Commercial Roof Replacement
As a commercial business owner, your plate is full. You are focused on handling customer complaints, finding good employees, dealing with supply chain issues, and worrying about the bottom line. In the midst of all that, it can be easy to forget about the roof over your head. Literally. Who has time to figure out if their commercial roof needs to be replaced?
We get it. Our goal is to make your life easier by giving you accurate information so you can make an informed decision and get back to the business of running your business.
3 factors that determine the need for commercial roof replacement.
Type of Roof
Here in Southern California, commercial properties typically have one of three types of roofs. Flat roofs are the most common and can last up to 50 years. They are the least costly to install, repair, and replace because less square footage is needed, and installation is faster. With a flat roof, you need to pay attention to water drainage. Water can pool on flat roofs, causing the roofing material to deteriorate. This can lead to leaks and water damage inside your building. Scheduling regular inspections with a qualified commercial roofer can help identify potential drainage issues before they become a problem.
Low-slope roofs are the second type of commercial roof. Low-slope roofs can appear flat but actually have a slight pitch to them. The pitch allows for better drainage and less chance of standing water leading to damage. They are typically more expensive than flat roofs, but less expensive than pitched roofs to repair or replace.
Pitched roofs are seen more often on homes, but are still used on some commercial buildings. They have the best drainage due to greater slope but are the most expensive to repair and replace due to greater square footage and the difficulty involved with getting materials and contractors onto the roof.
Roofing Material
The material used on your commercial building roof is the second factor that determines when it needs to be replaced. The three most common types of material used are PVC, TPO, and EDPM.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), contains a synthetic rubber material that helps it resist deterioration. A commercial roof with EDPM can last from 25—30 years.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) roofing material has the most expensive upfront cost but does have significant advantages. Its white color reflects rather than absorbs heat, making it very energy efficient. The PVC also has fire-retardant properties. If your commercial roof catches fire, the PVC self-extinguishes. This can save you significant repair or replacement costs in the event of a fire. A PVC commercial roof has a lifespan of 20-25 years.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roofing material is the newest option in commercial roofing. It is less expensive than PVC and lasts between 15 and 20 years. It does not contain the plasticizers used in PVC, making it a greener option.
Weather
Weather conditions are the third factor that determines if and when a commercial roof needs to be replaced. The sun and heat of Southern California causes roof sealant material to break down. The swings in temperature from extremely hot days to relatively cool nights cause building materials to contract. This can lead to damage to the roof membrane, the flashing, and the joints. It pays to have a qualified roofing contractor regularly inspect your commercial roof so these and other issues can be caught before they become more significant problems.
As a business owner, it’s easy to put roof maintenance on the back burner. But neglecting this critical part of your investment will cost you. Avoid unnecessary damage to your property by calling us for an inspection today
