How Long Does A Commercial Roof Last

How Long Does A Commercial Roof Last

The condition of commercial buildings, in part, depends on the type of commercial roof installed. In turn, the type of commercial roof installed plays a role in the roofing system’s duration. While a commercial roof can last between 10 and 40 years, three main factors affect its durableness.

1.    Weather

The solidity of a commercial roof is greatly affected by inclement weather. Over time, challenging weather conditions wear out on a roof, causing the roof system to deteriorate. However, preventive maintenance of the roof and prompt repairs can extend a commercial roof’s service life. The freezing ice of the winter can quickly wear down a commercial roof. Up to 50 pounds are added to each cubic foot of the roof when the water freezes. When water is thawed, moisture is filtered into holes and refreezes; expansion leads to small cracks that open and causes leakage.

When summer blister temperatures fall, they can also cause chaos on a commercial roof. Intense seasonal heat can damage roof sealing materials. Roof systems suffer swelling and subsequent weakening when weather conditions combine high humidity and high temperatures. Even autumn weather does its share of damage to a commercial roof. The decomposition of the leaves that settle on the roof may trigger mold and other fungi growth. The leaves of the trees can fall into the gutters, blocking them and causing possible leaks. Branches falling in the season can puncture the roof singles.

2.    Type of Roof

Apart from the weather conditions, a second factor that affects the duration of operation of a commercial roof: the type of roof. The building managers can choose between low-slope roofs, flat roofs, and pitched roofs. Each one comes with pros and cons that affect longevity.

Although flat roofs are faster and cheaper to install (because the roofing material is less square), inadequate drainage is the primary cause of roofs’ rapid degradations. Standing water on the roof can weaken the structural materials and cause leaks inside the building.

Unlike flat roofs, low-slope roofs promote runoff of water. Without the possibility that standing water will damage the roof, low-slope rooftops require less repair and replacement. However, when heavy snow does not melt quickly, substantial weight is added to the low-slope roof. Although commercial pitched roofs are unusual, they are still used in conjunction with low-sloped and flat rooftops. The pitched roofs help with a greater runoff of water. However, due to its steep slope, maintenance and repairs are difficult and expensive to perform, affecting the roof’s lifespan.

3.    Roofing Materials

The choice of roofing materials is also an integral part of the life expectancy of a commercial roof. Common roof materials include a TPO roof system, a PVC roofing system, an EPDM roof system, an asphalt roofing system, and a metal roof system.

The life expectancy of TPO roof systems is 22-30 years. PVC roofs last for 20 years or longer. EPDM roof system lasts from 22-35 years. Metal roofs offer from 30 to 45 years of reliability. The asphalt roofing systems can last between 20 and 40 years.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roofing materials come at a high initial cost. However, energy-efficient PVC materials have fire-retardant properties. In the case of a fire, the PVC membranes self-extinguish; thus, the roof requires fewer repairs, which helps to increase its overall duration.

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is one of the new commercial roof membrane styles. Because of this fact, TPO roof materials have not yet shown how well they endure the test of time. But TPO roofs are a cheaper alternative to PVC roof materials.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rooftops have a rubber membrane that increases their lifespan. Extremely durable, the EPDM roofs are known to undergo limited deterioration, even in difficult conditions. After 60 years in the market, EPDM roofs have proved their reliability.

Metal roofs are cheap to install and have a reputation for lasting a lifetime. A retrofitted metal roof on an existing roof can increase its service life by up to 20 years. With metal roofs, the type of metal used, the slope of the roof, and the metal finish greatly affect its true lifespan.

Asphalt shingle roofs are renowned for their long service life, especially with steep slope shingle roof installations. The quality of the shingles used and the installation of a low-slope system also affect its longevity. Constant maintenance is an important factor in the longevity of asphalt rooftops.

Choosing the right material for the roof is essential to increase the roof’s durability. Where fires are rampant, fire-resistant PVC roofing styles are worthy. A retrofit metal roof can prolong the life of an already damaged roof. The reflective nature of the TPO roofs discourages heat, making them ideal for geographical areas in blisters.

Work with a Commercial Roofing Contractor

Roof repairs and regular maintenance allow a commercial roof to withstand whatever weather, style, or roof materials used. The quality of the installation is also a key factor in increasing the lifetime of the roof. When you are looking for excellence in roof installation, turn to your commercial roofing company, Anthracite Roofing Systems LLC.

Repeated clashes with nature’s most challenging elements can take their toll on any roof. Anthracite Roofing Systems LLC teams will repair any damaged roof and bring it back to a sound condition. In addition to repairing commercial roofs, our highly-trained technicians offer installation, replacement, maintenance, and construction services.

Anthracite Roofing Systems LLC’s teams are experienced in the successful service of a wide range of commercial facilities, including office buildings, restaurants, warehouses, hospitals, and schools. Our expertise has gained the trust of countless property managers and business owners in the surrounding areas.

We are fully licensed and bonded to offer utmost peace of mind to our business clients. Your commercial roofing company, Anthracite Roofing Systems LLC, is also known for our use of the industry’s best materials in each project, including Mule Hide®, to ensure that your property not only looks great but also works excellently.

Small and large businesses in the Lehigh Valley, PA, and surrounding areas turn to a trusted and reliable roofing contractor. When you need a commercial roofing contractor, don’t look any further than Anthracite Roofing Systems LLC for the most reliable roof repair, installation, maintenance, and construction services.