How Often Should You Re-Roof Your Commercial Flat Roof?
If you hire a quality roofing team and put in the work to maintain your flat roof, then there is no reason why it shouldn’t last up to 35 years. One crucial thing to consider is that the life expectancy of your flat roof depends on the material used, and the location and the general environment will also have a large part to play. If you want to find out how long your roof will last, or if you aren’t sure if you need a replacement, continue reading below to see the two most commonly used flat roofing materials.
Types of Flat Roofs for Commercial Buildings
See below to learn more about flat roof options for commercial buildings.
Built-up Felt
Commercial felt roofing is ideal for a vast range of applications, and this can include various refurbishment projects. They are suitable if you want to increase thermal performance, and they can get added in single layers, depending on what you are looking for. The general application process facilitates application on most roofing types, including metal, felt, timber, and asphalt. Roof systems such as this come with a guarantee for labour and materials in most instances, so you can expect it to stay waterproof for up to 35 years.
EPDM
EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. It is an industrial-grade form of rubber, and it gets made via diene and ethylene propylene. Roofs like this can offer a longer lifespan than usual, which comes down to the flexible yet durable membrane and can last up to 30 years. It is so effective that even the most minor membrane, or 45 thousandths of an inch, is suited to most flat roofs. If you want something more durable, you can opt for 90 thousandths of an inch.
PVC
PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride Roofing. It’s a membrane that gets used on low-sloped buildings and structures. You need to know about PVC because it is super reflective and contains various life-extending components. Examples could include cool roofing pigments, UV stabilizers and different other materials. This type of roofing is cost-effective too.
TPO
TPO, or Thermoplastic Polyolefin, is a single-ply membrane made from ethylene-propylene rubber and polypropylene. Roofing systems like this tend to be more localized to shopping malls, expansive complexes, or warehouses.
Signs that you Have to Replace your Flat Roof
There are a few different factors that could cause you to get your flat roof replaced.
Leakages
One of the main signs that you should be trying to get your roof replaced will be if you have a constant leak or large wet patches. In many cases, minor leaks can get sorted with a quick and easy repair. However, the entire roofing system should get fixed if you have any issues with water coming through your flat roof. If your roof is not installed properly, it can inflict much damage if you do not repair it. Even if your roof gets installed correctly, it might be at the end of its lifespan.
Flooring
If you have a lot of water pooling, you may be able to fix this issue. Knowing that the pooling has been there for quite some time can lead to further damage down the line. At this point, it’s worth you considering replacing the roof and starting over.
Blistering and Stretching
When your home gets exposed to a lot of UV rays for a very long time, it may blister, crack or split, and even stretch without returning to its original shape. It is a significant issue with EPDM as it gets to the end of its life.
Want to make sure that you are not leaving your roof too long without a repair? You may need a roof replacement but want to hire someone local and reputable. Please call us at (780) 439-7663, and our team will do everything they can to help. We can’t wait to show you why we are the best in the business.
