If you manage or own a commercial building, you know that you have a great deal relying on the integrity of your roof. Whether your company occupies the entire building or has dozens of tenants, a failed roof could damage stock, equipment, materials, and furnishings. However, you must also work within a budget, so you need to have some idea of when you will likely need a roof replacement. The life of your commercial roof will depend on several factors, including the quality of the initial installation, the roof structure you have, the roofing material selected, the maintenance the roof receives throughout its life, and the weather.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Commercial Roof?
How Does Installation Quality Affect the Life of a Commercial Roof?
Installing a commercial roof requires different skills and equipment from those needed for most residential roofs. If the installation is flawed, the roof can have a reduced life. For example, if membranes are not sealed properly, the wind could lift them at the edges or tear them at the seams. Always choose a licensed roofing contractor with experience installing the type of roofing material you want.
How Does the Roof Structure Affect the Life of Commercial Roofing?
Two things must be considered. The first is the slope of the roof. Most commercial buildings feature either flat or low-slope roofs but pitched commercial roofs are becoming increasingly common. As a rule, the less slope a roof has, the higher the likelihood that water will pool on its surface. The pools of water will remain until eliminated by evaporation. The longer that the puddles of water remain, the more likely it becomes that the water will find a way beneath the roof covering, leading to leaks, rot, or mold. The second element that must be considered is the ventilation. If the attic space below is poorly ventilated, heat can build up underneath the roof. During the summer months, the roof is sandwiched between two heat layers that can bake or fry the materials.
How Does the Choice of Materials Affect the Life of a Commercial Roof?
There are several types of commercial roofing Austin Texas property owners could select. Each type has a different life expectancy, as well as specific advantages and disadvantages. A reputable commercial roofing company can help you choose the best material for your building and your goals.
1. Thermoplastic polyolefin, commonly called TPO, is a popular choice for flat roofs on shopping centers and warehouses. TPO roofs have a life expectancy of 22 to 30 years.
2. Ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM, is often chosen for large buildings with flat roofs. EPDM roofs have life expectancies of 20 to 35 years.
3. Polyvinyl chloride roofs typically last between 20 and 30 years.
4. An asphalt roof installed on a building with a low-slope roof will typically last between 10 and 20 years. A steep-sloped roof can usually handle asphalt shingles, which have a life expectancy ranging from 20 years to 40 years.
5. Metal roofs can last for 45 years or more. The slope of the roof, the type of metal, and the metal’s finish are the primary factors determining the roof’s life expectancy.
How Does Maintenance Affect the Life Expectancy of a Commercial Roof?
Routine maintenance can help you find and repair little problems before they turn into a major roof repair. For example, it is much more cost-effective to mend the seal between two membranes than to remove them, repair the underlying structure, and install new membranes. Contact a trustworthy and experienced Austin Texas roofer about implementing a preventive maintenance plan that includes periodic inspections.
How Does the Weather Affect the Life Expectancy of a Commercial Roof?
Typical weather can take quite a toll on commercial roofs in Central Texas. However, the frequent thunderstorms, high winds, and hailstorms can make your roof’s life even miserable. In addition to having a licensed roofing contractor conduct an inspection once or twice each year, you should also ask for a thorough investigation after every incident of severe weather.
Does Alpha Provide Commercial Roofing Services?
Alpha Roofing is a residential and commercial roofing company with its offices in Round Rock, Texas. Our services include commercial roof replacement, metal fabrication, flat roof replacements, flashing repair and installation, standing seam metal roofing, asphalt shingle repair and installation, moss and debris removal, and metal roof installation. We are a leading Austin Texas roofer with an unmatched reputation for craftsmanship, customer service, dependability, integrity, and professionalism. We offer free quotes, so submit the online request form or call 512-777-1086 today.