How Oklahoma’s Weather Affects Commercial Roofing Longevity
There are many aspects to consider when maintaining a business property, and on top of that list is to prioritize commercial roofing longevity. If neglected, the weather in Oklahoma can take a toll on these properties in ways business owners don’t always see—at least not until it’s too late. We’ll discuss the exact risks Oklahoma’s weather brings, how the different types of commercial roofing systems respond to these circumstances, and how to protect your roof DIY-style or with the help of reliable roofers like Robbins Roofing.
Oklahoma’s Weather Conditions and Patterns: What Your Roof Goes Through Every Year
To protect your commercial roofing system, you have to know what you’re up against. Here’s what it looks like in Oklahoma year-round:
Spring: Storm Season
When it’s spring in Oklahoma, expect severe thunderstorms, high winds, and hail. This is when tornado season starts, and even if your business isn’t directly hit, the strong winds and flying debris can cause serious damage. Hailstorms can puncture roofing membranes, dent metal roof panels, and loosen fasteners. These things can lead to leaks and structural weaknesses.
Summer: Extreme Heat and UV Exposure
Temperatures often exceed 100°F during Oklahoma summers. With prolonged heat exposure, roofing materials can expand and contract. This, in turn, leads to cracks, warping, and premature deterioration. The UV radiation from the sun also breaks down roofing materials over time, particularly on older roofs that haven’t had proper maintenance in years.
Fall: Temperature Swings and More Wind
Fall brings relief from the summer heat, but it also means rapid temperature swings. In a single day, you can see temperatures drop 40 degrees or more, which stresses roofing materials as they expand and contract at an accelerated rate.
Winter: Ice Storms and Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Some years, Oklahoma sees mild conditions, but other years bring heavy snow, ice storms, and sub-zero temperatures. Ice accumulation on commercial property roofs can lead to dangerous weight loads, while freeze-thaw cycles can cause cracks in roofing materials, particularly in flat roof systems that hold standing water.
How Different Commercial Roofing Systems Hold Up Against Oklahoma’s Weather
There are various roofing materials used for commercial buildings, but they don’t all react the same way to extreme weather. The material and design of your roof still affect how well it stands up to Oklahoma’s climate throughout the year.
Flat Roofing Systems (TPO, EPDM, PVC, and Built-Up Roofing)
Flat roofs are one of the most common commercial roofing materials, but they are also the most vulnerable to standing water, wind uplift, and puncture damage. Look out for these:
Oklahoma’s summer sun can cause TPO and PVC membranes to shrink and become brittle, leading to cracks and seam failures.
Hailstones can puncture EPDM and TPO roofs, leaving tiny holes that eventually turn into leaks.
Commercial flat roofs are prone to pooling water, which accelerates deterioration, especially in built-up roofing (BUR) systems.
Metal Roofing Systems
Despite having a reputation for being extremely durable, even metal roofs still suffer under Oklahoma’s weather conditions. These are some of the things that can significantly reduce your metal roof’s life:
Metal expands in the heat and contracts in the cold, which can cause fasteners to loosen and gaps to appear between panels.
While metal roofs can withstand smaller hail, larger hailstones can dent panels, potentially weakening the structural integrity of the roof.
Improperly secured metal panels can be lifted by high winds, especially at the edges and corners of the roof.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified bitumen roofs are great for flexibility, but even this multi-ply roofing material has its own set of weather-related problems:
In extreme heat, modified bitumen can become too soft, leading to surface blistering and premature aging.
During winter, the material can become brittle and crack, especially when exposed to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
How to Protect Your Commercial Roof from Oklahoma’s Weather
Experiencing roofing issues due to the weather is a universal thing that can’t really be fully avoided. The next best thing you can do is to take proactive steps to protect your roof from it. These tips can work for common commercial roofing systems in Oklahoma:
1. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
Scheduling regular maintenance and roof inspections twice a year (spring and fall) throughout your commercial roof’s lifetime is one of the best ways to extend its life. After a storm, it’s also smart to have a professional check for hidden damage. Small issues like lifted seams, minor punctures, and loose fasteners can be repaired before they lead to major leaks.
2. Maintain Proper Drainage
Water is one of the main factors that compromise the lifespan of a commercial roof. Keeping gutters, scuppers, and drainage systems clear is essential to prevent accumulating water, which accelerates roof deterioration. Flat roofs should be inspected regularly for clogged drains, especially after storms.
3. Apply Protective Roof Coatings
Reflective roof coatings can help combat Oklahoma’s intense heat and UV exposure. White elastomeric coatings add an extra layer of protection, reducing heat absorption and extending the life of the roof. You can also consider waterproof roof membranes to protect it from moisture and water damage.
4. Reinforce Vulnerable Areas
High winds tend to cause the most damage around the edges and corners of a commercial building’s roof. Adding additional fasteners, securing flashing, and reinforcing seams can reduce the likelihood of wind uplift and protect the materials from storm damage, which will contribute to the extension of your commercial roof’s lifespan.
5. Proactive Hail Protection
While you can’t stop hailstorms from happening, you can install impact-resistant roofing materials designed to withstand hail. Some TPO and modified bitumen membranes come with reinforced layers that resist punctures. For metal roofs, thicker gauge panels help reduce denting and structural damage. This way, your roof can actually reach—if not go past—its expected life span.
How Robbins Roofing Can Help
Maupin Roofing is the top choice for commercial roofing in Oklahoma City. Our team makes sure your roof’s performance can handle whatever Oklahoma’s climate brings. We also understand the specific challenges that come with the state’s unpredictable weather, and we offer tailored solutions and expert roof repairs to help business owners protect their investments.
Extend Your Commercial Roof’s Life with Robbins Roofing
With the right roofing material, proper installation process, regular maintenance, and proactive care, your commercial roof can last for a long time. So if you’re looking for local commercial roofing experts in Mustang, OK and surrounding areas, our Maupin Roofing team is always ready to help.
Check out our website or contact us today to get a free quote!
