What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Commercial Roof?

A commercial roof’s lifespan can vary and usually depends on the type of materials used and the installation process. Most business owners, building managers and maintenance engineers want to know ahead of time what kind of roofing materials are going to be the most stable and lasting for their particular building design and roof line, and they obviously want one that doesn’t require immediate or short term replacement. In order to get a better idea of what is available and to determine lasting ability, here is a brief overview of what is available.

Common Roofing Systems

There are common commercial roofing systems that have lifespans anywhere from 10 to 40 years and they include the following:

• TPO roof system life expectancy — 22–30 years
• EPDM roof system life expectancy — 22–35 years
• Metal roof system life expectancy — 30–45 years
• Asphalt roof system life expectancy — 20–40 years

TPO or Thermoplastic Oflefin

These types of roofs have been known to last at least 10 to 20 years, though they can sustain themselves anywhere between 20 and 30 years. TPO is mostly used with flat roofs that are commonly seen on mall or shopping center roofs, warehouses and expansive office complexes. With regular maintenance and repairs performed by a qualified and experienced technician, a TPO roof is capable of lasting on the uppermost end of its lifespan. With even more updated, heavier and more technologically savvy TPO products, that thirty year’s worth of serviceability can be well extended.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

The rubber that comprises this roof’s membrane is what puts it at a higher lifespan of anywhere from 20 to 30 years. It is a synthetic of industrial grade that is remarkably durable and shows limited signs of deterioration under normal to more intense conditions. An EPDM roof is usually installed on large buildings that have flat roofs.

Metal

Metal roofs are definitely long lasting, which boils down to a lifetime’s worth of use. They are particularly adaptable to roofs with steep-slopes, and with a consistent routine of maintenance and needed repairs along with any component replacements, a metal roof can last indefinitely. The true lifespan of a metal roof does depend on the type of metal used, the finish on the metal and the roof’s slope.

Asphalt

When a low-slope asphalt roof is installed by experienced professionals, it can typically last between 15 and 20 years, and it can last 20 to 40 years when a steep-sloped shingle roof is installed. The overall lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is impacted by whether it is a low-slope system as well as whether quality shingles are used and whether there is a consistent maintenance schedule.

Key Components

A commercial roof’s lifetime is dependent on a number of factors. Maintenance and repairs are key components, but materials, a roof’s system of design and how well a commercial roof is installed all play a big part in a roof’s longevity. Selecting top-of-the line materials and a structurally sound design can further lengthen the years of a roof’s performance. Knowing the composition of various roofing materials can also be of added help in making any final decisions with a commercial roof selection.

If you are unsure of the composition of your current commercial roof or just need answers concerning different commercial roofing materials and their installation, complete the online contact form and a commercial representative will return your inquiry as quickly as possible.