Roofing System Life Cycles
Many clients have questions regarding the expected life cycle of their new roofing system. Every roof will reach the end of its lifespan at some point in the future, though there is no exact science to pinpointing a date or year when that time will come. First, understand that each commercial roof lifespan consists of the same general stages:
- New installation, the stage of the roof’s build
- Service, typically several years after the installation and up to 15+ years after
- Warranty, the time period when the roof is reaching the end of its warranty
- Reroofing, when the roof is due for replacement
The time between the new installation of your roof and reroofing can be anywhere from 10 to 30 years, depending on several key factors along the way.
During the installation phase of the roof, you will be working closely with your chosen contractor to select materials. This stage, as you might imagine, is the most critical. Quality of workmanship and quality of materials cannot be changed or “redone” later on. Think of it this way—invest now instead of paying the price later. Work with a contractor who will deliver the highest quality final result and use the highest quality materials. The benefit of doing so will be evident in the longer lifespan of your roof, particularly compared to one constructed poorly or with lower quality materials.
The choice of materials will in large part be affected by the climate and environment in which your business is located. Will your building’s roof be exposed to strong UV rays during the summer? Will it need to handle significant snow and ice accumulation like we see in Greater Cleveland? Are there frequent temperature variations? All of these questions will go into your contractor’s recommendations for roofing materials.
While the installation phase is key, the longevity of your roof will ultimately be determined by your commitment to regular roofing maintenance and service in the years that follow.
Are you willing to adhere to a recommended preventative maintenance schedule? If not, your roof’s lifespan may be severely reduced by an undetected problem. Be wary of taking the “out of sight, out of mind” approach to your building’s roof. Without regular inspection by a certified roofing professional, problems that an untrained eye would not detect will go unnoticed—and unresolved. There’s a huge benefit to adhering to a regular maintenance schedule: It can extend the life of your roof by 25%.
If your building is due for a new roof and you have questions about the process, do not hesitate to contact the Warren Roofing® team. You can also request a quote for our roofing installation services.