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Category: Roofing

Five Signs of Rain Gutter Replacement

Rain gutters are among the things that you don’t notice when they’re working correctly. They do their job, and you go about your day without thinking about it. This is a good thing as long as they hold up–and they don’t always.

You might not know when to replace your gutters because the warning signs are subtle. Even in the mild southern California climate, your rain gutters must function properly to prevent significant damage to other parts of your home and property.

How Do You Know if Your Gutters Are Bad?

Sometimes you need a professional to look at the condition of your gutters to know for sure if you need rain gutter replacement. Much of the time, though, you can get a good idea yourself by spotting the major indications of bad gutters. These five signs will let you know when to replace your gutters.

1. Water Marks or Signs of Water Damage Near Gutters

If you look around your gutters, particularly just below them, and notice water stains or even signs of water damage, that’s a clear warning that the system isn’t functioning correctly. It’s an indication that you should have an expert take a look.

2. Cracks in the Rain Gutters

If you can see cracks on the outside of your rain gutters, they are likely close to the end of their lifespan. In fact, the damage could be even worse on the inside. Paint peeling away from the surface is also a sign of bad rain gutters.

3. Gutters Pulling Away From the Roof

This isn’t always a sign that you need rain gutter replacement, but it’s often a symptom of worn-out gutters. It could simply be an issue with the nails, and your gutters could be fine. But if they are pulling away from the roof, then there’s a good chance the system needs replacing.

4. Leaking Gutters

In California, rain gutters can be hard to monitor. You can look for other signs if you don’t see it leaking while it’s raining. There can be depressions, especially in a line along the ground below your gutters that drips have dug.

5. Rotten or Peeling Shingles Near the Gutters

Damage to your roof can often tell you when to replace gutters. If your rain gutters aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to water pooling, mildew growing, and other signs of deterioration. Your shingles will bear the brunt of the problem. They will start to break down, rot, and crack or peel away from the roof.

What Is the Most Common Problem With Rain Gutters?

The most common problem is clogged gutters. Gutters that stay clogged can deteriorate faster and lead to other problems. Water can sit against shingles and cause rot. The weight of debris and water in clogged gutters can pull them away from the roof. Having your gutters cleaned regularly helps alleviate this issue.

Water dripping from your roof and leaking gutters can damage the foundation, leak into the garage, or ruin landscaping. We all know how much it can cost to landscape a home in southern California, so you want to take care of your rain gutters.

How Often Should Gutters Be Replaced?

With regular cleaning and maintenance, your rain gutters can last over 20 years. Of course, their lifespan can get significantly shorter if they remain clogged for extended periods.

Should You Replace Gutters When Replacing Your Roof?

The lifespan of your rain gutters is similar to that of your roof. That means replacing your gutters when replacing your roof is a good idea. Also, it can be easier to do them both at the same time.

Contact Roof Repair Specialist for Rain Gutter Replacement

When it’s time to replace your rain gutters, contact the experts at Roof Repair Specialist. We can craft the right system for your home.

Does Installing Solar Panels Void Roof Warranty?

Many homeowners want to install solar panels to lower their utility bills and have a home power source that does not rely solely on the local utility company. While there are many things to consider before installation, the most common question is, “Does installing solar panels affect roof warranty?”

Generally, solar system installation should not void the warranty on your roof if done correctly and according to the roofing manufacturer’s guidelines. Keep your warranty and roof intact, even with modifications like solar panels and skylights, with the following information.   

Understanding Solar and Roofing Warranties

Your solar panels and roofing should work in unison to improve your home and quality of life. As such, your panels should not undermine your roof and vice versa. Let’s discuss the different warranties you have for the roof and solar array.

Solar Warranties

Solar panel installations come with the following warranties:

Product Warranty: This covers any potential defects the panels and inverters may have come with when they rolled off of the assembly line. The duration of coverage differs for every manufacturer. For instance, inverters are covered for 10-12 years, while panels will have longer coverage.

