The life expectancy for commercial roofs in the greater Omaha metro 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 get tips on extending commercial roof life expectancy, read on.
Extending Commercial Roof Life Expectancy
Common Commercial Roofing Systems
These types of commercial roofs have lifespans ranging from 10 to 40 years and they include the following:
- TPO roofing system life expectancy – 22-30 years
- EPDM roofing system life expectancy – 22-35 years
- Metal roofing system life expectancy – 30-45 years
- Asphalt roofing system life expectancy – 20-40 years
- Single Ply Membrane roofing system life expectancy – 25-40 years
FACTORS THAT CAN SHORTEN THE LIFESPAN OF A COMMERCIAL ROOF
Extreme Weather
Extreme weather conditions like strong winds, hail, and heavy rain or snowfall affect the lifespan of commercial roofs in Omaha. Strong winds during storms are known to cause tiles to loosen, leaving your home vulnerable to leaks and other kinds of damage. Heavy rainfall, however, poses greater threats to your roof if it has existing vulnerabilities like cracked shingles, missing tiles, or improper installation.
Such problems cause the water to leak into your roofing structure gradually over time. Other weather conditions like snow also cause damage to the roof by forming large pools of ice dams on the roof edges and the gutters. The melting snow cannot run off the roof which causes serious leaks.
Installation
Any flaws in the installation process can shorten the life expectancy for commercial roofs. When you need a new roof installed or repair work done, choose an experienced, well-qualified roofer to do the job.
Ventilation
All types of roofs need adequate ventilation of the attic space below. Ventilation helps prevent the build-up of heat and moisture. Hot summer temperatures in the attic as well as up top will bake the roofing materials. Built-up moisture can lead to rot and mold.
Maintenance
Routine inspections and maintenance prevent small problems from becoming major ones. It’s easy to neglect a roof when it doesn’t have any problems, but that neglect can end up causing major roof issues in the future.
WAYS TO Extend the LIFESPAN OF YOUR COMMERCIAL ROOF
Perform regular inspections
As mentioned, a lack of care is one of the common causes of early roof failure. At the very least, your roof should be looked at by a professional roofing contractor every year. With a preventative maintenance plan, experts will be able to spot problem areas and make the necessary repairs. This could also involve the removal of debris and the cleaning of drains and gutters.
Make immediate repairs
Roof issues can escalate quickly. Just because something is minor today doesn’t mean it will stay that way very long. Once something is discovered, it has to be taken care of as soon as possible. Because a commercial roof is comprised of so many parts that have to work together, everything is related. This is why waiting too long to fix something can put the entire system in jeopardy.
Only Use An Expert Commercial Roofing Company For Installation
When it is time for a new commercial roof for your building, the best thing you can do to ensure it lasts for as long as possible is to only use qualified roofing contractors. McKinnis Inc. will make sure you get the best type of system and that it is installed correctly. We will also provide you with other services, including preventative maintenance and repairs.
TALK TO A COMMERCIAL ROOF EXPERT TODAY
If you’re a commercial building owner, you need the expertise of people who have been serving Omaha, Lincoln, and Blair, Nebraska for more than 39 years. Give McKinnis a call today at 402-426-2644 or fill out our online contact form!