The life expectancy for commercial roofs in Milwaukee can vary and usually depends on the type of materials used and the installation process.
Most business owners, building managers and maintenance engineers want to know ahead of time what kind of roofing materials are going to be the most stable and lasting for their particular building design and roof line, and they obviously want one that doesn’t require immediate or short term replacement. In order to get a better idea of what is available and to determine lasting ability, read on.
The life expectancy of common commercial roofing Systems
There are common commercial roofing systems that have lifespans ranging from 10 to 40 years and they include the following:
- TPO roofing system life expectancy – 22-30 years
- EPDM roofing system life expectancy – 22-35 years
- Metal roofing system life expectancy – 30-45 years
- Asphalt roofing system life expectancy – 20-40 years
Factors that can shorten the lifespan of commercial roofs
Extreme Weather- Extreme weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rain or snowfall affect the lifespan of commercial roofs in Milwaukee. Strong winds during storms are known to cause tiles to loosen, leaving your home vulnerable to leaks and other kinds of damage. Heavy rainfall, however, poses greater threats to your roof if it has existing vulnerabilities like cracked shingles, missing tiles, or improper installation.
Such problems cause the water to leak into your roofing structure gradually over time. Other weather conditions like snow also cause damage to the roof by forming large pools of ice dams on the roof edges and the gutters. The melting snow cannot run off the roof which causes serious leaks.
Installation – Any flaws in the installation process can shorten the life expectancy for commercial roofs. When you need a new roof installed or repair work done, choose an experienced, well-qualified roofer to do the job.
Ventilation – Roofs need adequate ventilation of the attic space below. Ventilation helps prevent the build-up of heat and moisture. Hot summer temperatures in the attic as well as up top will bake the roofing materials. Built-up moisture can lead to rot and mold.
Maintenance – Routine inspections and maintenance prevent small problems from becoming major ones. It’s easy to neglect a roof when it doesn’t have any problems. But, that neglect can end up causing major roof issues in the future.
Ways to get the longest lifespan out of your commercial roofs
- Perform regular inspections:
As mentioned, a lack of care is one of the common causes of early roof failure. At the very least, your roof should be looked at by a professional Milwaukee Roofing contractor every year. With a preventative maintenance plan, experts will be able to spot problem areas and make the necessary repairs. This could also involve the removal of debris and the cleaning of drains and gutters.
- Make immediate repairs:
Roof issues can escalate quickly. Just because something is minor today doesn’t mean it will stay that way very long. Once something is discovered, it has to be taken care of as soon as possible. Because a commercial roof is comprised of so many parts that have to work together, everything is related. This is why waiting too long to fix something can put the entire system in jeopardy.
- Apply the right coating:
One of the best ways to extend the life expectancy for commercial roofs is by applying a coating. Coatings restore a roofing material and offer protection from UV rays, as well as limiting the effects of expansion and contraction cycles. Coatings are especially beneficial for roofs that get a lot of foot traffic. It’s important that a roof gets the right coating, and there are quite a few different types to choose from, including acrylic, solvent-based silicone, and polyurethane.
Only use an expert TPO Roofing Company Milwaukee for installation:
When it is time for a new Milwaukee commercial roof for your building, the best thing you can do to ensure it lasts for as long as possible is to only use qualified roofing contractors. Nex Level Roofing Contractors will make sure you get the best type of system and that it is installed correctly. We will also provide you with other services, including preventative maintenance and repairs.
