Commercial business owners are constantly looking for feasible options to upgrade the infrastructure of their business. One of the most important features of a warehouse or a company shed is its roof. 

The commercial roofing market has many options available for a business owner and their only worry while making the decision is how long will their commercial roof last?

A commercial roof can last anywhere between 10-40 years. The factors affecting its life are the climatic conditions, its maintenance, and the type of material used.

Factors Affecting The Life of The Roof

Climatic Conditions:

The climate of your region can be a determining factor in how well roofing performs. Harsh weather conditions can affect the membranes and seams of the roofing tiles. Snowfall accumulation on the roof will exert a great amount of pressure on the roof seams. Gusty winds will result in uplift, while hail can puncture it. 

The odds are always stacked against you. The roof is an essential part of the building and it protects the machinery and other investment inside the building so you should find a contractor who is an expert in this niche such as Elite Roofing Halifax

Maintenance:

The regular maintenance of your roof will reduce the amount of money spent later on. Regular maintenance will make it easier to find punctures and damages in the seam. It will help maintain the integrity of the roof. 

Type Of Material Used:

The material used for roofing has its durability. The choice depends on your needs and how you want your building to look. The most common materials used are:

  • EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a rubber-based material. It is quite affordable and it has a life of about 20-30 years approximately. It is also good at absorbing heat so it will help reduce your electricity bill.
  • PVC roofing material has a high initial cost. It has fire-resistant properties so it can reduce the chances of fire damage. The material is of high strength so it requires lesser repair work. The life of this particular material is between 15-30 years. 
  • TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is a cheaper alternative to PVC material. It can last anywhere between 10-30 years. It only requires regular maintenance which includes repairs. 
  • Metal roofing is one of the most durable options because it can survive the harsh climate and other wear and tear. They do not crack or break easily. They are also resistant to molds and mildew. They can last 20-30 years with proper maintenance.
  • Asphalt roofing is also a common choice. They can last 15-20 years if designed with a low-slope while 20-40 years if designed with a steep slope. The quality of the asphalt roofing will also affect the durability of the roof.

How The Gradient Of The Roof Can Impact Its Life

A roof with a steeper slope will be able to shed rainwater more easily. It will also not accumulate snow in the winter season. On the other hand, a roof with a low slope will not be able to shed water more frequently in the rainy season. This will cause leakage due to pools of water forming on the surface of the roof. 

The low-slope roof will also experience strain when snowfall will accumulate on it. The amount of force exerted by snow is tremendous; it can damage the seams of the roofing.

Why Having A Drainage System For Your Roof Is Important

A roof drainage system is installed on the roof to remove water and debris from it. The roof drainage system will help in shedding rainwater. It will stop the accumulation of rainwater and snow melts. 

It stops water from getting absorbed into the roofing because if water gets absorbed into the roofing it will lead to a freeze and thaw cycle which will weaken the roof. 

The drainage system will provide a covered path to the water and it will protect the sides of your building or industry. It will also protect the occupants and other property that is situated on the ground from rainwater. 

The Installation Of Roof

The process of installation is also a determinant in the life of your roof. The techniques used to install the roofing by the contractor are important. The installer should have proper knowledge of the material he is using, he should also be aware of the climatic conditions of that location. 

An experienced contractor will use sophisticated technology to install the roof. He can also show how the product will look by using Augmented Reality apps. 

The installation requires the use of different materials and they should be readily available with the contractor. 

The Installation Costs of Commercial Roofing 

The cost per foot would be between 4$ to 15$ or more depending on the material used. The average labor cost per foot can be around 12$ to 15$. Roofing is by no means inexpensive so taking the best course of action can help you save a tremendous amount of time and money.

How Roof Coating Stops Your Roofing From Degrading

The commercial roof coating can help you keep your roofing from getting damaged over time. They can elongate the life of your roof by protecting U.V Rays, rain, snow, and hail. 

They can also provide you with some insulation against hot and cold weather so it will cut down your utility bills. 

The roof coating also protects against leaks and can be a better alternative to roofing replacement. 

There are three types of roof coating: acrylic, polyurethane, and silicone.

The life of your roof can extend by 10-12 years after you do a coating on it.

Taking The Next Step!  

As a business owner, you are always concerned about the well-being and upkeep of your business. The decision of whether to get your roof repaired, replaced, or get it coated can be a difficult one. 

It is recommended to find a contractor or company that is well-known in the Commercial roofing industry like Elite Roofing Halifax mentioned above. They provide consultation and give proper guidance to you. They will also provide a complete after-sales service to help you with problems you encounter from time to time. 

To sum up, the life of your commercial roof depends on how well informed your decisions are!

Disclaimer:  This article intends to offer general knowledge on this topic.  While every caution has been taken to provide accurate information, it does not intend as professional advice.  Please consult with an industry professional in your area to obtain proper advice based on your unique circumstances.  Elite Roofing Halifax and its parent company will not be held liable in any way should you suffer any loss/damage because of the information in this blog.