Your business is growing, and you have recently acquired an existing building. Congratulations on achieving a brand-new roof for your commercial property! You now face the same dilemma as every facility manager: What is the typical life expectancy for a commercial roof?
What is the typical life expectancy for a commercial roof?
The life expectancy of a roof depends on its type.
TPO
The life expectancy of a thermoplastic olefin (TPO) roof is typically between 22 and 30 years. For roof protection, the two layers of thermoplastic are joined to a polyester scrim to reinforce.
You can combine TPO with a topcoat reflecting heat and sunlight, prolonging its life span. In addition, reflectance reduces ultraviolet light degradation, which is a major cause of roof decay.
Electric welding can connect TPO sheets to form one continuous, waterproof seam. It is immediately tested manually to ensure that it fully welds the seam.
TPO roofing can last up to three decades if a qualified commercial roofer installs it.
The roof will last longer if the same commercial roofer does annual or semi-annual inspections and minor repairs. This action will give you more years to plan for the next roof.
Bituminous Membrane
This type of roofing relies on asphalt as its primary waterproofing material. However, warranties can vary from 10 to 20 years, depending on the product, layer, application, and system used. There are many options for bituminous roofing.
- Torch Down: This method is the most popular for installing Bituminous Membrane roofing. The roofing sheets are then rolled onto the roof and adhered to with a propane torch.
- Hot mop: A layer of molten asphalt (hence its name) is applied to the roof with a mop-like device. The Bitumen roof is then placed on top.
- Cold Application: Utilizes cold adhesives as a safer option.
- Self-Adhered: A self-adhering membrane makes up the roofing. This aspect makes it easier for roofers to install the roof.
EPDM
EPDM rubber roofing can last between 15 and 20 years. This expectancy is slightly longer than TPO roofing and can last up to 50 years if properly installed and maintained.
EPDM’s strength is due to its synthetic rubber composition. The rubber is made up of a saturated polymer, which increases its durability and resists heat, UV, ozone, tearing, and other damage. In addition, a thicker rubber membrane will protect the roof against wear, especially in more exposed areas, thus, making it last longer.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride roofing is durable if it is properly maintained. It can last from 20 to 30 years.
PVC roofs are made from two layers of thermoplastic material and are preferred by many commercial properties because they last longer. The seams are permanently welded together to strengthen the material.
It can withstand water, chemicals, and fire but is not resistant to impact and heavy loads. In addition, PVC roofing is susceptible to cracking and puncturing, so you should avoid walking on it.
Metal Roof
A metal roof on a commercial building will last much longer than TPO roofing. This expectancy depends on the metal used.
Galvanized Steel
A zinc-coated roof made of galvanized steel protects the material against minor scratches and scuffs, giving it a lifespan of up 50 years. However, keep in mind that it will reduce the material’s lifespan if left unpainted. Salt spray will also reduce its life expectancy.
Aluminum-coated steel
This steel roofing uses aluminum instead of zinc. This metal acts as a reflective surface, which helps to prevent heat transfer to attics. It also acts as a physical barrier against rust. An aluminum roof made of steel can last between 20 and 40 years.
Galvalume
The underlying steel of galvalume is coated with zinc-aluminum alloy, which provides long-lasting protection from the elements. It is susceptible to corrosion in coastal regions, but it reflects sunlight indoors, which reduces heat gain. As a result, this roofing material has a life expectancy of between 30 and 40 years.
Aluminum
Aluminum can last up to four decades if it is properly maintained. This material is similar to galvalume. Although it is more costly than galvalume, it is lighter, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for coastal environments.
Copper
Copper is a durable roofing material. It is extremely corrosion resistant and can last up to 60 years. It is, however, a costly roofing material.
Zinc
Like copper, it can live up to six decades if properly maintained. But, it comes at a high price.
Asphalt Shingle
What is the expected longevity of an asphalt shingle roof for commercial use? The warranty offered by a shingle manufacturer for commercial roofs is between 30 and 40 years.
Low slope asphalt roofs are more likely to have water pooling and seepage through the underlayment. This aspect can lead to roof leaks. Roof lifespan can also be affected by other factors such as the quality and frequency of maintenance. All shingles are good, but fiberglass is the longest-lasting.
Roof Maxx can be applied to asphalt shingle roofs as part of regular maintenance to extend their life expectancy. One coat can increase the lifespan of your roof by five years, delaying the need to replace it altogether.
Coatings
It would be best if you did not use coatings to substitute a well-insulated, structurally sound roof material. However, coatings can add years to the life of a roof needing repair, improve reflectivity and increase water resistance. Although they do not replace good maintenance, they can give a facilities manager an extra year to plan and budget for roof succession.
The downside to silicone coatings is that once you have used silicone, there is no turning back. Therefore, it is impossible to repair or coat the silicone with another layer.
What is the typical warranty for a commercial roof?
Commercial roof warranties are tied to roof life expectancy. Therefore, they can vary from one manufacturer to the next. However, these are the warranty options for most commercial roofing types.
- TPO warranties can range from 15 to 30 years, depending on the thickness and other technical factors.
- Asphalt shingle manufacturers offer a 30-40 year warranty for commercial roofs.
- Depending on the type of bituminous roofing, its system, layers, and application, warranties can range from 10-20 years.
How often do roofs need to be replaced?
The material used and the roof’s life expectancy will determine how often you’ll need to replace a property’s roof. For example, if you construct your roof with asphalt shingles, it may be necessary to replace it twice every 50 years.
The frequency of replacements may be different for other reasons. For example, your roof’s replacement frequency will depend on the quality of the installation, how often it is maintained, and weather conditions.
How do I know if I need to replace my roof?
Roof life expectancy should only be a guideline. It should not be the primary basis for deciding when you need to replace your roof.
Roof damage is the first sign that you need to replace your roof. It would be best to address many types of roof damage immediately to avoid more significant problems down the line.
Water stains, pest infestations on the ceiling and walls of your home, and fungal growth are all signs of water intrusion. A leaky roof can often cause these.
What happens if I don’t replace my roof?
It is tempting to delay roof replacement to save money. However, this could lead to more extensive property damage.
If the roof is not durable enough, it can fall and cause more expensive and extensive repairs. A leaking roof can also cause moisture damage to your property.
Which type of roofing is best?
Keep in mind that every roof has its unique characteristics, so it is essential to consult with an expert roofing professional about your specific needs.
Make your choice
You may not have many options because of your existing roof. For example, a single-ply membrane may be in poor condition, while a re-roof may not be within your company’s budget. What should you do?
- Partner with a local commercial roofing company, such as Roofing Repair Ashland MA, to maximize the lifespan of your roof.
You and your roofer should only decide on the suitable roofing material to replace or augment your current roof.