Commercial Roof Lifespan in Idaho: Factors Affecting Durability

As a Gem State property owner, commercial roof lifespan in Idaho has to be a focus. Idaho has a diverse climate, including snowy winters and very hot summers, and these conditions can take a toll on a roof. It’s important to choose the right materials and understand what it takes to maintain a commercial roof, especially if you’re considering a roof replacement. This guide on commercial roof lifespan will help you choose the right roofing system for your needs and ensure it protects your building for years to come.

Why Lifespan Matters for Commercial Property

While it’s not the only factor, the average lifespan of the roofing materials chosen for a commercial property can impact the property’s value. It can also determine how much maintenance will be required, how durable the roofing system will be against the elements, and almost always dictate the roof’s longevity—providing more value for the money spent on a roof replacement project.

Key Factors Impacting Commercial Roof Lifespan

Several factors will impact the practical lifespan of a commercial roofing system. The following are the most significant of those factors to consider.

Roofing Materials

The choice of roofing materials is one of the most significant factors affecting the expected lifespan of a commercial roof. Different materials have unique characteristics:

• Metal roofing: Metal roofing is known for its extreme durability. A properly installed metal roof can last 40-70 years.
• Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles are common in residential roofing but can also be used on commercial properties. They typically last 15-30 years, depending on the quality of the shingles and maintenance performed.
• Single-ply roofing: Single-ply roofing systems are ideal for flat and low-slope roofs on commercial buildings. These roofing membranes create waterproof barriers and install relatively easily. They’re also affordable. Materials like EPDM, TPO, and PVC aren’t as durable as other roofing options but are easy to repair.
• Built-up roofing: Built-up roofing, or BUR, is a layered system of asphalt-based bitumen and layers of roofing felts designed for flat and low-slope roofs. They’re very durable but can be too heavy for older commercial building roofing systems and the installation process is labor intensive.
• Mod-Bit: Modified bitumen roofing systems are also for flat or low-slope roofs and consist of bitumen and reinforcement layers, creating a durable and waterproof surface, but are more labor intensive than single-ply systems.
• Slate roofs and clay tile roofs: While these systems are not common for commercial properties, they might be required in some historic districts. These premium materials can exceed 50 years of lifespan (often more than 100 years), but come at a higher cost.

Regular Inspections and Proper Maintenance

Regular inspections and proper maintenance are vital to extending the roof’s lifetime. Inspections can help catch any issues such as missing shingles, torn flashing, or minor issues and can help with staying on top of debris removal, gutter maintenance, and regular cleaning. Neglecting these preventive tasks can lead to costly repairs or even a premature commercial roof replacement—both of which may be avoidable with proper attention.

Extreme Weather Conditions

Idaho’s extreme weather is difficult on commercial roofs. High winds, heavy snow, intense heat, and other weather events can accelerate the wear and tear on a commercial roof, causing severe damage.

• Snow and ice: Snow can be very heavy. Accumulation can strain the structural integrity of the building and cause leaks. They can also cause ice dams, which stop water from draining and force it back into the building.
• Windstorms: The high winds that Idaho often experiences can result in missing shingles, membranes lifting off roofing decks, or other damage that requires immediate attention.

Installation Quality

Roofing is one of the materials that relies as much on the installation as it does the materials. Finding a roofing contractor with experience in commercial roofing in Idaho might ensure a better-quality installation, promoting the roof’s longevity. On the other hand, inexperience leads to major problems down the line, necessitating a premature replacement.

Material Quality

The quality of the materials chosen for a new roof also impacts the roof’s life expectancy. High-quality shingles, membranes, adhesives, metal, insulation, and other components provide better protection against water damage and leaks.

Ways to Extend a Commercial Roof’s Lifespan

If it’s not time for a roof replacement, you might still have time to extend your roof’s life expectancy. The following tips, along with the help of an experienced roofing contractor, can help you get the most out of your roof.

Proactive Maintenance

One of the most important tips to extend the life of a commercial roof is to stay on top of maintenance. Make sure to have professional inspections performed, clean the surface, remove any clogs or blockages in gutters and drainage systems, and take care of any small issues that might arise.

Proper Drainage

As mentioned, proper drainage is key to preventing expensive damage. Make sure that any gutters, scuppers, downpipes, and other components of the drainage systems are clear to promote waterflow and prevent leaks.

Investing in Repairs

Property owners need to invest in repairs any time their roofing system is showing signs of wear or damage. Spending money on small repairs can avoid the bigger, more expensive projects like roof replacements and structural repairs down the road.

Choosing the Right Materials

Property owners must select the right materials for their specific needs. While metal roofing may offer longevity, asphalt shingles may be the more affordable option for properties with sloped roofs. For flat roofs, single-ply, BUR, and mod-bit systems are often the most cost-effective and provide the best overall solution.

Average Lifespan of Common Commercial Roofing Materials

Common Causes of Premature Roof Replacement

Now that you know how to prolong the life of your commercial roof, let’s take a look at some of the most common ways to shorten it.

• Poor Maintenance: Never neglect regular maintenance. If you’re not inspecting, cleaning, and repairing your roofing system, you’re cutting your roof’s life drastically short.
• Extreme Weather Conditions: Constant exposure to fluctuating weather conditions accelerates aging, making roof replacement inevitable sooner than expected. In Idaho, extreme weather can be hard to avoid, so be sure to stay on top of maintenance and inspections.
• Improper Installation: Poor initial installation or the use of substandard materials results in an unstable roof prone to leaks and major problems. Using a reputable contractor that will help you choose the right materials and knows how to install it properly will make a significant difference.
• Neglected Repairs: Ignoring small repairs can exacerbate damage, leading to costly repairs or the need for a new roof.

Importance of Professional Inspections

Regular inspections ensure that any visible damage, wear and tear, or other risks are caught early. Having your roof inspected allows property owners to take proactive measures and avoid severe damage that could shorten the roof’s lifespan.

Let AAA Roofing Handle Your Idaho Roofing Needs

For property owners in Idaho, understanding the factors influencing a commercial roof lifespan is critical. At AAA Roofing, we help customers solve their commercial roofing needs with our 35-plus years of industry experience. We work with high-quality materials and help our customers set up routine maintenance schedules to keep their roof replacements in top shape for as long as possible. If commercial roof longevity is your concern, contact AAA Roofing today.