How Long Does a Flat Roof Last? All You Need to Know

When it comes to buildings, and more specifically roofs, you will have plenty of choices regarding the materials you will protect your ceilings with. It would be best to consider the area you live in and what your roof will expose to find the best material for your office or home. If you want to know how long does a flat roof last, we invite you to keep reading this blog.

As we all know, nothing can last forever without proper maintenance. That is why you have to be aware of your building’s lifespan. Which begs the question: how long will my flat roofing system last before I have to replace it?

There are many types of flat roofs manufactured for commercial buildings. Here, we will discuss five types of flat roofing materials that can be a good fit for your commercial needs.

Do Not Assume Your Roof Has A Set Expiration Date

One of the most important things you need to know is that the life expectancies of your roof are merely a guideline. You should still inspect it regularly and give it the maintenance and repairs it deserves.

Some other aspects will also affect your roof, like the weather, humidity, weight of roof installations, and any activity that may happen there. So, do keep those factors in mind when figuring out how long your roof will last.

Wondering how long does a flat roof last? Traditional flat roofs can last up to 50 years with proper installation and maintenance. However, this depends on the roof material you choose. Following, we will discuss the seven most popular commercial roof materials and their life expectancies.

7 Most Popular Commercial Roofing Systems

Rubber Roofs

Rubber roofs are lighter, easier to repair, and need less maintenance than other types of roofs. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomergood (EPDM) rubber is suitable for harsh weather, like snow and hailstorms. However, they are vulnerable to punctures; also, wear and tear can lead to water leaks.

The average functional life of a membrane roof made of EPDM rubber is anywhere from 35 to 40 years. However, if installed correctly and maintained regularly, it can last for longer, up to the 45 to 50-year range.

PVC Roofs

PVC roofs are made from polyvinyl chloride, a more robust and more stable plastic than other materials. Thanks to their heat resistance, they can be welded by the seams, unlike other membranes.

They are best suited for roofs that have to withstand long, sunny days and the UV rays they entail. They are resistant to fires, chemicals, and leaks; however, their lifespan is far shorter, in the range of 15 to 20 years.

Built-Up Roofs

Unlike these membrane roofs, a more traditional method for over 100 years is installing roofing layers felt and covered with hot tar; these roofs are well protected against water and fire and last from 15 to 30 years. With proper maintenance, you can extend their lifespan to 40 years.

TPO Roofing

Thermoplastic Polyolefin roofs are single-ply roof membranes similar to PVC roofs. This effectively provides heat reflection, making the buildings cooler overall. Generally speaking, these types of roofing last from 20 to 30 years.

Metal Roofs

Unlike PVC, synthetic, or rubber roofs, metal is a significantly more resistant material. When properly installed, an aluminum or steel roof can withstand heavy winds, water, snow, hail, and fire with ease. They also enjoy the most extended lifespan, from 40 to 70 years of use.

The downsides of such materials are the costs (which can go up to three times the cost of other materials), noisiness when raining or hailing, and repair costs.

Tar and Gravel Roof

Tar and gravel roofing systems are one of the most budget-friendly systems in the market. It has lots of advantages, like UV protection, safe to walk on, and more. It is also an excellent option for decks and areas that overlook the roof.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Like built-up roofs, modified bitumen is an asphalt-made roofing system designed for commercial structures with flat structures. And it has a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years.

Get Professional Roofing Assistance When Needed

Now that you know some of the most popular roofing systems in the market and how long does a flat roof last, it’s time to get to work. If you need professional roofing assistance, do not hesitate to contact us to get our commercial roofing services.