Rubber roofs are a common roofing option for industrial buildings with flat roofs. Most roofing contractors will advise that commercial property owners invest in rubber roofs. They are affordable (relatively low cost per square foot), highly durable, and energy-efficient. These features make rubber roofs one of the perfect alternatives for replacing any roofing material that is damaged. They are also known as Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM).
Although rubber roofs certainly have disadvantages, there are numerous reasons why rubber roofing are among the most popular roofing alternatives for industrial and commercial buildings. However, in commercial roofing, one of the commonly and frequently asked questions is, how long do rubber roofs last? This article discusses how long rubber roofing last.
How long does a rubber look last?
With well-mounted rubber roofing and preventive maintenance and weather conditions, a standard rubber roof used for a commercial building will last for a period of 40 to 51 years.
For the past four decades, rubber roofs have been widely used for gentle sloping and flat commercial roofs. Rubber roofs are more durable than other materials used for roofing because of the following reasons:
- Rubber roofs are specifically designed to last long and withstand wind, hail, ultraviolet radiation, and the effects of ozone.
- Rubber roofing also offers high resistance to fire and extreme heat. This is among the reasons rubber roofs are so commonly used in commercial buildings.
In addition, a rubber roof will last longer if correctly installed alongside a drainage system and preventive maintenance carried out, as there is no single roofing anywhere that will survive 50 years with no preventive care carried out. Ensure the roofing contractor install your EPDM roofing so that the water on the rooftop drains away. This might include the application of special flashing, which helps to channel the water on the rooftops away from sections of the roofing that might be vulnerable.
Maintenance of Rubber Roofs
With rubber roofs installed, how you do plan to make your roofing last for 50 years? Below are several steps that should be taken to ensure your rubber roofing last much longer.
- Clean your rubber roof regularly: Rubber roofs installed in commercial buildings should be scheduled for cleaning (by qualified personnel) four times a year. Despite being durable, several factors, such as snow and falling leaves might affect the lifespan of a rubber roofing. Ensure you check the roofing manufacturer’s warranty sheet for specifics (some warranties state specifically the frequency of cleaning required).
- Prioritize repairs: Together with frequent cleaning of your rubber roofs, it is recommended that you prioritize regular inspection and maintenance of your rubber roofing. This helps to eliminate specific issues that might arise. Generally, your roofing contractor should carry out a complete roofing inspection during the quarterly clean-up of the rubber roofs. This helps to prevent leaks that might reduce the lifespan of your rubber roofing. Ensure the contractor lookout for swollen or peeled sections and also signs of any wear and tear.
Conclusion
Rubber roofs are becoming well known for their durability and low installation costs as they last for as long as 40 to 51 years. If you have a commercial property, you might want to think about installing a rubber roof to prolong the roofing lifespan for as long as possible.