As an owner of commercial property in Alberta, you may wonder how long you can expect the various elements of your property to last.
Knowing the expected lifespans of your property components can help you plan for maintenance, repairs, and replacements, as well as budget accordingly.
In this blog post, we will review some of the common classes of commercial property elements and their average lifespans in Alberta, based on industry standards and local conditions.
Roofing Systems
One of the most crucial elements of any commercial property is the roofing system, which protects the building from weather, water damage and fire hazards. The lifespan of a roofing system depends on several factors, such as the type of material, the quality of installation, the exposure to sun, wind and snow, and the frequency of maintenance. According to the Alberta Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA), the average lifespan of a commercial roofing system in Alberta ranges from 15 to 40 years, depending on the type of system. For example, asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 20 years, metal roofs last 20 to 40 years, and single-ply membranes last 25 to 35 years.
HVAC Systems
Another essential element of any commercial property is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, which regulates the indoor temperature and air quality of your building. The lifespan of an HVAC system depends on several factors, such as the type of equipment, the quality of installation, the usage patterns, and the frequency of maintenance. According to the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), the average lifespan of a commercial HVAC system in Canada ranges from 15 to 25 years, depending on the type of equipment. For example, furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years, heat pumps last 15 to 25 years, and air conditioners last 15 to 20 years.
Plumbing Systems
A third essential element of any commercial property is the plumbing system, which provides water supply and drainage for the building. The lifespan of a plumbing system depends on several factors, such as the type of material, the quality of installation, the water pressure and quality, and the frequency of maintenance. According to the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), the average lifespan of a commercial plumbing system in Canada ranges from 20 to 100 years, depending on the type of material. For example, copper pipes typically last 50 to 100 years, galvanized steel pipes last 20 to 50 years, and plastic pipes last 25 to 40 years.
Electrical Systems
A fourth essential element of any commercial property is the electrical system, which provides power and lighting for the building. The lifespan of an electrical system depends on several factors, such as the type of wiring, the quality of installation, the load capacity and demand, and the frequency of maintenance. According to the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA), the average lifespan of a commercial electrical system in Canada ranges from 30 to 50 years, depending on the type of wiring. For example, aluminum wiring typically lasts 30 to 40 years, copper wiring lasts 40 to 50 years, and fiber optic wiring lasts indefinitely.
By using industry standards and local conditions as guidelines, you can get a general idea of what to expect and how to plan accordingly. It is always advisable to consult with qualified professionals who can assess your property condition and provide you with more accurate estimates and recommendations.