The lifespan of a commercial roof can vary widely and usually depends on the roofing material as well as the installation process. As a commercial building owner or manager you want to know ahead of time the right roofing material which will offer longevity for your building. Although various roofing materials come with projected lifespan, keep in mind environmental factors such as rain, wind, snow, heat, and hail can all impact how long your commercial roof will last. Additional roof-top equipment such as HVAC systems can also potentially add stress to your roof. Overall, here is the approximate lifespan of various commercial roofing materials:
TPO or Thermoplastic Olefin (20-30 Years)
TPO roofs have been known to last 20 to 30 years. These flat roofing systems are common in commercial buildings such as warehouses, shopping malls, and expansive office complexes. With proper maintenance and repairs done by a qualified and experienced roofing contractor, a TPO roof can last up to the upper limit of its lifespan.
PVC (15-30 Years)
PVC is arguably the most popular flat roof material, thanks to its impressive strength and durability. This commercial roofing system is made of thermoplastic material with heat welded seams making it extremely sturdy with a minimum breaking point of 300 lbs/inch. However, PVC roofs can be relatively expensive due to its strength and longevity.
Modified Bitumen (10-20 Years)
Modified Bitumen is a multi-ply roofing material which requires professional installation for enhanced performance. When properly installed by an experienced roofing contractor, your commercial building can highly benefit from its multi-layer structure. Like EPDM roofing, modified bitumen also absorbs heat quickly. Its estimated lifespan is 10-20 years.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) (20-30 Years)
The durable rubber which makes up this roof’s membrane is what gives it a higher lifespan of between 20 to 30 years. It’s a synthetic, industrial-grade material and is remarkably durable and resistant to wear under normal to more intense conditions.
Factors Which Can Affect the Lifespan of Commercial Roofs
A commercial roof’s lifetime is mainly dependent on weather and maintenance. To prolong the lifespan of your commercial roof, ensure it is regularly maintained and repaired by a trusted roofing contractor. Selecting the right roofing material suited to the weather conditions in your area will also help extend the years of performance of your roof.
The truth is, a commercial roof installed with any of the listed materials will last between 15 and 25 years when installed correctly. In other words, the longevity of your roof is largely dependent on the installation process and regular maintenance. Pinnacle Roofing specializes in the installation of all these commercial roofing systems in New York’s Capital Region and Southern Vermont. Contact us today with any questions about your commercial roofing needs.