Depending on the materials, a flat roof with regular maintenance can endure for decades. Modified bitumen layers or a built-up roof can last up to 20 years. Depending on the inspection and maintenance plan, the most durable roof materials, like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), may last up to 10 additional years.
It is also necessary to hire a reliable roof contractor Long Beach. To avoid replacing or repairing flat roofs, learn more about the elements affecting roofing materials’ durability.
Table of Contents
6 Factors That Impact How Long Your Flat Roof Lasts
How long your flat roof truly lasts is determined by several factors. Let’s get to the six main factors that impact how long your flat roof lasts.
Choosing The Suitable Roofing Material
The material you choose for your flat roof greatly influences the lifespan of a flat roof.
- A multi-layer built-up roof made of hot tar, gravel, and waterproof material can survive for 15 to 20 years.
- Modified bitumen roofs with three to five layers typically last between 10 and 15 years on average.
- TPO roofs have stronger seams than EPDM roofs, and both EPDM and TPO roofing usually last 10 to 20 years.
- A PVC roof can endure up to 30 years with regular upkeep.
Modified bitumen roofs with three to five layers typically last between 10 and 15 years on average. For every structure, there are better options than these substantial materials.
Depending on the material’s qualities, the roof’s design, and the frequency of commercial roof repairs, lightweight single-ply roofing may last as long as or longer than layered roofs.
Considering The Climatic Conditions
A flat roof subjected to strong winds, heavy precipitation, and temperature extremes may age more quickly than a similar roofing material in a different area. The flashing intended to stop leaks and wind damage is more stressed because flat asphalt roofing is prone to expanding and contracting as the temperature changes. Tar can blister under high temperatures, which causes wear.
Certain places may benefit more from the features of single-ply materials. Black EPDM is the standard color, and while it can assist retain heat and melt snow in cold weather, it also traps too much heat in warm climates. You can also buy this material with a light-colored finish for a higher cost.
TPO is more widely available in white or light gray tones for energy efficiency. PVC and spray-on coatings can offer long-lasting roofing solutions for any climate and are available in any desired shade.
Proper Structure Repairing
Patching small leaks may be part of commercial roof repair. A structure may be more vulnerable to problems that increase its risk of severe water damage. Rood can also collapse due to more severe damage or deterioration. Consider an older roof with several patches that get further damaged by pooling. In that situation, roof replacement Pasadena can be a better option for eliminating leaks and reducing the chance of structural damage than making more repairs.
20 feet by 20 feet of standing water on a flat roof adds an additional 2,000 pounds. Excess weight can harm a roof made of any material at any age. You may need to install a new flat roof to stop damage or collapse if a roof cannot drain correctly despite routine maintenance.
Hiring A Great Roofing Contractor
The roofing contractor you choose to work with can greatly impact your flat roof lifespan. It also includes the flat roof lifespan.
Because of this, the roofing contractor you select has the most significant impact on the lifespan of a flat roof. No matter what kind of flat roofing material you have, if the roofers have properly installed it, your flat roof should have the standard lifespans.
But if you choose the wrong hire, I promise your flat roof investment will only last for a short time. Finding a roofing contractor with experience replacing flat roofs is so essential. Find a roofing company that specializes in providing flat roofing services for residential properties to assist you in doing this.
Investing In A Quality Flat Roof
The amount of money spent on high-quality flat roofing materials and skilled workers will also influence the flat roof’s longevity.
If you choose the least expensive flat roof, you’ll get the least expensive roofing materials and installation labor. The finished quality of your roof reflects the cost of using low-quality labor and supplies.
If you do this, I assure you that you’ll spend more money in the long term on repairs and, eventually, a flat roof replacement before you need one. I’m not advocating spending a fortune on your flat roofing project.
Do your research to identify a reliable flat roofing contractor who meets your budget and has a proven track record of installation.
Getting Your Flat Roof Maintained
Your roof requires proper maintenance to stay in good working order. You must maintain your roof, regardless of the type, to get the most out of it.
Because of this, how well you maintain your flat roof significantly impacts how long it lasts. Regular roof maintenance is essential to the longevity of your flat roof, no matter how old it is or how recently it was constructed.
Maintenance can help you identify potential issues and avoid future leaks before they harm your home. It’s an opportunity to find out how long your flat roof will last and whether you need to replace it.
Due to all of these factors and more, regular flat roof maintenance is essential to ensure that it functions properly for the duration of its lifespan.
Resolve Underlying Problems
A commercial roof may need to be replaced sooner than its intended lifespan due to structural problems that are too severe for repair. A foundational issue could cause a building to shift or settle more than one with a strong base. This may result in a roofing membrane buckling, weakening the structural integrity of the building. Roof repair in Downey can guide every commercial building on the best designs and materials.
Whether a roof lasts the typical amount of time for the material can depend on the material selection, structural needs, and location of a commercial property. To get the most extended lifespan, one must maintain any form of roof.