When we are talking about the life expectancy of the roofing, we are most likely discussing how long the residential roof will last. While that is an important factor for any homebuyer planning to invest in a property, commercial roofing matters as much as the residential roof. You need to be sure that the roof of your office and other corporate buildings can withstand the test of time.

Commercial Roofing Guide

Like residential roofs, it’s hard to predict the lifespan of commercial roofing. That’s because the roof is made of different materials, which reach differently to the changing weather and fluctuating weather. A commercial roof can last anywhere between 10 and 40 years, in general. However, the lifespan of your roofing depends largely on the materials they are made of and other factors.

Type of Roof

The contractors will ask your preference to decide on the best type of roofing material for your commercial building. Note that the type of roof has a direct impact on its lifespan. Low-sloped roofs, flat roofs, and pitched roofs are the most popular choices for commercial buildings. Each material affects longevity differently.

Flat roofs

Flat roofs are the most common ones. These are easy to install and economical. The biggest problem with commercial roofing is inadequate drainage, which is the primary cause of roof degradation in most commercial buildings. Problems in the drainage can also lead to standing water that will weaken structural materials, causing leaks in your interiors.

Low-sloped roofs

Low-sloped roofs are the opposite of flat roofs in that they promote water run-off, which in turn prevent leakage and roof degradation due to the water standing on the roof for a longer duration. It makes these roofs the most durable choice for both residential and commercial properties. These roofs require relatively fewer repairs and replacements. However, these roofs are not advisable for areas that receive heavy snowfall, as it adds excess weight to the roofing.

Even though pitched roofs are not as common as the ones mentioned above, they are used widely in conjunction with low-sloped and flat roofs. The biggest problem with these roofs is their steep slope makes the repair and maintenance super challenging.

Materials of Roofing

Asphalt roofs have the longest lifespan when it comes to roofing material. These are designed to last for 20-40 years and more. PVC is another good choice for commercial buildings, but its lifespan is comparatively lower than asphalt. Besides, this roofing material costs a high upfront cost. However, the best part is that PVC comes with fire-retardant properties that protect the outermost layer of the PVC membrane in the event of a fire breakout. As a result, the material requires fewer repairs and very little maintenance. So, you can expect the roof made of polyvinyl chloride to last longer, most likely 20 years.

TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is the latest roofing material, which is why it’s hard to predict their lifespan and durability. However, one thing that makes TPO a good choice for commercial spaces is its low cost.

Metal Roofing: An Ideal Choice for Commercial Roofing

If you are looking for the most reliable, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and high-quality roofing material, there isn’t a better choice than metal roofing. Metal roofs have the reputation of lasting a lifetime. In fact, the metal roof fitted over the existing roofing increases the lifespan of your roof by up to 20 years. However, we can’t certainly say that all types of metal roofs are designed to last a lifetime.

Some metal roofs last longer than others simply because they can tolerate the weather and temperature fluctuations seamlessly. Take steel, for example. Not only is it the most durable and versatile roofing material for your commercial buildings, but it has been the customers’ favorite choice for decades because of its weather-resistant properties. Most importantly, steel tends to be cheaper than other metals. These qualities make steel the best metal for your commercial and residential buildings.

Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt is also reputed to have a long lifespan, especially when you are installing steep-sloped roofing. The quality of the shingles is another factor that decides the longevity of the roof. You can’t expect asphalt to last as long as metal roofs. Besides, this material needs regular care and maintenance to keep looking as good as new.

How Long Does Your Commercial Roofing Last?

As mentioned earlier, the lifespan of your commercial roof depends on a multitude of factors. The most important one is the material it is made of. However, weather can also have a significant impact on your roof’s lifespan. If you live in a storm-prone area, your roof might be at a higher risk of damage than the same material installed in other parts of the city. Extreme temperatures and harsh weather can wear down the roof pretty quickly. You may need to invest your time and money in preventative roof maintenance to ensure that they keep looking good no matter how harsh the weather gets.

The most significant damage that can occur to your roofing is due to the freezing ice. When the water freezes or snow takes longer to melt, it adds up to 60 pounds of weight to every cubic foot of your roofing. It causes the moisture to refreeze and create small cracks, which further result in leakage. Not only the freezing climate, but the harsh UV rays falling on your commercial roof in summer can also wreak havoc on the roofing. In fact, extreme temperatures combined with high humidity can weaken the sealant, causing the roofing system to swell.

Autumn also deteriorates your roofing. In fact, autumn does more damage to your roof than other seasons, as it involves the collection of decomposing leaves that might promote the growth of fungi and mold. In addition to that, tree leaves are highly likely to fall into utters and block them, becoming another common cause of leakage. The falling branches could also puncture shingles.

Call Edmonton Roofing at tel:780-710-9990 if you are facing any seasonal damage or other issues with the roofing. They will inspect the roof and suggest the best option.