Power or Performance Warranty: This ensures the energy production of your panels for the first ten years, with 90 percent of the predicted output. As solar panels age, they deteriorate and provide at least 1% less energy each year.

Workmanship Guarantee: Professional solar installers typically provide a warranty on their work, assuring that it adheres to the highest industry standards and requires no rework or repairs.

Roofing Warranties

Your roof will have separate warranties for the materials and labor:

Standard Warranty: As with solar panels, this covers only production defects by the manufacturer, not installation-related damage or wear and tear. The length of coverage typically varies according to the material type. For example, asphalt shingles feature 20-year warranties, whereas metal roofs have a longer coverage.

Workmanship Warranty: Roofing contractors stand by their work, and these labor warranties guarantee that you won’t have issues with their installation.

What Situations Will Void Roof Warranty?

If you decide to go solar, you may ask yourself, “Does installing solar panels void my roof warranty?”

Well, it depends.

If, after a roofing contractor builds your roof, a solar company installs solar panels and, in the process, adds other roofing elements, the roofing company will not cover the new features. For example, if the solar company drills holes in the roof for panel assembly mounting and adds flashing, the flashing will not be covered by the roofing contractor’s warranty. As a homeowner, you could simplify the process by having the roofer install the flashing for the solar panels. That way, you’ll know that your roofing contractor covers any resulting roof damage. 

However, keep in mind that some roofers will void your warranty altogether if any part of the roof was altered by the solar company or a third party. As such, it’s best to discuss these details with your roofer before doing business with them.

Dealing with Voided Roof Warranty

The best way to maintain a roof warranty amidst a solar panel installation is to consult your original roofer. They will advise you or your solar installer on ensuring the roof won’t sustain damage and have its warranty voided.

Should the unfortunate occur and you’re left with an invalidated roof warranty, your solar installer should cover the damage. Most workmanship guarantees ensure there will be no issues with their work quality. Rest assured that you’re covered, even if you know there’s a favorable answer to whether solar panels void roof warranties or not.

But what happens when you need a new roof with solar panels?Work with a trusted contractor in the Los Angeles area like Roof Repair Specialist to replace your roof. Also, you will need to contact your solar installer and have them remove the mounted array before starting any roofing work. Then, when they re-install the system, make sure they follow your roofer’s recommendations to prevent voiding the warranties.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Roof? [Your Expert Guide]

The roofing system is one of the most critical parts of your home. It adds to your property’s curb appeal and protects you from Mother Nature. But the roof will go through wear and tear over time and may get damaged by the same elements it shields your home from. 

Investing in roof repairs prolongs your roofing system’s life span and helps you avoid getting a roof replacement prematurely. But how much does it cost to repair a roof, and what factors are included in the price? Let’s take a look at them. 

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Roof?

As of 2021, homeowners typically spend between $366 to $1,570 for roof repairs. However, your actual cost would still depend on the type of repairs you need. Repairing or replacing a few cracked shingles could cost as low as a few hundred dollars. On the other hand, a full roof tile replacement could be a five-figure repair job. 

What’s Included in the Cost of a Roof Repair Job?

Let’s go over the factors that a professional roofer typically considers when making a roofing repair estimate.

Scope of Work

The type of roof damage and the size of the damaged area affects how much time it will take and the amount of expertise and manpower needed to fix the problem. The more complex and labor-intensive the work, the costlier it is. Changing a broken shingle or flashing would be less complicated and cheaper than patching up a large puncture or repairing the trusses. 

Materials

What type of roofing material does your roof have? In general, a roofing contractor will charge more if they’re repairing or replacing an expensive material. Higher quality shingles such as slate, tiles, or wood shake are often harder to install than more affordable materials like asphalt shingles. 

Warranties

Roofing professionals can also offer warranties for roof repairs to ensure that your roof stays in good condition. At Roof Repair Specialist, we provide repair warranties covering your roof from two to twelve years, depending on the roofing material.

The Cost of Neglecting Roof Maintenance and Repairs

Still on the fence about whether you should go through with the roof repairs or not? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of ignoring your roof’s repair needs. While not spending money on repairs and maintenance may seem like a good way to save some cash, it may prove costly in the long run. 

