What are some of the durability differences between commercial roof types?

A commercial roof is a big investment so naturally you’ll want to get as many years of use as possible. That could be as low as 10 years, or 50 years and up. Why the difference? Durability comes down to a few factors, including the type of roof, having it installed correctly, and how much regular maintenance it gets.

Choosing a professional commercial roofer in Vancouver will address the installation and maintenance factors. Look for one that has expertise and experience with flat roof construction, as well as performs ongoing spot checks and repairs. As for the roof options, here are how the different types of roofs compare.

Inverted or “upside-down” roof

The insulated layer sits on top of the waterproofing layer, which affords more protection from common causes of roof wear like surface foot traffic, temperature fluctuations that promote a damaging chill-&-thaw cycle, and UV radiation from the sun. The entire structure is designed to last significantly longer than traditional systems. A green roof falls in this category. Inverted roofs typically last 30-50 years.

1-ply systems

This is a common type of roof used on commercial buildings. There are three kinds of material used in single ply roofs: 

1. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), lasting upwards of 30 years

2. PVC (polyvinyl chloride), lasting 20+ years

3. TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), which lasts 15-20 years

Commercial Built Up Roofs 

Built-up roofs, also called BUR roofs, tend to have shorter life spans. Typically, a well-maintained tar and gravel roof will need replacing every 10 to 15 years. Because of this, built-up roofs are becoming less popular than longer lasting options. 

Commercial Torch On Roofs

Torch on roofing can generally last twenty-five years or more without requiring serious maintenance. 

After choosing any type of roof, remember that regular maintenance, spot checks after weather events, and fixing issues ASAP will help push a roof's durability toward the longer end of the spectrum.