How Long Does a Flat Roof Last? (3 Factors That Impact Its Lifespan)

The lifespan of your flat roof is the return you get after investing your hard-earned money. Not only that, but the lifespan also tells you when you’ll have to replace it in the future. 

That’s why it’s important to know how long a flat roof actually lasts. Because it’s so important, I want to break it down for you. 

For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand their flat roof investment and what they get out of it. Now we want to do the same for you. 

I’ll start this article by diving right into how long a flat roof lasts. After that, you’ll learn 3 factors that impact the lifespan of a flat roof. 

How long does a flat roof last?

How long your flat roof lasts depends on the type of flat roofing material you choose. A flat membrane roof lasts 25-30 years, depending on the type you choose. 

To be a little more specific, you should get around 25 years out of a TPO membrane or PVC membrane flat roof. On the other hand, an EPDM roofing membrane is more durable than the other two and should last around 25 to 30 years. 

If you’re looking for more curb appeal and more longevity, a metal roof is an option if you have the budget. A standing seam metal flat or low slope roof should last around 30 years with the chance to get up to 50 years. 

All three membrane flat roofing systems are great options, and their lifespans are pretty comparable. However, a standing seam metal roof should always outlast a membrane flat roof system. 

3 factors that impact how long your flat roof lasts

Now you have an idea of how long a flat roof lasts. While it’s great to put numbers on the lifespans of the different materials, how long your flat roof truly lasts is determined by a several factors. 

Let’s get to the 3 main factors that impact how long your flat roof lasts. 

1. Hiring a great roofing contractor with flat roofing replacement experience

The roofing contractor you hire has a huge impact on every aspect of any roofing project. This includes the lifespan. 

That’s why the biggest and most important factor that impacts a flat roof’s lifespan is the roofing contractor you choose. No matter which type of flat roofing material you have, your flat roof should reach the lifespans I mentioned as long as it’s properly installed.

But I guarantee your flat roof investment won’t reach its maximum lifespan if you make the wrong hiring decision. That’s why it’s absolutely crucial to find a roofing contractor with flat roof replacement experience. 

To help you do this, look for a roofing company that specifically offers flat roofing services for residential homes. It’s also important not to try to find the cheapest flat roofing contractor in your area. 

They’re offering the lowest prices around for a reason, and I guarantee your flat roof won’t reach its maximum lifespan. You also won’t get a decent workmanship warranty because they don’t want to deal with the problems that will inevitably show up down the road. 

2. Investing in a quality flat roof

Like I just said, you shouldn’t look for the cheapest roofing contractor in your area. This also includes finding the cheapest materials and overall flat roof replacement. 

I understand everyone is on a budget, and pricing drives the decisions of a lot of homeowners. But a huge factor that impacts the lifespan of a flat roof comes down to investing in quality flat roofing materials and high-quality workmanship. 

If you do decide to go with the cheapest flat roof you can find, you’ll get the cheapest roofing materials available with the cheapest labor to install them. Paying for cheap labor and materials shows up in the finished quality of your roof.

If you do this, I guarantee you’ll spend more money in the long run with repairs and, eventually, a complete flat roof replacement before you should need one. I’m not saying to break the bank for your flat roofing project. 

Just do the research to find a quality flat roofing contractor with a strong installation history that fits your budget. 

3. Getting your flat roof maintained to maximize its lifespan

Your car needs an oil change to keep it running smoothly, and so does your roof. No matter what kind of roof you have, you need to have it maintained to get the most out of it.

That’s why getting your flat roof maintained is a big factor that impacts how long a flat roof ultimately lasts. Whether it’s older or it was just installed, regular roof maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your flat roof. 

Maintenance catches any potential problems and prevents future leaks before they can cause damage to your home. It’s also a chance to learn how much more life your flat roof has left and when it’ll be time for a replacement. 

Because of all this and more, it’s absolutely crucial to keep your flat roof running smoothly throughout its life with roof maintenance. 

How much does a flat roof replacement cost?

Now you know 3 main factors that impact how long a flat roof lasts. Remember, you should have no problem getting the most out of your flat roof as long as it's installed properly. 

Knowing how long a flat roof lasts is one of the important things to know about flat roofing. But there’s still one thing that homeowners care more about. 

This is the cost of a new flat roof. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find real and honest pricing in the roofing industry. 

We decided to change that by writing another article breaking down how much a flat roof replacement costs. 

Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality flat roofing services to thousands of homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. You can count on our workmanship to maximize your flat roof’s lifespan, and we back that up with a lifetime warranty. 

Check out How Much a Flat Roof Replacement Costs to learn what you can expect to pay for a new flat roof.