Disadvantages of Neglecting Repairs

  • Existing roof damage can deteriorate to the point where you might have to spend money on a new and more expensive roof installation.
  • A damaged roof means that your home could be more vulnerable to the elements. You could have more leaks, and pests might enter through the roof. 
  • Roof damage could lead to poorer insulation and make your home less energy efficient. 
  • Your property’s value could diminish since the buyer would likely be the one to handle the roof repairs. 

Contact Us for Estimates Today

Knowing how much it costs to repair a roof can help you prepare the right budget for it. Roof repairs can be worth the investment, especially if you’ve got reliable and licensed roofers to do the job safely and correctly. 

Want to know how much your roof repairs might cost? You can call the folks here at Roof Repair Specialist in Los Angeles, CA. Together, we’ll schedule an appointment to evaluate your roof. 

Types of Roof Damage You Can’t Afford to Overlook

The roof is critical in shielding your home from the sun, rain, and other elements of nature. However, your roof may sustain damage over time owing to a variety of factors such as high winds, falling tree limbs, and even local wildlife. Whatever the cause, the damage could progress to the point where repairs or perhaps a complete roof replacement would be required to remedy the situation.

Here’s a guide on the different kinds of roof damage that need your immediate attention. 

Types of Roof Damage That You Shouldn’t Ignore

Roof Blisters

A blister occurs when trapped pockets of air form between layers of roofing. When the temperature outside rises, the air expands from the heat, raising that section of the roof and forming blisters.

You may be able to ignore small blisters for the time being, but they can rapidly grow as air accumulates. If you discover large bubbles (greater than 2 inches in diameter), it’s best to have them repaired as soon as possible. One large blister can spread to others on the roof, or become even larger and eventually rupture, resulting in leaks. 

Missing Shingles

Shingles can become dislodged by high winds and flying debris, exposing the roof’s underlayment to weather damage. If you ignore the missing shingles, you’ll likely end up with leaks and harsher indoor temperatures. Wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels may seek shelter in the remaining roof structure, causing additional damage. Contact a professional roofing company to replace missing shingles before the problem gets bigger.

Loose or Corroded Roof Flashing

A roof’s flashing pertains to the thin metal sheets—typically aluminum or galvanized steel—that are installed under shingles. The flashing directs water away from the joints of architectural features, such as the chimney, skylights, or dormers.

Heat and moisture will corrode and deteriorate the flashing over time. The flashing could also dislodge when wildlife or debris pull or strike them, and result in water intrusion and costly interior damage to your home.

Roof Punctures

Though California is known for having beautiful weather, the occasional storm can cause wind-carried debris and overhanging tree branches to fall and puncture the roof. Punctures can also occur from the weight of foot traffic from people who visit the roof: possible HVAC contractors, painters, chimney sweeps, and house occupants. 

Why Should a Bad Roof Be Addressed Promptly?

You might be tempted to put off roof repairs to save money. But keep in mind that you could end up having to deal with much costlier emergency repairs later on. Leaving the roof alone means you’re letting the damage worsen. 

And since your roof is your house’s first line of defense against the elements, a damaged roof can’t protect you and the rest of your household. 

What Are the Signs of a Failing Roof?

So how can you tell if your roof’s got problems? Let’s check out some of the common exterior and interior signs of roof damage.

  • Water Stains: A leaky roof can let water run down to the ceiling and the walls inside your house, resulting in water stains.
  • Pests: If there are pests such as rodents and raccoons in the attic, they might have entered through a loose shingle, a flashing, or even a roof puncture.
  • Mold on Exterior Walls:  If the flashing no longer directs water away from joints, the moisture that sticks to the walls can allow mold to grow. 

Even if there are no visible signs of roof damage, roofing systems still have a life span. For example, asphalt shingles typically last between 15 to 30 years and have warranties that are just as long. Have your roof inspected to see what needs to be repaired or replaced.

