Texas roofs take a lot of abuse, what with all the brutally hot weather and intense wind and hail storms that this area is known for. That’s why it’s extra important for Texas business owners to take steps to maximize the lifespan of their commercial roofs.
Different commercial roofs have different lifespans. How long they last will depend largely on the material used. For instance, TPO roofs have the shortest lifespan, lasting between 20 and 30 years – not much better than a residential asphalt roof. Metal roofs are even better, lasting up to 50 years and beyond with proper maintenance. These are on-paper estimates though; in real-world applications and conditions, most commercial roofs don’t last as long as they are projected to.
It can be very expensive to replace, especially a commercial one because it covers so much space, with materials, cost of labor, and lost productivity all playing into the mix. You’ll also experience a loss of investment…let’s say you invest in a roof with a lifespan of 40 years but it only lasts 30: that roof is now amortized over a shorter amount of time. When you are able to extend the lifespan of your roof, the initial investment is more bearable over time.
Plus, you don’t just have to consider the roof itself. You also have to factor in the pipe supports on your roof that hold gas pipes, HVAC systems, refrigerants, and electrical and Internet cables. If those supports were to break down, the equipment that relies upon them can break, which in turn exposes your roof to many hazards ranging from fires to chemical spills. These can all result in the roof failing to meet its expected lifespan. That’s why you need the help of an experienced, trusted commercial roofer.
Tips
When choosing which type of roof membrane to install, you will have to consider properties of the desired material. For example, you’ll probably want a material that is lightweight, affordable, and easy to install. Such materials that fit the bill include TPO, PVC, or EPDM, where you won’t get the longest lifespan but you’ll have a more affordable initial expense. It’s a tradeoff.
Just remember, you may end up having to replace the roof sooner than you thought, leading to a large expense down the road.
But regardless of the type of roof you choose, a commercial roofer should provide you with a thorough inspection and maintenance program to account for:
- Moisture Inside the Building: If you see moisture anywhere inside your building, there’s a good chance it’s originating from a failure in the roof. However, water does not travel via a direct path, so it’s impossible to know for sure where the leak is coming from until a professional takes a look.
- Debris on the Rooftop: When dirt and debris accumulate on the rooftop, mold can grow, which will in turn prematurely break down the roof’s membrane and any supporting elements – not to mention clogged drains can trap water, also producing leaks.
- Membrane and Surface Conditions: When you experience tears and punctures in the surface membranes, this signals to you that the material must be replaced. You’ll want to check for splitting, blistering and ridging, as well as corrosion in metal roofs and bare spots in gravel roofs.
- Flashings: These are notorious for starting leaks. They shouldn’t be pulling away from the roof, and they shouldn’t be rusted.
- Previous Maintenance Areas: Ironically, areas that have had the most recent repairs are likely to be the first things that break down again. Repeated or intensifying damage is a sign that roof replacement is needed.
Contact Ferris Roofing
For inspections, maintenance, roof replacement or new roofs, contact the commercial roofing experts at Ferris Roofing at 817-438-2079.