As a business owner, you’re always looking to get the best return on your investment, especially when it comes to reinvesting back into your business! Reinvesting in your business can mean something as simple as roof repair or replacement – no matter the type of roof that you pick for your commercial building.
If you’re looking into roof replacement and are considering a metal roof, you might be wondering how long it will last. Let’s look into some of the variables that affect potential life expectancy.
Metal Roofing vs. Other Types of Commercial Roofs
There are several roofing solutions for commercial buildings when it comes to flat roof or low-slope roofing systems. Common commercial roofing materials include the following (in addition to metal roofing):
- Built-Up Roofing: This roof type is over a century old, but is still commonly used on commercial structures. It uses layers of bitumen, or asphalt, along with ply sheets, to “build up” a waterproof layer.
- Modified Bitumen: Modified bitumen is combined with polymerized rubber or plastic, and reinforced with fiberglass. \
- EPDM, PVC, or TPO Roofing: These commercial roofing applications are also known as roofing membranes. They are synthetic materials developed specifically for the roofing industry.
Metal Roofing’s Durability
Durability is a key consideration when looking for a new commercial roof, and durability is one of the main factors in a metal roof’s longevity. Metal roofs are resistant to cracking and warping from natural temperature fluctuations and have extreme resistance to harsh weather conditions.
In fact, when installed correctly, most metal roofs can resist winds of over one hundred miles per hour! Metal roofs also resist rot, rust, and corrosion, which is why they are known to last longer than asphalt roofs and other types of commercial systems.
Fire Resistance
Another area where metal roofing excels is fire resistance. If your building is located in an area with a hot or dry climate that is susceptible to wildfires, then a metal roof might be the best choice. Even homeowners in these areas have been switching to metal roofs, as opposed to asphalt shingle roofing.
Environmentally Friendly
Many companies don’t take into account the afterlife of their roofing materials. And while most types of roofing material are long-lasting while in use, unfortunately, they last even longer in a landfill. With a metal roof, however, once it’s reached the end of its useful life, it can be recycled into other materials.
A metal roof also provides more energy efficiency than other types of commercial roofing materials. Metal reflects heat up and away from your building and cools very quickly, so it won’t store heat and release it into your building when the sun goes down.
Aesthetically Pleasing
While good looks aren’t everything, they do count for something! The sleek lines and smooth surface of a metal roof are much more pleasing to the eye than other types of commercial roofing materials.
Metal roofing is also available in different colors, and can be selected to match your brand colors or a particular color scheme on your building. If you’re making the investment in a roof that is going to last for a while, why not invest in the beauty of your commercial building at the same time?
The Life Expectancy of a Metal Roof
The life expectancy of a metal roof is dependent on a few different factors: the quality of the metal, the type of metal and how it was installed.
The most common types of metal for commercial roofs are aluminum, stainless steel, and galvanized zinc. They all have different costs and different characteristics; for example, aluminum is the lightest, but is also thinner and more prone to dents. Galvanized zinc is more expensive, but has a lifespan that’s a few years longer than aluminum or stainless steel. The best course of action is to talk to your roofing contractor. Then he or she can use that information to recommend a metal roofing system that’s best suited to your specific needs.
The average lifespan of a metal roof can be upwards of 70 years, provided that the roof installation was performed correctly and it has undergone regular maintenance. Additionally, most systems come with a warranty.
Extend Roof Life Through Regular Maintenance
Regular roof maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of a commercial roof. The more frequently you maintain your metal roof, the longer it will last. Just like any type of commercial roofing system, inspections are recommended twice per year.
Regular inspections are not just a good idea for your roof – inspectors also look at your roof’s drains, scuppers, and gutters to make sure that water is draining properly and that other debris are not collecting.
TEMA: Metal Roof Experts
Metal is a durable roofing material that can easily be repaired, replaced and maintained. If you’re thinking about installing a new roof for your commercial building, it’s great to know that with proper maintenance, your metal roof can last upwards of 70 years! So when it comes to the question of “how long does a commercial metal roof last,” here’s your answer: the life of your business!
When the time comes to make a decision about your commercial roof, work with a roofing company you can trust! With three generations’ worth of combined experience in the commercial roofing industry, look no further than TEMA Roofing Services. If you have any questions about the longevity or cost effectiveness of metal roofs, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
