As a business owner, you’re always looking for the best return on your investment, particularly when it comes to reinvesting in your company! Reinvesting in your business can be as simple as roof repair or replacement, regardless of the type of roof you choose for your commercial building.
If you’re considering a metal roof for roof replacement, you may wonder how long it will last. Let’s look at some of the factors that affect potential life expectancy.
Metal Roofing vs. Other Commercial Roof Types
When it comes to flat roofs or low-slope roofing systems, there are various options available for commercial buildings. In addition to metal roofing, the following are also common commercial roofing materials:
- Built-Up Roofing
This roof type has been around for over a century and is still commonly used on commercial structures. It uses sheets of ply and layers of bitumen or asphalt to “build up” a waterproof layer.
- Modified Bitumen
The modified bitumen is reinforced with fiberglass and combined with polymerized rubber or plastic.
- EPDM, PVC, and TPO Roofing
These commercial roofing membranes are also referred to as roofing membranes. They are synthetic materials that were made especially for the roofing industry.
Metal Roofing’s Durability
Durability is an essential factor to consider when looking for a new commercial roof, and it is one of the main factors in the longevity of a metal roof. Metal roofs are highly resistant to cracking and warping caused by natural temperature fluctuations and harsh weather conditions.
When properly installed, most metal roofs can withstand winds of over 100 miles per hour! Metal roofs are also resistant to rot, rust, and corrosion, which is why they last longer than asphalt roofs and other commercial systems.
Fire Resistance
Fire resistance is yet another area in which metal roofing excels. A metal roof may be the best option if your building is in a hot or dry climate susceptible to wildfires. Even homeowners in these areas opt for metal roofs rather than asphalt shingle roofing.
Environmentally Friendly
Many companies do not consider the afterlife of their roofing materials. And, while most roofing materials are long-lasting in use, they, unfortunately, last even longer in a landfill. When a metal roof has served its purpose, it can be recycled into new materials.
A metal roof is also more energy efficient than other commercial roofing materials. Metal reflects heat up and away from your structure and cools quickly, so it won’t store heat and release it into your structure when the sun goes down.
Aesthetically Pleasing
While looks aren’t everything, they do help! The sleek lines and smooth surface of a metal roof are far more appealing to the eye than other commercial roofing materials.
Metal roofing is also available in various colors, allowing you to match your brand colors or a specific color scheme on your building. If you’re going to invest in a long-lasting roof, why not invest in the aesthetics of your commercial building?
The Life Expectancy of a Metal Roof
Several factors, including metal quality, type, and installation method, determine a metal roof’s life expectancy.
Aluminum, stainless steel, and galvanized zinc are the most common metals used for commercial roofs. They all have different costs and characteristics; for example, aluminum is the lightest but also the thinnest and most prone to dents. Galvanized zinc is more expensive but has a longer lifespan than aluminum or stainless steel. The best thing to do is to contact your roofing contractor. Then he or she can use that information to recommend the best metal roofing system for your specific needs.
A metal roof can have an average lifespan of up to 70 years if installed correctly and maintained regularly. Furthermore, most systems come with a warranty.
10 Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips You Should Know
Here are ten commercial roof maintenance tips to keep in mind when inspecting your roofing system, including general tips and indications of potential roofing problems inside and outside the building.
1. Keep Maintenance Logs
It can be very helpful to keep track of roof maintenance and repairs. A maintenance log is a good way to keep track of your property and help you make repairs or sell it.
Write down who went on the roof, when (date and time), where they went, and why they were in your log (maintenance, inspection, repair, etc.).
2. Record Everything You Encounter During Your Inspection
Keep track of the status of every item you inspect—vents, flashing, and so on. Determine whether they are in good condition or if they require repairs. Take pictures of any damage and document it for future reference, as you may need to file an insurance claim.
3. Create a Custom Toolkit
Make a toolkit that includes everything you’ll need to inspect your roof. Include a checklist, roof plans, aerial photos, a pencil and paper for taking notes, a camera to take photos of the damage, a tape measure, and a flashlight.
4. Check the Walls
Check the walls when inspecting the building’s interior. Look for cracks, mold, peeling or wet paint, and other signs of damage. These problems are frequently caused by leaks or excessive moisture in the building. Check the areas and test them as soon as possible.
5. Check Vents and Chimneys
Check for dampness in all areas near vents and chimneys. You may discover that the flashing has failed and requires replacement or repair.
6. Check Your Attic
Is there enough ventilation in the attic? Is there visible decking damage or cracks in the rafters and sheathing? Is there light shining through the roof that shouldn’t? These are visible signs of potential damage that, if not addressed promptly, can result in extensive and costly repairs.
7. Check for Leaks
Check for visible leaks and their location as well. Leaks should be addressed as soon as possible. A leak can cause rot, mold, or structural damage if not repaired. Take pictures of the leak locations and schedule an inspection with a professional roofer.
8. Check for Visible Damage
Look for obvious damage and large debris blocking the drainage on your roof. Is there obvious damage? Check for clogged or broken gutters and downspouts. Your roofer can take care of these problems to help prevent future damage.
9. Wear and Tear
All flashing, vents, chimneys, fascias, drip edges, and decking should be inspected. Look for sagging, corroded, rotting, or missing parts on the roof. If you notice any of these problems, contact a roofing professional.
10. Check These Extras on a Flat Roof
Look for ponding, punctures, holes, blisters, or anything else that has pulled away from the roof.
Essential Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips
Following a successful inspection, routine maintenance will be required to keep the roofing system in good condition for many years. Here are some commercial roof maintenance tips.
1. Limit Its Load
Although your commercial roof is built to last, it has limitations. Reduce the load on your roof to keep it in good condition. Keep people off the roof unless necessary, and limit the time you spend walking on it to reduce the weight it must support.
2. Keep It Clean
Flat commercial roofs are especially prone to accumulating debris and dirt. Natural debris like twigs and leaves can trap moisture and encourage mold growth. Mold and decay can deteriorate and weaken the structure of your roof. Set up a regular cleaning schedule to remove these hot spots as soon as possible.
3. Unclog Gutters
Water damage from clogged gutters and drains can threaten the structural integrity of your commercial roofing. Furthermore, unmaintained gutters provide a breeding ground for mold and mildew. To avoid problems, keep it clean and free of clogs, and inspect it regularly for damaged or loose components.
4. Prune Nearby Trees
Storm-damaged tree limbs and branches can cause significant damage to the structure of your commercial roof. Trim nearby trees and shrubs to avoid impact damage and leaf and debris accumulation.
5. Adhere to a Commercial Roof Maintenance Schedule
Roof inspections are recommended at least once every six months to identify any underlying issues that need attention. Our metal roofing company thoroughly inspects for undetected leaks, sagging, cracks, and other problems. Repairing a commercial roofing system in a timely manner can significantly extend its lifespan.
Contact Us Today
Metal roofing is a long-lasting material that is easy to repair, replace, and maintain. If you’re considering installing a new roof on your commercial building, you should know that with proper maintenance, your metal roof can last up to 70 years!
When it comes to your commercial roof, work with a metal roofing company you can rely on! Call our Denver metal roofing company at 720-674-7295 today.
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