NATIONS ROOF® BLOG​
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How Long Does a Commercial Roof Last?

commercial roof lifespan

The commercial roofing industry has come a long way in the last several decades. However, even though roofing materials and coating products have caused the commercial roof lifespan to be longer than ever before, roofs on industrial buildings don’t last forever.

Let’s discuss how long a typical commercial roof lasts so that business owners and building managers can be better equipped to make decisions about their facilities.  Extended warranties are available from the manufacturers for all types of roofing systems. 

The actual service life of your roof will depend on these key factors:

  1. Proper design
  2. High Quality Materials
  3. Professional Craftsmanship
  4. Regularly Scheduled Preventive Maintenance

Commercial Roof’s Lifespan: Types of Roofing Materials

The lifespan of a commercial roof can vary widely. One of the variants to consider is the type of roofing material used.

TPO

TPO is a single ply roofing system that uses heated reinforced plastic polymers. This popular low slope roof material is common in warehouses, shopping malls, and expansive office complexes. The lifetime of a TPO roof may range from 20 to 30 years. 

PVC

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is another popular single ply roofing system known for its strength and durability on commercial roofs. While PVC roofs can be relatively expensive, they may last 15 to 30 years.

Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen roofing systems are typically referred to as an asphalt roofing system. It is a multi-ply roofing material that lasts between 10 and 20 years.

EPDM

Are you looking for the right roofing material for your low sloped roof? Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer EPDM is a synthetic rubber derived from oil and natural gas. It is a popular choice for its cost and ability to withstand UV rays. The durability of this type of low slope roof system gives it a lifespan of between 20 to 30 years.

Metal

A metal roof can last for decades. In fact, a metal roofing system with adequate slope may last up to 45 years on commercial buildings.

Commercial Roof Lifespan: Weather Conditions

Even the best commercial roof materials may not last as long under more intense conditions. So even though we have given you approximate lifespans for each type of roofing system, the true lifespan depends on environmental factors along with keeping it properly maintained.

For example, if your commercial building is in a location that receives extreme weather, your system might not last as long. Also, additional roof-top equipment and vents can add stress, preventing a longer service life. This is true even with a system that is known for being remarkably durable.

Quality Installation and Maintenance Prolongs the Life of a Commercial Roof

How long will your new roof last? That also depends on whether it was properly installed and properly maintained. Since the overall lifespan depends on whether it was installed correctly, contact Nations Roof for all of your commercial roofing services.

Our local crews have a wide range of experience with various roofing materials. Even if we didn’t install your roof, we can increase a commercial roof’s lifetime by providing regular maintenance.

Nations Roof: Your Local Commercial Roofs Experts

With Nations Roof, you are guaranteed a superior installation process that will prolong the life of your roof. We will also help you with a consistent maintenance schedule –since proper maintenance makes a huge difference. If you are a commercial building owner or facility manager, use one of our many contact options to reach out to Nations Roof.

Contact us today

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