Need a Roofing Expert for Repairs? 

While it’s tempting to fix the roof damage by yourself, you could risk voiding your warranty and insurance policy as it can lead to even further damage. To ensure that your roof repairs are done safely and properly, consider hiring a professional roofer from Roof Repair Specialist. We’ll conduct thorough evaluations of your roof to determine what repair or replacement solutions best meet your needs.

Contact us to get answers to all of your roofing concerns. 

What Is Flashing on a Roof? [Your Guide to Roof Flashing]

Flashing is a thin layer of metal that is used to direct water away from certain areas of a roof, such as vertical features like chimneys.

What is flashing on a roof made of? Usually, non-corrosive metals, including aluminum, lead, or steel. Copper is used occasionally for custom roofs. Flashing can alternately be made of plastic, rubber, or roofing felt.

When flashing is installed, it is sealed to prevent water from getting under it and damaging the roof. If you need new residential flashing, ensure that it is installed correctly by finding an experienced, well-reviewed roofing contractor near you. And if you manage a commercial roof, you’ll need to occasionally inspect the flashing and other features on it.

What Is Roofing Flashing’s Purpose?

Roofers install flashing around roof points that could be vulnerable to water damage, such as skylights, chimneys, and vents. Without flashing, water could run off of shingles and into the seams or spaces around those features. But flashing channels the water back onto the shingles and ultimately into the gutters or off the side of the roof. 

Flashing can be crucial to the long-term integrity of your roof. A single point where water persistently enters could eventually lead to rotten roof boards (decking), along with water damage in the home itself. And that could mean tearing up the shingles and replacing many of the materials underneath. 

Poorly installed flashing is a common culprit when your roof springs a leak. It could even lead to the collapse of decking materials, which is one reason flashing is covered in local building codes.

Does Your Roof Need Flashing? 

A professional roofer can tell you how much flashing—if any—your particular roof needs. Certain features of roofs are more likely to create leaks than others. These include roof valleys, the place where the walls of a dormer feature meet the roof, and skylights, among others. 

Does your roof include any feature that will create an unusually high volume of rain runoff? Does it include opposing surfaces (like a roof and chimney)? Vulnerable areas like those may need to be sealed with flashing.

Does Flashing Go Over or Under Shingles?

Flashing is often installed under roofing materials like shingles. In a roof valley, the flashing is placed between the two intersecting roof edges to channel water down the valley. Shingles are placed partly on top of the flashing, causing more water to drop into the valley, where the flashing is often left open to the air. 

Around a chimney, multiple pieces of metal flashing are laid down. They are often shaped like an L, and attached to the chimney with mortar. Shingles are then laid over the horizontal part of the flashing; the flashing and shingles together should direct water away. However, flashing can sit on top of the shingles on the front of the chimney (the part farthest downslope).

Flashing is also placed around pipes and vents. A watertight seal is applied around the pipe itself. The metal flashing is attached to the roof. And shingles can be placed over the flashing on the highest point of roof, but the flashing will often be placed over the shingles at the lowest point, allowing water to run off the flashing and back onto the shingles.

What Are the Types of Flashing on a Roof?

Various shapes of flashing have been invented for different roof features. Examples include: 

  • Apron or Continuous: Long sections of metal, which often include expansion joints.
  • Valley: Placed where two roof sections meet in a valley.
  • Base: The downslope piece of flashing installed on a chimney or similar feature that requires multiple pieces of flashing.
  • Counter: Used on the upslope area and sides of features like chimneys and paired with base flashing.
  • Skylight: Flashing specialized in protecting skylight seams.
  • Step: Bent sections of metal placed at the base of a wall that intersects a roof; often paired with kickout flashing, which channels water from the wall into a gutter.
  • Drip Edges: Thin strips of metal at the edges of roofs to ensure rain runs off without touching the wooden surface underneath.

Get Professional Flashing Installation & Maintenance

Working with metal flashing pieces is a difficult and important job. Installed correctly, it prevents major, expensive roof damage, but incorrect installation can put your home or business at risk. That’s why you should contact Roof Repair Specialist for this job or any other roofing needs you have.

