Commercial roofs are a big investment for any business, so it’s important to know how often they need to be replaced. The answer is not as simple as every ten years. Several factors can affect the lifespan of a commercial roof, from the type of roof to the weather conditions in your area.

Most commercial roofs are built to last for around 20 to 30 years. However, several factors can cause a roof to degrade quicker than usual, necessitating replacement every ten years. These include:

Inadequate Maintenance

Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize how important roof maintenance is and neglect their roofs. This can lead to serious problems down the line, as inadequate maintenance can damage your roof. 

The biggest problem that can occur with inadequate maintenance is leaks. If your roof isn’t properly sealed and maintained, water can seep through cracks and cause serious damage to your home. In addition to causing structural damage, water can lead to mold growth, which can be a health hazard.

Exposure to Severe Weather Conditions

Snow and Ice

The weight of the snow and ice can cause the roof to collapse. The elements can also cause the shingles to lose, allowing water to seep in and causing further damage.

If warm air leaks through the edges of your roof, snow near your gutters may melt. As a result, ice dams may form. Melted snow forms an ice barrier around the edge of your roof and eventually freezes solid. An ice dam prevents melting snow and rain from draining off your roof, which can cause a slew of expensive problems.

Heavy Rain

The shingles and other parts of your roof will degrade if storms are regular where you live. Storm damage can include missing shingles and saturated underlayment. Water seepage could compromise the roof deck, resulting in structural failure of the house. When there is an excess of moisture, rot and mold can form, endangering both the structural integrity of your home and your family’s health.

Sun and Heat

The sun can cause your roof to fade and become brittle. The heat can make your shingles expand and contract, which can cause them to crack and break. If you live in an area with a lot of sun and heat, it’s important to have your roof regularly inspected by a professional.

Poor Ventilation

Hot weather can cause roofs to deteriorate faster. Without proper ventilation, the temperature inside your attic can reach well above 120 F. This excessive heat will cause the asphalt in your shingles to soften and become brittle. As a result, your shingles will start to warp and curl, eventually leading to leaks.

To avoid this, make sure there is adequate ventilation in your attic. There should be at least one square foot of vent area for every 300 square feet of attic space. You can install ridge vents, soffit vents, or gable vents to help airflow.

How to Protect Your Roof for Longevity

Inspect your roof regularly. It’s important to catch any problems early on before they have a chance to cause serious damage. Once a year, preferably in the springtime, take a close look at your roof and gutters. Look for any missing or damaged shingles, and ensure that no debris is blocking the gutters.

Keep your gutters clean. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep under your shingles, leading to leaks and rot.

If you don’t take care of your roof, it can start to deteriorate and develop problems that will be expensive to fix.

Conclusion

Commercial roofs do not need to be replaced every ten years. However, regular maintenance is important to extend the life of your roof. Keystone roof can help you with this process and ensure that your roof lasts for a long time.