Leander Commercial Roofing Systems: Lifespan,
Elements That Affect The Life, And When
Replacement Is Needed
Let Freetail Roofing Be The
Pro You Turn To
No one looks forward to commercial roof replacement in Leander. There aren’t many people who wake up one morning and approach their commercial roofing project with the same excitement kids have when Santa arrives with presents. However, roof replacement is not something you can avoid.
While you can’t avoid eventually having to replace your roof, you can make sure that you don’t replace it too early. Getting the full life out of your commercial roof means milking your investment for all that it is worth.
Eventually, commercial roof replacement will be needed, some materials sooner than others. Let’s take a look at not only the elements that can affect the life of your roof but also the life of different roofing materials and when it is time to replace your roof rather than repair it.
Elements That Affect The Lifespan Of Your
Commercial Roofing System
Several elements will affect the lifespan of your Williamson County/Austin area commercial roof system; sadly, some of these are out of our control.
1. Storm Damage
Despite the age of your roof, when storms roll through the area, they can cause major damage to your roof. Even if your roof is under a year old, if a storm causes damage, you will likely need a replacement.
2. Improper Ventilation
When you are dealing with improper ventilation, it can cause the roof to weaken over time. Ventilation is meant to help avoid moisture buildup in your roof, so when it is not working correctly, you will see the roof degrade faster due to moisture buildup that rots your roof.
3. Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is something we can’t avoid. However, some roofs handle the sun better than others. If you choose a roof that doesn’t handle UV rays as well, you could face replacing it sooner rather than later as UV rays slowly break down your roofing materials.
4. Improper Installation
A roof that’s installed improperly can spell disaster. For example, a roof that is not installed correctly may cause leaks after the first storm, resulting in needing to replace the roof sooner. This is why it’s essential to work with a professional roofer who knows what they are doing!
5. Drainage
What type of drainage system does your commercial roof have? Not having one that works with your type of roof may mean your roof suffers water damage and needs replacing sooner. Just like how gutters protect a roof from water damage, your commercial drainage system serves the same purpose.
How Long Will Different Commercial Roof Types Last?
Different materials make up commercial roofing, and they all have benefits, drawbacks, and varying lifespans. The lifespan of a commercial roof material is one quality that people consider when choosing which commercial roof system they want for their building.
Commercial Flat Roof
A flat commercial roof has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. However, you can get up to 40 years of life from a membrane-flat roofing system.
This lifespan is greatly affected by the weight you have on your flat roof. For buildings with HVAC units on the roof, the lifespan may be shortened due to the foot traffic and weight that comes with these units, as it can force more wear and tear on the roof.
Built-Up Roofing With Modified Bitumen
Modified bitumen roofing has a lifespan of around 25 years. It is a strong material that looks amazing on most commercial buildings, offering sound protection and a professional look.
With proper maintenance, modified bitumen can last 30 years or longer if used with a built-up roofing system.
Commercial Property With Foam Roofs
Foam roofs have a minimum lifespan of 30 years and a maximum lifespan of 50 years. While it’s a newer type of roof compared to metal or asphalt, lots of business owners love the energy efficiency it offers.
However, this is only when property owners adhere to routine maintenance and recoating, which should happen every five years.
If a foam roof were installed without maintenance or recoating, its lifespan would be drastically lower, meaning it could last less than ten years before replacement becomes necessary.
Metal Roof
Metal roofs have one of the longest lifespans of commercial roofing materials. With numerous colors available, they are a great way to get an amazing roof that adds to your building’s curb appeal.
Metal roofs can last 40 – 60 years with minimal maintenance required, and they hold up well against storms and age.
Commercial Building With Green Roofs
Green roofs are a relatively new type of roofing, but many building owners love the aesthetics they offer. Green roofs consist of green vegetation planted on a membrane roof layer. They are definitely unique and beautiful!
The lifespan of these roofs ranges from 30 to 50 years. However, several variables affect the lifespan, including what is planted, the drainage, and maintenance. Plant the wrong vegetation, and the roof may look bad within a few weeks.
Asphalt Shingle Commercial Roof System
Shingles are a common roofing material in the commercial industry and residential settings. When properly maintained, they often last 20 to 30 years.
The lifespan depends on the grade of shingles being used on the roof. Some manufacturers may offer a lifetime guarantee of 50 years.
The popularity of shingles means you will have many color choices and styles, allowing you to show some personality in your roof.
When Is It Time For Commercial Roof Replacement?
Now that you understand the typical lifespan of your commercial roof, when should you consider commercial roof replacement?
Ultimately, whenever your roof is no longer doing its job, it is time for replacement. Signs that the roof is no longer functioning as it should are leaks inside the building, higher energy bills, or it has physical signs of damage.
Many building owners may also plan for a commercial roof replacement when their roof hits the middle of its lifespan for fiscal reasons.
The best way to determine when your commercial roof needs to be replaced is to have it inspected annually. During the inspection, minor repairs can be made, and your roofer can estimate when you may need a complete replacement based on the condition they see.
We suggest you also consider an inspection after a major storm has hit the area to be on the safe side.
Can You Avoid Commercial Roof Replacement With
Proper Maintenance And Repairs?
While you should always maintain your roof properly and repair it when needed, there will come a time when replacement is the only option. You can only repair a commercial roof so many times before you start having issues with the roof handling the repairs.
Constant repairs on a roof can add extra weight, which negatively affects the roof and leads to other issues. That is why you always want a trained professional to handle your commercial roof.
Free Estimates For Leander Commercial Roof Replacement
Freetail Roofing is the seasoned roofer to turn to when you need a commercial roof replacement in Leander. We are honest in our assessments. Thus, if we feel a repair will suffice, we will do so. However, if we know that a repair only puts a small band-aid on the situation, we will suggest a replacement.
If you are having issues and feel your Leander roof needs replacement, call us today at (737) 234-5703 for your free estimate!