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When Should You Get A Commercial Building Roof Replacement?

The commercial roofing industry is a booming industry. It is currently valued at around $11 billion and is expected to grow to $15 billion by 2027. Some reasons for this include new developments and new roofing methods.

A major contributor to this growth is the aging of commercial buildings in the United States. On average, commercial buildings in the United States are 53 years old. Mixed-use buildings average older, between 65 and 82 years old.

With so many factors contributing to the growth of the commercial roofing business, it might be time for your own commercial building roof replacement. Replacement of your commercial roof might seem like something for deferred maintenance, but failure to replace it in time could end up costing you even more.

Deciding when to replace your commercial roof can be difficult, but there are some signs to look out for. In this brief article, you will learn some of the signs of a worn commercial roof and when you need to replace it.

Ways to Improve Commercial Roof Lifespan

 Many factors go into how long a commercial roof lasts. One major factor that can play into the longevity of a commercial roof is the climate. Heavy rain, snow, or hail can cause wear on the roof and shorten its lifespan.

Improper maintenance can also cause the lifespan of your commercial roof to decrease. Following simple measures can help ensure your roof lasts its intended lifespan. Regular inspections of your roof can help prevent issues and give you peace of mind.

One way that you can increase the lifespan of your commercial roof is through the use of roof coatings. These protect your roof and extend the life of your roof. The two main types of coating are acrylic and elastomeric.  

Elastomeric coatings are a rubber or plastic material that provides a flexible, water-resistant cover for your roof. These coatings are becoming more popular, as they are perfect for protection from the elements, including wind and hail. They are also reflective, which helps in lowering your cooling costs.

Acrylic coatings are a resin material, popular for being energy efficient. Acrylic coatings reflect sunlight, keeping your building cooler and lowering air conditioning costs. 

How Long Does a Commercial Roof Last?

With these factors considered, there are also a variety of commercial roofs available to choose from. These roofs will last anywhere between 10 to 40 years, but on average last 20 to 30 years.

Five popular types of commercial roofs are used the most frequently. They are:

  • Asphalt
  • Metal
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
  • Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO)
  • Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM)

Each of these materials will last 20 to 30 years, except for metal roofs, which can last upwards of 40 years. By adding a roof coating, you can help increase the lifespan of your roof and add an extra layer of protection to your building.

Signs You Need a New Roof

There are many signs to look for to determine when you might need to have a commercial building roof replacement. By looking out for these, you can stay on top of your roofing needs and contact a professional for your new roof. Below are a few key indicators that it might be time to contact a roofing specialist.

Leaks

The dead giveaway to know if your roof is leaking is a water-stained ceiling. This means that there is an issue with your roof’s seal, and water is coming through the membrane. This is one of the most common issues with a commercial roof and might require commercial roof maintenance or more.

Bubbles

One sign that you might need a new roof is if there are bubbles on your roof. This means that there is trapped moisture or air in your roof, causing it to bubble up. While this might just require repairing roof damage, it could be a sign of an underlying problem.

In some cases, a bubbling roof can mean that the membrane was not properly sealed. The moisture and air coming in could spell trouble not only for the roof but for the rest of the building. In some cases, you might be able to fix the bubble, and that will solve the issue, but sometimes it could be a symptom of an old and worn-out roof. 

Standing Water

Proper drainage on your commercial roof is important, and standing water might mean it’s time for a roof replacement. While standing water on a roof for a few hours is okay, if you’re noticing that it takes a few days for the water to leave, it could be an issue. This buildup might mean your roof’s drain needs to be looked at immediately. 

Standing water can cause larger issues, such as a sagging roof. Sitting water can cause mold to grow, build up, and possibly even leak down below into the building. This can have a major impact not only on your roof and building but also on the health and well-being of the workers in the building.

Do I Need a Commercial Building Roof Replacement?

Replacing old roofs might seem like something that can be put off for a long time, and in some cases, it can wait. However, waiting too long to replace your roof could be a disaster waiting to happen. A commercial building roof replacement can save you headaches down the road and help you save money in the long run.

For more information and to see if installing a new roof is right for you, set up an appointment with Matrix Roofing today.

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