What Is TPO Roofing [& How Can You Get It]?

If you’re looking for commercial roofing in Los Angeles, there are several roofing options to choose from. TPO roofing is one of them, and it is a relatively new roofing material that offers many benefits. In fact, it is fast becoming a favorite among businesses and commercial property owners. So just what is TPO roofing?

TPO roofing, short for thermoplastic olefin, is a lightweight single-ply roofing membrane. TPO roofing material is commonly used on commercial buildings, particularly large buildings and commercial structures with flat or pitched roofs. Additionally, TPO roofing offers many of the benefits of PVC and EPDM roofing without the added costs and complications of the other materials.

What Are the Benefits of TPO Roofing?

TPO is a relatively new material that was developed in the early 1990s. That means many of the benefits are still being discovered as the material becomes more common and as it ages over time. That being said, TPO roofing offers a number of advantages that are quickly making it very popular among commercial property owners.

Lower Cost

One of the major advantages of TPO roofing in Los Angeles over PVC and EPDM is its cost. It offers many of the benefits of the others at a lower price point.

Ease of Installation

TPO roofing is also easy to install. It can be laid quite quickly as a single layer across virtually any commercial roof. A company whose roofing services include a strong track record of installing TPO roofing can get the job done in a relatively short amount of time.

Versatility

TPO roofing is versatile in that it can fit many types of roofs. TPO roofing can accommodate varying sizes, shapes, and slopes of roofs. The key to effective installation is to find a roofing company that is experienced with TPO roofing.

Energy Efficiency

TPO roofing is highly energy-efficient. Its white surface reflects the sun’s heat in warmer times of the year, which reduces air conditioning needs and energy costs. This helps make TPO roofing even more cost-effective.

Durability

TPO roofing has shown itself to be strong and durable. While the material is relatively new, it has already established a strong track record. In fact, TPO roofing can be expected to last 20-30 years, and perhaps even longer.

To ensure the durability of a new TPO roof, a business or commercial property owner should make sure the roofing company they select has enough experience with TPO roofing. While some companies may have just started working with TPO, there are others with enough installation experience to ensure a great job.

What Are TPO Roofing Disadvantages?

While TPO roofing offers a wide range of compelling advantages, there are a few concerns to take into account when considering TPO as a commercial roofing solution. The main TPO roofing problems come from the fact that it is a relatively new roofing material. This contributes to two disadvantages.

Installation Expertise

As previously mentioned, the fact that TPO roofing hasn’t been around as long as PVC or EPDM means that fewer roofers have a lot of experience with installing it. A roofer new to TPO could make errors during installation that could compromise your roof’s performance and durability. 

The solution to this issue is simple. Finding a roofing company, like Roof Repair Specialist, with a solid history of TPO roof installation will help ensure that you can take advantage of the many benefits of the material.

Shorter Track Record

As the years pass and more TPO roofs stand the test of time, this becomes less of an issue. But the fact remains that TPO roofing is relatively new, so there is less data on the longevity of the material. TPO roofs have shown themselves to be durable and lasting, and future data will bear this out. Until then, TPO roofing doesn’t yet have the years behind it like other roofing materials.

Is TPO Roofing Better Than EPDM or PVC?

TPO roofing is a great solution for commercial properties and businesses looking for the convenience and durability of EPDM or PVC at a lower cost. TPO roofing can be a better roofing option for cost purposes and for the fact that it is relatively low maintenance. A TPO roof can provide roofing protection for 20-30 years or longer.

How to Get TPO Roofing for Your Commercial Property

To learn more about TPO roofing and its potential benefits for your commercial property in the Los Angeles area, contact Roof Repair Specialist. We can answer your questions, repair or add life to your current roofing, or replace your roof with a number of options, including TPO roofing. Call us today for commercial roofing Los Angeles!

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

The roof over your head is one of the most important things you own. It shelters the people and things that mean the most to you, helping to keep everything safe and sound. When your roof develops leaks, the security of your home is compromised. While the severity of leaks varies, any leak is a bad leak.

