Though commercial roof expenditures are not as common as employee payroll or merchandise acquisition costs, business owners still need to pay attention to their shop’s roofing—and without proper care and maintenance, the cost for proper roofing can get very high very quickly. When properly installed and maintained, your roof will protect your valuable assets, employees, and operations from the elements—but without proper care, even the highest quality commercial roofs can deteriorate prematurely. Let us walk you through some of our proven strategies for extending the lifespan of commercial roofs.

The Factors That Influence a Commercial Roof Lifespan

Proper commercial roof maintenance can increase your roof’s lifespan by 21 years, which translates to significant cost savings over time. In contrast, a cave-in due to a failing roof can cause collateral damage to inventory, equipment, and interior structures, disrupt business operations, and create safety hazards for employees and customers.

Keep these following factors in mind while installing your roof, in order to extend its lifespan as long as possible.

Roofing Material Selection

The material used in your commercial roof will significantly impact its longevity, as different commercial roofing materials offer varying lifespans:

• TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): 20–30 years with proper maintenance
• EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): Can extend beyond 40 years when properly installed
• Metal Roofing Systems: 40–70 years with adequate slope and installation
• PVC Roofing: In our experience, PVC roofs often last up to 30 years

Installation Quality

Even the highest quality materials can fail prematurely if they do not meet safety and installation regulations. A professional installation job will ensure proper seam sealing, flashing installation, and adherence to manufacturer specifications.

Climate and Weather Exposure

Climate plays a significant role in roof longevity—especially in Pennsylvania, heavy snow, temperature fluctuations, and summer heat can impact the performance of your commercial roof.

Recognizing Signs of Roof Deterioration

If you catch any signs of deterioration early, you can fix them before they turn into more major issues. Look for these signs of potential structural problems:

• Cracks, tears, or punctures in the roofing membrane
• Cracks, tears, or punctures in the roofing membrane
• Cracks, tears, or punctures in the roofing membrane
• Cracks, tears, or punctures in the roofing membrane