A commercial roof represents a significant investment. If you own a business or building and plan to invest in a new roof, you may wonder – what is a commercial roof life expectancy?
New roofs should last long enough to make your investment worthwhile; however, that’s not always the case. As a result, there’s no specific age when your commercial roof will need to be replaced. It all depends on how it’s maintained and treated.
If you want to extend your commercial roof life expectancy, ensuring it is well maintained and cared for is a must. Keep reading for some tips to help you maximize the life of your commercial roof.
Check the Ventilation in Your Commercial Roof
Proper roof ventilation helps reduce the heat that builds up as time passes. It also helps to maximize airflow, which protects your roof from changes in the weather.
If you want to keep problems at bay, make sure to inspect your commercial roof ventilation system regularly. If there are obstructions or other issues with the system, contact the professionals for repairs right away.
Schedule Regular Commercial Roof Inspections
Regular inspections can help you detect issues early and have them repaired before they impact your roof’s long-term health. It’s a good idea to inspect the roof yourself from time to time to see if there are any obvious signs of damage; however, professionals are needed several times per year to conduct a full evaluation.
Ensure All Roof Equipment is Functional
Do you have a lot of equipment on your commercial roof? If so, it’s important to inspect the equipment regularly.
For example, if the air conditioning system happens to develop a leak, it could weaken the structure of the commercial roof over time. Be sure to have a professional look at the equipment to make needed repairs and ensure no other issues need to be addressed.
Plan for Emergencies
All the inspections and maintenance can’t control what the weather does. Falling trees, storms, and other types of emergencies are a serious risk. Build an emergency plan that outlines what to do in the event that your commercial roof is damaged.
An emergency plan may include protocols to patch or cover holes, which company to call for repairs and other important items that preserve your roof as much as possible before a professional gets there. Having an emergency plan in place will help your team act fast, helping to prevent the need for more serious repairs to your roof or the need for complete replacement.
Choose the Right Material When Replacing the Roof
If you need to replace your building’s roof now, it’s important to choose the right material. This has a huge impact on its overall life expectancy.
Some of the most popular commercial roofing materials used today include:
TPO Roofing
This roofing material is considered the “new kid on the block.” It is installed as a single-ply membrane. The material is lightweight, durable, energy-efficient, and can last for 20 to 30 years.
EPDM Roofing
In the U.S. and worldwide, EPDM roofing has been used for several decades. It is made up of a synthetic rubber material that’s commonly used for flat roofs, like what is found on commercial buildings.
The lifespan of maintained EPDM roofs is between 20 and 35 years.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are considered the most durable option. They have also grown in popularity in the past 10 years. It can last for 30 to 50 years when installed properly and maintained.
Choosing the right material will greatly impact how long your commercial roof lasts. Just remember, every roof has unique costs, pros, and cons.
Maximizing Commercial Roof Life Expectancy Requires a Trusted Partner
If you want your commercial roof to last as long as possible, it’s a good idea to consider the factors above. This will help ensure you get the right type of roofing and that it is maintained and repaired as needed.
For building owners who need to have their commercial roof inspected or replaced, reach out to our professional team at Central Florida Store Services. Our team will help ensure your commercial roof lasts as long as possible and that you see a good return on your investment. Contact us today to learn more about our services for your commercial property.
Contact Central Florida Store Services
For nearly 20 years, Central Florida Store Services has been providing facility maintenance, HVAC, refrigeration and general contracting services for the Florida market. We take care of the legwork, so you do not have to.