If this problem arises, does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks? Like most important questions you might have about owning a home, the answer depends on a few different variables.

Continue reading “Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?”

10 Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips You Need To Know

Managing your commercial building can be a challenge. You must negotiate leases, collect rent, schedule cleaning, oversee maintenance and repairs, and resolve unexpected issues.

Your roofing system is among the most critical components of your building’s safety and structural integrity. While addressing issues as they arise is crucial to avoid more costly damage, how can you be certain that you don’t overlook something during commercial roofing maintenance or an annual inspection? Consider the following when inspecting the roof.

 

Bonus: Check out our free Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips Checklist today to help you keep track of your maintenance needs.

Get your free CRM Tips Checklist here.

 

What to Consider When Inspecting Your Roof System

Regular building inspections are part of your job as a commercial property owner or manager. Regarding roofing issues, there are some warning signs that your roof may require repairs or replacement.

Here are 10 commercial roof maintenance tips to be aware of when inspecting your roofing system, including general tips and signs of potential roofing issues inside and outside your building.

 

1. Keep Maintenance Logs

Having a record of roof maintenance activity and repairs can be invaluable. A maintenance log is a good management tool that’s useful when making repairs or even selling your property. 

In your log, record who went on the roof, when they were on the roof (date and time), where they went, and why they were there (maintenance, inspection, repair, etc.).

 

2. Record Everything You Encounter During Your Inspection

Record the state of every item you look at⁠—vents, flashing, etc. Determine whether they’re in good condition or need repairs. Take pictures and document any damage for future reference, as you may also need to make an insurance claim.

 

3. Create a Custom Toolkit

Create a toolkit with everything you need to inspect your roof. Include a checklist, roof plans, aerial photos, pencil and paper for jotting down notes, a camera to take pictures of damage, a tape measure, and a flashlight.

 

4. Check the Walls

When inspecting the interior of the building, check the walls. Look for cracks, mold, peeling or wet paint, and other damage. These issues are often signs of leaks or excessive moisture in the building. Inspect the areas and test them as soon as possible.

 

5. Check Vents and Chimneys

Inspect all areas around vents and chimneys for dampness. You may find that the flashing has broken down and needs replacement or repair.

 

6. Check Your Attic

Is there sufficient ventilation in the attic? Is there visible damage to the decking or cracks in the rafters and sheathing? Is light shining through the roof where it shouldn’t? These are all visible signs of potential damage that, if not addressed immediately, can lead to extensive and costly repairs.

 

7. Check for Leaks

Also, check for visible leaks and their location. You should address leaks quickly. A leak can lead to rot, mold, or structural damage if left unrepaired. Take pictures to document leak locations, and call a professional roofer for an inspection.

 

8. Check for Visible Damage

Look for apparent damage and large debris blocking your roof’s drainage system. Are there obvious signs of damage? Check for blocked or broken gutters and downspouts. Your roofer can take care of these issues to help prevent future damage.

 

9. Wear and Tear

Check all flashing, vents, chimneys, fascias, drip edges, and decking. Look to see if the roof is sagging, corroded, rotting, or missing parts. If any of these issues are present, contact your roofing professional.

 

10. Check These Extras on a Flat Roof

Look for ponding, punctures, holes, blisters, or anything that may have pulled away from the roof.

 

Essential Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips

After a successful inspection, you’ll need to conduct routine maintenance to keep the roofing system in good condition for many years. Here are some tips for commercial roof maintenance.

 

1. Limit Its Load

Although your commercial roof is designed to be sturdy, it has its limitations. Reduce the load on your roof to keep it in good shape. Keep people off the roof unless absolutely necessary, and limit how much you walk on it to reduce the weight it must support.

 

2. Keep It Clean

Flat commercial roofs are especially susceptible to accumulating debris and dirt. Piles of natural debris like twigs and leaves can trap moisture and encourage mold growth. Mold and decay can deteriorate your roof and weaken its structure. Set a regular cleaning schedule to remove these hot spots early. 

