Your building’s roofing system needs replacement as it nears the 20-year mark. Most commercial property insurers have started to limit or fully exclude coverage for buildings that have roofs older than 20 years. This age milestone marks the most important decision point for building owners and facility managers.
Commercial roofs have different lifespans based on their materials. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, while TPO roofing typically serves 20-30 years. Building owners must think over their roof’s replacement frequency carefully. Quality materials combined with proper installation can stretch a roof’s life to 30 years. However, lower-quality roofs might need replacement within just ten years. The cost of commercial roof replacement becomes crucial since $1.31B in annual premium leakage happens due to wrong roof age calculations.
Silverback Torch On Systems Ltd knows that property owners usually plan roof improvements as their system approaches its 20-25 year lifespan. This piece explores your commercial roof’s performance as it ages, maintenance strategies that work, and helps you decide between repair and replacement options.
How Roof Age Impacts Performance and Safety
Commercial roofs face major material degradation as they age, which impacts building safety and performance directly. Your building’s protection weakens as roofing materials deteriorate. To name just one example, asphalt shingles may curl or crack and lose their granules, while EPDM and TPO membranes often become brittle and tear.
Older roofs lose their water resistance dramatically. Time and prolonged exposure to rain and harsh weather can degrade single-layered membranes. The roof’s waterproofing systems lose elasticity and knowing how to prevent water infiltration, which creates major leakage risks throughout your building.
The roof’s structural integrity becomes a serious concern with age. A sagging roof signals problems that need immediate attention. Roofs older than 30 years typically need full replacement instead of repairs. Storm damage affects older roofs more severely, as high winds can separate flashing, create membrane openings, or even cause catastrophic failures.
Aging roofs also hurt energy efficiency. HVAC systems must work harder when insulation deteriorates, so energy costs rise. Modern energy-saving features are often missing in old roofs, which makes temperature regulation harder.
Let our professionals at Silverback Torch On Systems Ltd assess if maintenance, repair, or complete commercial roof replacement offers your most economical solution. Call us at 587-906-1473 to get an expert assessment of your aging commercial roof.
Maintenance Strategies for Aging Commercial Roofs
Your aging commercial roof’s lifespan can extend by 15+ years with the right maintenance approach. Professional inspections are the life-blood of good roof management. Schedule these checks twice a year – spring and fall, and after any major storms. Professional roofers will really get into your roof’s membrane to spot cracks, blisters, tears, and wear.
A clean roof stays strong longer. Quick removal of leaves and branches prevents trapped moisture, clogged drains, and faster material breakdown. Your gutters, downspouts, and roof drains need to stay clear to stop water from pooling.
Reflective coatings work well for aging roofs. These special coatings bounce off sunlight, keep heat down, and help your cooling systems run better. You’ll need to touch up these high-performance coatings every 7-10 years.
Watch those trouble spots carefully – areas around equipment mounts, penetrations, and seams tend to fail first. Quick repairs of cracks stop moisture from seeping in and causing structural problems.
Silverback Torch On Systems Ltd can give you the full picture of your roof’s condition and create a solid maintenance plan. Give us a call at 587-906-1473. Our experts will help figure out your commercial roof’s replacement timeline based on its current state. The right maintenance plan could save you significant money on replacement costs.
When to Repair vs Replace a Commercial Roof
Your commercial roof’s age and condition play a crucial role in choosing between repair and replacement. Most roofs become candidates for replacement instead of repairs as they approach 20 years. Repairs make financial sense for isolated problems, with costs ranging from CAD 696.68 to CAD 6966.80. A full replacement costs between CAD 6966.80 and CAD 27867.20.
You should think over replacement if multiple leaks continue after repairs, structural damage becomes visible, or repair costs reach 30% of a new roof’s price. Rising utility bills often signal a bigger problem – your roof’s deteriorated insulation might be forcing your HVAC systems to work harder.
Repairs remain economical for buildings with roofs under 10-15 years old that have minor damage. Older roofs near their expected lifespan benefit more from replacement, especially when repair needs increase. Professional roof inspections help determine whether your commercial roofing system needs repairs or complete replacement.
Many commercial property owners lean toward repairs because they seem cheaper at first. Industry experts point out that multiple repair cycles over 7-10 years often cost more than replacement. The best financial choice weighs immediate needs against future benefits.
Check out our website at or call Silverback Torch On Systems Ltd today at 587-906-1473 for expert commercial roof replacement services.
Conclusion
Your commercial roof’s age shapes its performance, safety, and future costs. Commercial roofs typically reach a turning point after 20 years. Insurance coverage becomes limited or stops at this stage. Natural wear affects all roofing materials during this timeframe, even the highest quality ones.
Aging roofs face several critical problems. Materials break down and start to crack, tear, and lose their water resistance. The roof’s structure weakens while energy costs rise. Storm damage becomes a bigger threat. Quick action and proper maintenance serve as the best defense against early roof failure.
Regular checks, cleaning, and targeted fixes can add 15+ years to your roof’s life if started early. A point comes when repairs stop making financial sense. The right time to replace your roof arrives when repair costs hit 30% of a new roof’s price or the roof reaches its expected lifespan.
Silverback Torch On Systems Ltd helps building owners make these tough choices. Our experts check aging roofs, create custom maintenance plans, and install quality replacements when needed. Call us at 587-906-1473 or visit to get a complete review of your commercial roof. Your building’s protection depends on smart choices made before problems grow too big to fix.
FAQs
Q1. What is the typical lifespan of a commercial roof?
The lifespan of a commercial roof generally ranges from 20 to 30 years, depending on the materials used and quality of installation. High-quality roofs with proper maintenance can last up to 30 years, while lower-quality ones may need replacement in as little as 10 years.
Q2. When should I consider replacing my commercial roof?
Consider replacing your commercial roof when it approaches 20-25 years old, especially if you’re experiencing persistent leaks, visible structural damage, or rising energy costs. If repair costs are nearing 30% of replacement costs, it’s often more economical to opt for a full replacement.
Q3. How does roof age affect insurance coverage?
Many commercial property insurers either limit or fully exclude coverage for buildings with roofs over 20 years old. This age threshold represents a significant turning point for building owners and can impact insurance premiums and coverage options.
Q4. What maintenance strategies can extend the life of an aging commercial roof?
Regular inspections, prompt debris removal, reinforcing seams and flashings, and applying reflective coatings can significantly extend a roof’s lifespan. Bi-annual professional inspections and addressing issues promptly are crucial for preserving roof integrity.
Q5. How does an aging roof impact a building’s energy efficiency?
As roofs age, their insulation deteriorates, forcing HVAC systems to work harder and increasing energy costs. Older roofs often lack modern energy-saving features, making temperature regulation more difficult and leading to higher utility bills.