
The roof is perhaps the most integral part of your commercial building, but because it is generally out of sight, it stays out of your mind. It’s not until problems arise that you begin to think about the roof on your commercial property.
As you get repairs made, you may wonder how long the roof can last. Knowing your commercial roof’s lifespan can help you prepare ahead for maintenance and repairs. It can also help you get ready for a replacement.
How Long Will a Commercial Roof Last?
There are several factors that can impact the longevity of your commercial roof. It will depend on when it was installed and whether that installation was done properly. It will also depend on the materials that were used and whether or not your roof has been maintained over the years.
Taking those factors into consideration, commercial roofs have an average life expectancy of 10 to 40 years. Taking a look at the roof materials can shed a little more accuracy into that estimate.
Roofing Materials and Longevity
You can get a general idea of how long the most common roofing materials will last before a commercial roof replacement is necessary. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roofs tend to last 22 to 35 years, while metal roofs can last 30 to 45 years, sometimes even longer. Asphalt roofs tend to last 20 to 40 years.
There are many other roofing materials that may be used, such as thermoplastic polyolefin or TPO, which can last 22 to 30 years, or PVC at 20 to 30 years. However, materials aren’t the only factor to consider.
Other Factors That Can Impact a Commercial Roof’s Lifespan
Roofing materials can last a long time if the roof is well-maintained. But other factors may make you need to either replace your commercial roof sooner or help it stay strong for years to come.
Roof Slope
Flat roofs cause water to pool on the surface and are common in commercial properties. When water sits on the roof, it will stay there until it evaporates. As wet spots form, the damage begins with leaks as the telltale sign that there’s trouble ahead.
Installation Quality
Choosing the right commercial roofing services is one of the most important steps before having a roof installed or replaced. Any flaws that are built in with the installation can result in a shorter lifespan for your roof. The right roofing company will have extensive experience and a solid reputation for taking time to do things properly the first time around.
Ventilation
Attic space is also an important factor for your roof’s longevity. The roof needs ventilation to keep heat and moisture from building up. With Florida’s hot and humid weather, it’s an essential element that must be handled to prevent mold and rot that can ultimately create another set of costly problems for your commercial property.
Maintenance
Having routine maintenance conducted on your commercial roof isn’t a ploy for roofing companies to make more money. It’s a way for you to have peace of mind that any minor problems get caught before they become huge and expensive repairs. Ignoring these problems allows them to get much worse. This will also ensure that whatever is wrong on top of your commercial property will create unsafe conditions inside.
How Do I Know If My Roof Is at the End of Its Lifespan?
Unless you had your commercial property constructed just for your business, you may not know how old your roof is. You may not even know what kind of roofing materials were used to make it or if the installation was done correctly. If you’re not the original owner of the property, there’s a good chance you have no idea if the previous owners ever had the roof maintained.
Contact a reputable commercial roofing company to schedule an inspection and make repairs. Doing so will help you have peace of mind, and your business property will flourish while staying protected from top to bottom.
Recent Comments