The secret to a long-lasting flat roof? Good commercial roof maintenance!
As one of the most common commercial roofing solutions, flat roofs are often an investment, meant to protect your property and provide excellent value. That means flat roof life expectancy is a very important factor to consider when it comes to maintaining a business or commercial property.
So what is the life expectancy of a flat roof? The answer to that question can vary, but it mainly comes down to effective commercial roof maintenance practices. In today’s post, the San Antonio commercial roofing experts at Dolan Roofing are taking a closer look at flat roof life expectancy—and how you can get the most from your roof!
What is the life expectancy of a flat roof?
Most flat roofs will carry a warranty of around 10-20 years, depending on the specific material, the roofing company, and the roofer’s relationship to the manufacturer. Flat roofs can last longer than that, usually around 20-25 years, but the specific lifespan depends on a number of factors.
For instance, poor or faulty installation will dramatically reduce the lifespan of a flat roof. Assuming effective installation, however, the most important factor when it comes to the life expectancy of a flat roof is maintenance.
The importance of flat roof maintenance
It’s easy to think you can have your roof installed and then forget about it for the next 20 years. However, a neglected roof is much more likely to sustain damage, leak, and generally function poorly compared to one that is well maintained. Here are a few things you can do to maintain your roof:
Regular cleaning
A clean roof is a happy roof! We’re not sure if that’s a saying, but it ought to be. Roofs covered in dirt and debris are particularly prone to drainage issues. That’s because leaves, dirt, and other debris is liable to clog drains, gutters, and scuppers, giving water no route to exit your roof. If water is left standing on your roof, that’s a recipe for leaks—and eventually, a roof replacement.
Keeping your roof clear of debris is a good way to avoid roofing issues down the line.
Minimize foot traffic
On a flat roof, foot traffic is often inevitable. After all, someone needs to clean the roof somehow, and maintenance crews need to access important roof-mounted equipment. However, the less traffic on your roof’s surface, the better. Despite their appearance, flat roofs aren’t generally built to be walked on, and scuffs and scrapes can leave your roof vulnerable to damage.
Schedule inspections at least annually
If you take nothing else from this post, at least take this piece of advice: regular roof inspections are probably the most important thing you can do to maximize the lifespan of your roof! Why is that? Well, they say knowledge is power, and that certainly applies here. Having a professional roofer in San Antonio take a close look at your roof at least once (and preferably twice) per year will ensure that you know exactly what’s happening up above.
An experienced roofer is much better equipped to spot potential problems and damage early on, which makes addressing the issue through a roof repair much easier and much more effective. They’ll also be able to provide recommendations for best practices moving forward.
Dolan Roofing Can Help Maximize the Life Expectancy of Your Flat Roof!
This may sound like a lot to keep track of, and in some ways it is. Luckily, when you partner with Dolan Roofing, you won’t have to keep up with your flat roof maintenance all on your own!
At Dolan Roofing, we offer a commercial roof maintenance program that provides complete care and upkeep for your flat roof to maximize its life expectancy. Throughout all our years spent in storm restoration and repair, we’ve learned one very important thing: good maintenance is the key to a healthy roof! Regular inspections, cleaning, and priority repairs are just a few of the benefits offered through our maintenance program.
Let Dolan Roofing San Antonio be your partner for keeping your flat roof as healthy as possible! Contact us today to learn more.
