How Long Should Your Commercial Roof Last?
Understanding the durability and longevity of commercial roofing systems is essential for building owners, building operators, and property managers. Finding a roofing system that is a reliable, long-term solution for your business saves you time and money in the long run.
But how long can a standard commercial roof be expected to last? While the average lifespan is approximately 20 years, it depends on several factors, including the type of roofing system used, the quality of the installation, the climate where your building is located, and the frequency and quality of maintenance the roof receives.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and Association for Facilities Engineers (AFE), routine maintenance can increase the life of a commercial roof by 30% to 100%. If you want to extend the life cycle of your roof by six to twenty years, you must schedule routine roof maintenance with trained professionals.
The Life Cycle of a Standard Commercial Roofing System
A standard commercial roof goes through five phases in its life cycle. Let’s explore these five phases and what you can expect at each phase.
0-3 Years – Peak Performance Phase
Your commercial roof is in the Peak Performance Phase from the first to third year. This is when your roof is brand new and functioning exactly as it should.
When designed well, built with high-quality products, and installed correctly by professionals, your roof can be set up to last as long as possible. Except for unforeseen damage—think extreme weather events or human actions—the first three years of a roof’s life should be worry-free.
Still, it is essential to perform annual inspections. Your roof may be at its peak performance, but to ensure it stays at peak performance as long as possible, you need to stay on top of maintenance and inspections. Inspections confirm that your roof is as it should be and allow you to stay ahead of the game if anything looks out of the ordinary.
Without inspections, damage from foot traffic, weather events, or maintenance crews can go unnoticed and become a bigger issue later.
3-5 Years — Preventive Maintenance Phase
As you enter the Preventive Maintenance Phase from years three to five, it’s easy to forget about roof maintenance. There are so many other things that you’re managing daily, and a roof you don’t see can become something you put to the bottom of your to-do list.
However, preventative roof maintenance is imperative to avoid premature replacement and maintain your manufacturer’s warranty. Detecting and correcting roof issues as early as possible significantly increases your roof’s lifespan. That is why scheduling roof maintenance regularly is essential.
What can you expect during this phase of a roof’s life? Minor repairs to flashings and caulking are everyday maintenance items, as those may have deteriorated when exposed to the outdoor elements.
5-15 Years – Ongoing Maintenance Phase
As each year passes, roofs become more susceptible to damage or defects. Every year added to your roof’s life is another year it has been exposed to the elements. Throughout the Ongoing Maintenance Phase, monitoring your roof closely is essential.
Ongoing inspections can monitor wear and tear, especially in areas vulnerable to harm, and can ensure defects and damage are addressed promptly.
At this phase, roof inspections should follow your standard schedule and be conducted after any major weather event to check for damage that may have occurred.
Key an eye out for these common issues:
- Signs of mold
- Algae in standing water
- Worn or cracked caulk
- Damaged flashing
- Cracked masonry
- Salt deposits
Staying on top of standard maintenance items becomes critical in prolonging the life of your roof.
15-20 Years – Re-Roofing Watch Phase
As mentioned before, the average lifespan of a commercial roofing system is 20 years. As you enter the Re-Roofing Watch Phase, owners and property facilitators should know that the need to re-roof is on the horizon.
During this phase, a professional should assess your commercial roof more frequently. As continued damage is discovered, work with professionals to determine the best way to repair or restore your roof as needed.
20+ Years Planning for Replacement Phase
No matter how excellent the materials, workmanship, and ongoing maintenance your roof receives throughout its life, all roofs must be replaced at some point. If your roof has been properly maintained, that time will come later rather than sooner.
As roof materials wear down and repair prices continue to rise, it is essential to be open to the reality that it might be time for a new commercial roofing installation. That’s why you should plan a re-roofing or roof replacement project during the Planning for Replacement Phase.
Commercial roof replacements are complex projects with elements that can influence the cost, timeline, and potential disruption. Having a financial plan ahead of the game will help minimize the impact on your business.
Extend Your Roofing System’s Lifespan with Regular Maintenance
At NU-TEK Roof Systems, we believe preventative maintenance can extend the life of your commercial roofing system and mitigate downtime, early roof failure, and unbudgeted expenses.
If your roof is due for maintenance or you need to start a preventative maintenance schedule, contact us today to learn how we can help you get the most out of your commercial roofing system. Contact Us Today
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