The lifespan of roofing materials for Milwaukee commercial structures 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. They are looking for one that doesn’t require immediate or short term replacement. In order to get a better idea of what is available and to determine the lasting ability of each, read on.
Estimated lifespan of common roofing materials used on commercial structures
These are common commercial roofing systems that depending on how well they are maintained, can have life spans of anywhere between 20 to 50 years:
- TPO roof system life expectancy – 22-30 years
- EPDM roof system life expectancy – 22-35 years
- Metal roof system life expectancy – 30-45 years
- Asphalt roof system life expectancy – 20-40 years Factors that affect the lifespan of Milwaukee commercial roofs
- Extreme Weather
Extreme weather conditions like strong winds and heavy rain or snowfall affect the lifespan of Milwaukee commercial roofs.
Strong winds during storms are known to cause tiles to loosen, leaving your structure 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 of any roofing materials for Milwaukee commercial structures. 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 will bake the roofing materials for Milwaukee commercial structures. Built-up moisture can lead to rot and mold.
- Maintenance
Routine inspections and maintenance prevents 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.
How to prolong the lifespan of your commercial roof
- Performing 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.
- Making 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. Since most roofing materials for Milwaukee commercial structures are made up of so many layers 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 have a long-lasting roof is by applying a coating. Coatings restore roofing materials for Milwaukee commercial structures and offer protection from UV rays. They also limit 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 Experts 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.
