How to Extend the Lifespan of an EPDM Roof

You discovered the benefits of an EPDM roof and had one installed on your commercial building with confidence. Now, how do you maximize its life expectancy? The average lifespan of a commercial flat roof is up to 30 years, but that is only if you have it installed with precision and maintain it well over the years. How do you do that?

Read on to gain the knowledge you need to extend the life of your EPDM roof.

Lengthen the Life of Your Commercial Flat Roof

The care you give your EPDM roof has everything to do with how long it will last. These tips will help you extend its longevity.

1. Have your roof regularly inspected by a reputable contractor

Contact your roofer to have them inspect your commercial roof at least every two years and after severe storms. They will ensure there are no signs of damage and that your roof is performing as it was designed to. If they find the need for repairs, they can schedule them and execute them while the problems are small. Your roofing contractor will ensure there are no signs of pooling water, flashing damage, or blisters in your commercial roofing.

Pro Tip: Businesses who skip regular roof inspections can find out the hard way that they need costly repairs. Don’t wait until your roof leaks to have it inspected. Schedule inspections regularly so you resolve any issues sooner rather than later.

2. Clean your roof

Leaves and debris may blow onto your roof, but they shouldn’t stay there. Plants (like moss) can even start to grow on it and retain damaging moisture. Pests may build nests on your roof, and they can become harmful nuisances.

If you want to extend the life of your EPDM roof, clean it on a regular basis. Ensure you’ve removed all unwanted visitors and debris so your roof can do its job of protecting your business. Pick up all debris, sweep the roof, and scrub off any moss with a chlorine and water mixture. Wash your roof thoroughly until it’s clean.

If you don’t have a crew in-house who can attend to your roof cleaning, hire a contractor to do it for you regularly, and it will help extend the lifespan of your roof.

Pro tip: When pests invade or unwanted plants grow on your roof, they can shorten its lifespan. Catch them early, and they’re easy to deal with. Leave them indefinitely, and you’ll have a bigger job on your hands.

3. Plan ahead for any snow removal you may need

Snow is one of the worst culprits for shortening the life expectancy of an EPDM roof. If heavy snow hits the area, it puts your roof in danger of damage. While snow drains off sloped roofing with the help of gravity, flat roofing often doesn’t clear the moisture from the snow as easily.

Contact a professional to clear the snow from your commercial roof rather than remove it yourself. You could create a roof puncture or have an accident if you attempt snow removal without the proper equipment or techniques.

Pro tip: If snow or ice builds up on your roof, you’ll maximize its lifespan by having a roofing professional take care of it for you.

4. Remove branches or trees that are too close

If tree limbs touch your roof’s surface, they can cause problems for your roof that shorten its lifespan. If limbs break off during a storm, they can puncture your roof. When EPDM roofing becomes compromised, costly moisture intrusion, rot, mold, and roof leaks can result.

Pro tip: Hire a tree-trimming company to shorten any branches that are in proximity to your commercial roof.

5. Prevent roof leaks from damaging your property

If the Dayton area is hit by hail, snow, or ice storms, it’s vital that you have your roof inspected promptly for damage. If you don’t, you could end up with damaging roof leaks that not only shorten your roof’s lifespan but also cause you the time-consuming, costly hassles of dealing with the leaks.

Pro tip: Don’t let even a brief hailstorm go unnoticed. Extend the lifespan of your roof by always having your roof inspected after any type of severe storm.

6. Restore any parts of your roof that have failed

If you hire a roofing contractor to repair and restore damaged areas of your commercial flat roof, it will lengthen its lifespan so you won’t have to replace it as soon!

Pro tip: Contact your roofing professional to inquire if restoration is an option. If your roof has extensive damage, it may be time to replace it rather than repair it.

7. Cultivate a relationship with a roofing contractor you trust

Choosing a reputable roofing company (like us!) and hiring them for your roofing needs will pay off over the years, delivering a trustworthy roofing system. The workers will get to know your roof and will help you stay ahead of problems rather than behind them. Your staff and the roofing company can forge a relationship and work together toward the longevity of your roof.

Pro tip: It will save you time and money to have a contractor consistently inspect your roof and do the necessary work you need—lengthening its lifespan.

Commercial Roofing Made Simple

Ensuring your roof is in good shape is vital to your property’s long-term protection.

At American Way Exterior, we have a great reputation around town, managing repairs of over 20,000 multi-family units with our Commercial Roof Maintenance Package.

We install commercial roofing and provide 24/7 storm damage so that when severe weather strikes, you can know you’re well covered.

Contact American Way Exterior for your commercial roofing needs.