Are you planning on getting a new commercial roof installed? Ideally, you want the material to be of highest quality. You want the company doing the work to have the experience and “know-how” to install it correctly, and maintain it in the future. What are some other things to consider?
When thinking about how long a commercial roof will last, you have to consider where your building is located and how much attention you plan to give the roof over the years. Will your roof be exposed to harsh weather such as heavy rainfall or snow? Will heavy equipment be placed on the roof, increasing its stress load? Will you budget for regular maintenance or kind of forget about the roof once it’s installed?
The structural integrity of a roof is very much affected by inclement weather. The harsher the weather, the more “beating” a roof takes. Roofs don’t last forever! You may end up seeing signs of deterioration over time. Preventative maintenance can help make a roof last longer. Ignoring issues, though, will mean you’ll need a replacement sooner than later.
What type of roof do you have? Is it flat, low-sloped or high-pitched? Each type of roof has its own pros and cons which have a great impact on the longevity of the material. Generally, flat roofs are easy to install and maintain. Moreover, they do not pose any issues of heavy sloping. But if the drainage system is not strong, then standing water can damage the structural integrity of the roof. Low-sloped roofs typically need frequent repairs and early roof replacement. What about high-pitched roofs? Such roofs are quite heavy and can add substantial weight to the building. Different types have different longevity.
Service Life Expectancy Of Roofs Based On The Material Used In It:
- Thermoplastic polyolefin: It is also known as TPO. Roofs made from this material can last between 22 and 30 years.
- Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer: This material is popularly known as EPDM. EPDM roofs have a service life expectancy between 22 and 35 years.
- Polyvinyl chloride: PVC material that goes into the roof layering can make the roof last for about 20 to 30 years.
- Metal roofs: One of the strongest roofing materials, metal can last between 30 and 45 years.
- Asphalt roofs: The service life expectancy of this type of roof is between 20 and 40 years.
Summary:
Weather and materials determine how long a commercial roof lasts. If you’re thinking of getting a new roofing system installed, consider the different alternatives. Some last longer than others. Of course, the more attention and care you pay to a roof, the longer it should last.