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AbstraktMarketing2025-03-27 09:38:382025-05-16 16:30:14Frequent Leaks & Water DamageCommercial Roof Life Expectancy
How many years does a roof last? Sadly, there’s no single, definitive answer.
There are several roofing materials including asphalt shingles, slate roofs, liquid-applied membranes, built-up roofs, and more. Each roofing material has its own estimated life expectancy, strengths, and maintenance plans.
Let’s look at a few different types of commercial roofing materials and their average lifespans.
TPO Roof Life Expectancy
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) is a single-ply roofing membrane for commercial roofs, similar to EPDM roofs. It offers excellent protection at an affordable price.
TPO roofs are an energy-efficient roofing material. Roofs absorb sunlight and heat, raising the internal temperature of your building and increasing cooling expenses. TPO roofs reflect these harmful rays, reducing your building’s internal temperatures and AC expenses.
TPO is also durable and waterproof, making them perfect for flat roofs. Heat-welded or pressure-applied seams provide a leak-proof surface, preventing fungal growth and standing water, making them a reliable low-slope roofing system. Additionally, TPO roofs are easy to clean and maintain.
A regularly maintained TPO roof can have a life expectancy of over 20 years.
Built-Up Roof Life Expectancy
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a leading roofing material for flat and low-sloped roofs. It’s made of several layers of durable fabric, bitumen, and a top layer of stone or gravel. BUR creates a sealed, leak-proof surface, making it an excellent choice for low-slope, flat, and roofs not steeply angled like residential roofs. For example, asphalt shingles don’t form a fully sealed surface, requiring a steep slope to drain water correctly.
Thanks to the top layer of stone or gravel, built-up roofs are also fire resistant. They’re generally low-maintenance and cost less to maintain over their lifespan.
Built-up roofs have an average life expectancy of 15 to 30 years, but regularly maintained roofs can last up to 40 years. Built-up roofs tend to fare better in warmer climates than in colder regions.
Composite Tile Roof Life Expectancy
Composite tile roofs are a technological improvement of traditional clay and ceramic roofs. Homeowners and commercial business owners prize clay tile roofs for their beauty, curb appeal, and resistance to severe winds. However, ceramic tiles require constant maintenance and are very fragile compared to other roofing options. Composite shingles mirror the look of classic ceramic tiles while providing better structural durability for a more affordable cost.
Composite tiles are much cheaper to install than clay tiles because they don’t need additional structural support. Composite tiles absorb less water and are more resistant to inclement weather, too, making them perfect for areas with constant storms. And lastly, composite tiles require little maintenance because water doesn’t affect them the way it affects clay tiles (erosion, swelling, fungal growth).
The average life expectancy of a composite tile roof is around 50 years, possibly more with regular maintenance.
Metal Roof Life Expectancy
The versatility of metal roofs is unmatched. Contractors can create many curvatures and colors of metal roofing for your specific needs. Metal roofs give your building extra protection because they’re resilient to hail damage and high winds associated with severe inclement weather.
Metal roofs also meet specific energy standards. Like TPO roofs, metal roofs reflect UV rays and sunshine, reducing a building’s internal temperature.
The life expectancy of a metal roof ranges from 40 years to 70 years, almost double the lifespan of traditional asphalt shingle roofs. Contractors maintain metal roofs by removing debris and clearing drainage systems, keeping them in excellent condition for decades.
Floridian Roofing and Solar offers roof inspections, installations, repairs, maintenance, and replacements for commercial homes in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas.
Whether your roof is made up of TPO, metal, or shingles, we can help. Floridian Roofing and Solar will repair, maintain, and protect your roof if you own a commercial building or property. Contact us today.
Commercial Roof Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance can greatly increase your commercial roof’s lifespan. A licensed contractor schedules regular checkups (typically every six months) to examine your roof. It’s best to think of your commercial roof as a sports car or your teeth. Both need regular maintenance to preserve them for a lifetime.
Roof preventative maintenance:
- Inspects your commercial roof for any signs of external or internal damage
- Looks for water damage, leaks, cracks, and stripped roofing material
- Cleans your roof’s surface, removing standing water and debris from causing future issues
- Fixes needed repairs and addresses potential problems
- Documents inspection dates and repairs for insurance purposes
- Schedules another inspection so you’ll know when a contractor will return to service your commercial roof
Commercial Roof Life Expectancy
Here is a brief overview of the average lifespan of various roofing materials. These numbers can differ depending on regular maintenance, proper installation, and other external factors.
- Asphalt Shingle: 20 to 40 years
- Built-Up Roof: 15 to 40 years
- Composite Tile: 50 years
- EPDM: 50 years
- Metal Roof: 40 to 70 years
- Modified Bitumen: 20 to 30 years
- Slate Shingle: 50 to 100 years
- TPO Roof: 20 years
- Wooden Shingle: 20 to 40 years
Floridian Roofing and Solar Can Extend Your Commercial Roof’s Life Expectancy
Floridian Roofing and Solar can extend your commercial roof’s lifespan. Our dedicated roofing experts will inspect, repair, and maintain your commercial roof, ensuring it stays healthy for longer. Floridian Roofing and Solar proudly services the roofs of Jacksonville homeowners and businesses. If you’re in the area, we’d like to earn your business too. Contact us today.
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