Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your building. It not only protects you and your employees from the elements, but it also helps you save money on energy bills. However, it can only continue to do this as long as it stays in good condition. All roofs have a defined lifespan and extending that lifespan as far as possible means you can wait longer before writing a big check to replace it. 

Commercial Roof Lifespan

A commercial roof is an investment you want to last for many years. The key to maximizing the life expectancy of your roof is to monitor its health and perform preventive measures. This is why scheduling regular maintenance is crucial to roof longevity. The professional contractors at State Roofing Systems do everything we can to make your roof last as long as possible.

To protect your investment, our team can identify defects and address those defects before they become bigger problems down the road. We also perform maintenance duties to maintain its health. Finally, we thoroughly clean your roof to minimize any chance of your drainage system getting clogged.  

How Long Should a Roof Last?

The life expectancy of your roof ultimately depends on the roof type and the materials used to build it. There are also other factors such as wear and tear and weather that can have an influence on longevity as well. However, every roof has an anticipated service life. Here are the average lifespans for some of the most common commercial roofs.

• EPDM Rubber: This type of roof lasts 12-15 years. The rubber itself will likely last 20 years, but the seams between each membrane are what cut its life expectancy.
• Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO): TPO roofs normally keep their usefulness for up to 15 years. These roofs often fail because a surface membrane breaks and ruins the roof’s water resistance.
• Metal Roof: You can expect a metal roof to last about 20-30 years. The weakness of this type of roof is fasteners can rust and the flashings can be damaged.
• Modified Bitumen: Modified bitumen life expectancy varies greatly, between 12 and 30 years.

When to Replace a Roof

We can help you extend the life of your roof, but at a certain point, it will reach the end of its usefulness. When this time comes, the roof will need to be replaced. Some warning signs that your roof needs to be replaced include:

• Leaks and Mold: Leaks can be hard to find and you may not even notice there’s a problem right away. If you discover mold or smell a bad odor originating from the ceiling, then replacement may be necessary.
• Membrane Damage: Bald spots and lifting are telltale signs your roof is no longer properly sealed.
• Repair Costs: If the cost of repairing your roof is close to or exceeds the cost of replacement, it’s time to replace.
• Age: Once the roof reaches its expected end of life, it’s time to consider a replacement.