 

3. Unclog Gutters

Clogged gutters and drains can cause water damage to your commercial roofing, threatening its structural integrity. Moreover, unmaintained gutters create a breeding ground for mold and mildew to thrive. To prevent issues, clean it, keep it free from clogs, and regularly inspect for damaged or loose components. 

 

4. Prune Nearby Trees 

Falling tree limbs and branches from a storm may cause significant damage to the structure of your commercial roof. Trim nearby trees and shrubs to prevent impact damage and leaf and debris accumulation.

 

5. Adhere to a Commercial Roof Maintenance Schedule

Experts recommend a roof inspection at least once every six months to identify any underlying issues that need attention. At Roof Repair Specialist, we carefully inspect for undetected leaks, sagging, cracks, and other issues. Timely commercial roofing repair can significantly extend the life of the roofing system. 

 

What Type of Roof Is Used for Commercial Buildings?

Business owners across Burbank, Pasadena, and Los Angeles, CA, can choose among several commercial roofing systems. Various materials make up these roofs, and each type fits specific needs, building requirements, and budgets. But, more importantly, the roofing type determines the proper commercial roof maintenance required to preserve its original shape for the years to come. 

 

1. Metal Roofing 

Metal is one of the most durable commercial roofing options, featuring robust fire resistance ratings and strong material. It’s typically made from corrugated galvanized steel, copper, aluminum, tile sheets, or lead. Modern metal roofing comes with protective surface layers to withstand exposure to the elements and resist corrosion. 

 

2. Built-up Roofing Membrane (BUR)

This commercial roofing features layers of tar and gravel, known for its cost-effectiveness and UV-resistant properties. Because it comes in layers, commercial building managers can adjust the number of piles used to achieve the desired level of durability.

 

3. Modified Bitumen (MB)

Modified Bitumen is an asphalt-based roofing system often used in flat and low-slope commercial roofs. The material features a combination of asphalt, rubber, and fiberglass for added flexibility. 

 

4. Thermoplastic PVC and TPO Roof Membranes 

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are known for being lightweight and puncture-resistant commercial roofing options. They also have excellent weathering and high-temperature tolerance.

 

5. Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM)

EPDM is made of synthetic rubber composed of natural gas and oil and is popular for its elasticity and toughness. It effectively resists UV rays and is more affordable than other commercial roofing alternatives.

 

6. Shingles 

Although more commonly used in residential properties, some commercial establishments incorporate shingle roofing to boost their building’s curb appeal. This roofing material comes in different varieties, like asphalt, slate, plastic, and ceramic. 

 

What Is the Lifespan of a Commercial Roof?

Several factors can influence the average lifespan of a commercial roof, including the material used, whether it received adequate commercial roof maintenance, and the weather conditions in your location. We’ve covered a detailed guide on the expected lifespan of each type of commercial roofing material that you can review. Generally speaking, they can last anywhere from 10 to 60 years.

 

The following factors also play a significant role in how long your commercial roofing lasts:

 

  • Installation: Flaws in the installation process can shorten the lifespan of any roof. At Roof Repair Specialist, we handle every part of the installation with the utmost care and detail to ensure you get the best value for your money.

     

  • Commercial Roof Maintenance: Routine maintenance, inspections, and timely commercial roof repairs prevent minor problems from turning into irreversible damage.

     

  • Slope: Flat roofing systems are generally more susceptible to water pooling, and leakage is usually the first indicator of this issue.

     

  • Weather: California business owners face intense summer heat, high winter humidity, and strong winds that can damage shingles and other types of roofing systems.

As the building owner or manager, you should have a roofing professional inspect your property every spring and fall. They can address any uncovered problems and advise you on deeper issues you may not have spotted.

If you have any questions or find issues that need immediate attention, the best solution is to contact a roofing professional. If you live in the greater Pasadena, Burbank, or Los Angeles, California area, connect with the commercial roofing experts at Roof Repair Specialist.