For homeowners, deciding the roofing material is vital. If you plan to install a new roof, a metal roof is a better option in terms of longevity, maintenance, and energy efficiency. However, a common question arises in mind. How long do metal roofs last? Well, the lifespan depends on the variety of factors and types of material used. For example, standing seam metal roofs have a life between 50-70 years, whereas screw-down metal roofs last between 20-30 years.
Read more: 13 Useful Roof Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Roofs Tidy And Durable!
The lifespan can't be predicted accurately because many factors affect durability, such as weather conditions, ventilation, maintenance, and many more. Metal roofing is becoming a popular choice for residential roofing. Though it's expensive compared to other materials, the longevity balances the cost in the future.
Read more: Different Types Of Roofing Materials
If you have decided to go for metal roofing and want to know more about it before installation, this article will provide detailed information about types of metal roofing, its pros and cons, and factors affecting its durability to help you decide the best one for your home.
Factors Influencing the Lifespan of Metal Roof
There are several factors affecting the durability of metal roofs, which are discussed below:
Proper Installation
- The lifespan of a roof depends on the precision of installation.
- Poor installation can cause corrosion, cracks, and leaks.
- Some of the imperfections in roof installation are extra loose or tight fasteners, underlayment of roofing, or flaws in ventilation installation.
- Hire a licensed roofing professional to avoid all sorts of discrepancies.
Regular Maintenance and Repairs
- Roofs require regular maintenance and repair to avoid sudden heavy expenses.
- Overall cleaning of the roof, unclogging clutters, removing debris, trimming tree branches, regularly checking for corrosion, and identifying rust areas.
- A properly maintained roof has a long life.
- Inspect your roof for damage after every storm.
Weather Conditions/ Climate Considerations
- If you live in extreme weather conditions, the roof may not last longer.
- The roof should be sturdy to withstand harsh climatic conditions.
- Factors such as hail, high winds, snow, frequent rain, humidity, and heat affect the lifespan.
- If staying in a coastal region, opt for a roofing material that can withstand salty sea air to avoid corrosion.
- Clean salt from the roof to add life to it.
Material Quality
- The material makes a difference in the look and texture and also how long do metal roofs last.
- All the parts of the roof, such as clip, fastener, and underlayment, should be of good quality for a long life.
- The roofing material and the components should be of the same quality for durability.
Foot Traffic on the Roof
- Frequent foot traffic on the roof leads to more wear and tear.
- Seek help from a roofing expert to handle repair and maintenance work because you might slide from the roof.
- In case you plan for DIY roof repair, wear soft-soled footwear to avoid dents.
Roof Pitch
- Steep slopes of pitched roofs enable snow and water to slide down easily, avoiding leakage and damage.
- The pitched roof is not prone to water and snow pile-up.
Quality of Paint
- High-quality paint protects the roof from many problems, such as corrosion, chipping, cracking, discoloration, fading, scratching, humidity, peeling, exposure to sun, and wear and tear.
- Good quality paint will reduce the repair cost.
- Paint retains the brightness of color for a long period.
Metal Roof Color
- Metal roofs are available in different colors, and most of them fade with time.
- Matte and light colors are less prone to fading.
- Colors with natural pigments also last longer.
- Dark colors absorb heat, affecting the durability of the roof.
Types of Metal Roofs and Their Lifespan
There are various metal types available for all types of homes in different designs. How long do metal roofs last query can be answered with more information on the metal roofing types.
Aluminum
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Average lifespan: Around 50 years
Copper
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Average lifespan: Between 50-100 years
Steel
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Average lifespan: Between 40-70 years
Zinc
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Average lifespan: Between 60-100 years
Corrugated Metal
This metal provides extra structural strength to the roof. It is durable.
Average lifespan: Between 30-50 years
R-Panels
These metal panels are held together by fasteners. It is a popular roofing choice for industrial purposes due to its affordability.
Average lifespan: Between 20-70 years
Shingles
If you prefer a conventional look, this is a perfect choice. Style and texture of different roofing materials, such as clay tiles, slate, or wood shakes, can be created with shingles.
Average lifespan: Around 50 years
Tips for Prolonging Metal Roof Lifespan
Regular Inspections
Regular inspection of the roofs can save time and money. Identifying the problems early helps in controlling the damage at an early stage, avoiding sudden costs in the future. During the inspection, look for signs of rust, damaged silicone seals, or loose flashings. If any sign is noticed, contact a professional to fix the issue.
Installation
Read more: How To Install A Metal Roof Shed In 9 Easy Steps!
The roof needs to be appropriately and accurately installed to avoid future damage. Always hire an experienced and licensed professional contractor for installation.
Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to add lifespan to a metal roof is regular maintenance and cleaning. Dust and debris accumulation on the roofs over the period is natural, but regular cleaning is vital to avoid any possible damage. Rainwater storage on the roof due to rubbish can lead to leakage in the interior of buildings, so check it frequently.
Coating and Paint Maintenance
Painting the roof with good quality paint will increase the lifespan of the roof. Painting protects the metal roof from rusting, weathering, and other wear and tear. It also adds visual appeal.
Addressing Repairs
Address any repair or maintenance at the earliest. If it's basic repair work, you can do it yourself, but for other work, seek help from professional roofing contractors.
Environmental Benefits of Long-lasting Metal Roofs
Apart from other benefits of affordability, longevity, and aesthetics, there are many environmental benefits of metal roof installation, which is vital to protect the environment. Some of them are discussed in the following lines.
Energy Efficiency
Metal roofs are energy efficient due to their insulation property. It keeps the inner building cool during the summer by reflecting heat and warm during the cold season. All these lead to energy conservation and save us from heavy electricity bills.
Recyclability
Metal roof is one of the most eco-friendly material options because the raw materials come from various government and industrial sources. Discarded car parts, manufacturing waste, and soda cans are recycled to make metal roofs. The other benefit is after the lifespan of such roofs. They can be recycled into products such as playground structures and metal beams.
Conclusion
How long will the roof last is a common question arising in mind. Metal roofs have a long life but with proper care and maintenance. The roof’s durability depends on multiple factors such as installation, identification and timely repair, painting the roof, regular cleaning, and many more.
