Commercial roofs are designed to be durable and resilient, but many factors can influence how long they last. Your business depends on your building’s roof to keep individuals and equipment safe while ensuring operations run smoothly, so you need a roof you can rely on for long-lasting, reliable performance. Learn about the factors that affect your roof’s longevity, from roofing material type to the local climate.

Commercial Roof Life Span and Factors Influencing It

The top three factors that affect your roof’s life span include:

1. Types of roofing materials used: The type and quality of your roofing material determines how long your roof will last in your local climate. Material durability affects the integrity of the entire roofing system and the building itself.
2. Maintenance practices: Regular maintenance gives your roof the care it needs to reach its potential. You can maximize your roof’s life span by inspecting it often, removing debris, cleaning gutters, performing minor repairs and addressing potential issues before they lead to premature roof replacement.
3. Installation quality: Proper installation is key to preparing your roof for a long and successful performance life. A reputable roofing company will know how to work with various roofing materials, ensuring they are installed properly and have adequate ventilation.

Why Roofing Material Matters

The type of roofing material you choose for your commercial roof can significantly affect its life span.

The Different Types of Roofing Materials

Commercial roofs can be made out of materials such as:

• Asphalt shingles: If your commercial building has a steep roof, you may have asphalt shingles. They are topped with granules to improve their fire and UV ray resistance, and with proper maintenance, they can last 15 to 30 years.
• Metal roofing: A metal roofing system can last 40 to 70 years, depending on the type of metal. It is a durable and aesthetically pleasing option for low-slope and steep roofs.
• Single-ply membranes: For low-slope roofs, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) are common for their flexible and robust design. Single-ply membranes vary in longevity but generally last about 30 years.

Pros and Cons of Common Roofing Materials

Many commercial roofing materials can have long life spans if installed properly and maintained well throughout their performance life. Metal and some single-ply membranes can have particularly long life spans with regular inspections and maintenance. Without quality installations and maintenance, all types of roofing material will deteriorate quicker than expected.

The quality of the material is also significant when considering the roof’s longevity. Some materials, such as metal or single-ply membranes, may be more expensive than other options, but their high-quality features, such as their durability and weather resistance, can make them a more cost-effective investment.

The Role of Climate in Roof Durability

Wear and tear from the weather is expected for roofs, but extreme weather events can damage your roof and shorten its life span. Roofing material is another important consideration since each kind reacts differently to rain, snow, wind and other types of weather.

Weather Impact on the Roof

Your roof can suffer damage and have a shorter life span due to weather events such as:

• Extreme temperatures: Extreme heat events, intense cold snaps or a fluctuation between hot and cold temperatures can cause roof damage, such as warping, cracking and deterioration. Heat can cause materials to bend, stretch and expand, while cold temperatures can make materials contract and freeze. Stress from temperature changes can weaken your roof’s structural integrity.
• Storms: Snow, heavy rain, strong winds and sleet can damage your roof and cause water leaks. Low-slope roofs can be particularly susceptible to environmental damage, such as water buildup. Storms can also blow debris onto your roof, leading to tears, dents, holes and other types of impact damage.
• Harsh sunlight: UV radiation can break down roofing materials, leading to cracking. Damaged materials can let water in and shorten the roof’s life span. Darker-colored roofing materials also absorb more heat, leading to more damage and hotter interiors.
• Humidity levels: Your roof is susceptible to damage whether you live in a humid or dry environment. Roofs in low-humidity locations can experience thermal shock, dry rot and increased water damage vulnerability. High humidity levels can increase mold growth, condensation and wet rot.

Regional Climate Considerations

The best way to combat deterioration from the weather is to prepare for it. Monitor your roof frequently, especially after extreme weather such as hurricanes, snow storms or exceptionally hot and sunny days. Learning about the materials that perform well in your local climate can help you get the most out of your roof.

Adapt your roofing choices to your area’s weather patterns:

• Hot and dry: Metal and single-ply membrane roofs are resistant to UV damage and can withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for sunny climates.
• Cold and snowy: Asphalt and metal roofing materials can handle freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads.
• High humidity: Metal roofs are mold-resistant and can withstand extreme weather in humid environments.

Moisture Damage and Its Consequences

Water damage can have long-term effects on your roof’s structure, leading to premature replacement. Excess water within your roof can also cause mold and reduce your building’s structural integrity.

How to Identify Water Leaks and Damage

Your commercial building may have a water leak if you notice signs such as:

• Discoloration on the walls, ceilings or floors
• Warped or bubbling ceiling or wall surfaces
• Rust or rotting
• Mold growth or musty odors
• Dripping water
• Roof damage, such as ripped membranes, cracked flashing, dented metal or missing shingles

How to Prevent Moisture Damage

Proper installation is vital to preventing moisture buildup and damage. A roofing professional can ensure your roof’s integrity and longevity by installing adequate:

• Drainage: Ensuring water drains away from your roof prevents excess moisture from pooling and leaking into your building. Drainage is essential for low-slope roofs.
• Ventilation: Sufficient airflow minimizes moisture buildup. It prevents hot and cold air from becoming trapped and causing condensation that could damage your roof.
• Insulation: Regulate indoor temperatures and reduce condensation buildup with proper insulation. Vapor barriers, or vapor retarders, are also helpful for controlling moisture.

Prolong Your Commercial Roof’s Life Span With DDP Roofing Services, Inc.

DDP Roofing Services, Inc. has been providing quality roofing solutions since 1989, so you can trust our professionals to deliver the services and guidance you require to make the most out of your roof investment. We specialize in commercial and industrial roofing, offering a comprehensive range of services to satisfy your business’s unique needs and expectations.

Contact us today to schedule an expert consultation for your commercial roofing needs.