Roofs are the most vital part of the exterior homes as they leave the first visual impact on the visitors or anyone passing by the property. Roofs require huge investment, and that's the reason it requires a thought-out decision when deciding which one to buy. Among various roofing options, metal roofs are one of the most preferred materials by homeowners due to their multiple advantages, such as durability, resistance to wind, environment-friendliness, protection against discoloration, and resistance to fire and hailstorms. Metal roofs have a longer life compared to other materials. However, the concern is the metal roof's life expectancy. In this article, we discuss all the factors affecting the lifespan of metal roofs.
Metal Roof Life Expectancy
Metal roof expectancy depends on the type of metal and its built-up. The average life span of the metal roof is around 50 years, which can be extended with proper care and regular maintenance. Lifespan also depends on the warranty on the manufacturing defect for a lifetime, apart from other factors. Let's have a look at different metal roofing's life expectancy:
Standing Seam Metal Roof
These roofs last for a minimum of 30 years, but their lifespan can be extended between 50 years- and 75 years with proper and timely maintenance. The standing seam has been named so because it consists of roofing panels joined at underlying seams and has vertical and trapezoidal legs that hide the seam underneath. Standing seam metal roof acquires its durability from the way it is joined.
Screw Down the Metal Panel Roof
Screw-down panel metal roof lasts between 20 years and -30 years. These roofs are made of aluminum or corrugated steel with exposed screws that hold the metal panels to the roof decking. The disadvantages are it is not durable because of exposed screws, has low performance as metal panels can't contract or expand, and don't look visually appealing like other metal roofs.
Factors Affecting the Life Expectancy of Metal Roofs
Metals have an average lifespan of 50 years, but there are several factors that can add more life to these roofs, extending it to 100 years. Let's learn more about the different factors that affect the durability of metal roofs:
Material Quality
The quality and type of material affect the life expectancy of metal roofs. Stone-coated steel roofing has 50 years of life, aluminum has a life expectancy between 40-70 years, copper has an unmatchable lifespan of 100 years, steel roofs coated with zinc last between 30-50 years, and zinc can last for more than a century.
Installation
Effective installation is a key factor in deciding the lifespan of the metal roof. It's advisable to take the help of an experienced roofing expert for installation because any flaw in sealing the seams and joints can result in leakage and early wear and tear of the roof, reducing the life expectancy. Roof installation is not a DIY project unless you have hands-on experience.
Regular Maintenance
Regular inspection and cleaning of the roof play a pivotal role in adding life. Always address minor issues like debris buildup, loose panels, rust, or any damage at the earliest to avoid heavy repair or replacement costs.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
A lifetime warranty protects the metal roof against any manufacturing or installation defects, discoloration, or rust. All these help extend the lifespan of roofs.
Addition of Protective Coating
A coating of a protective layer on the metal roof helps resist moisture, UV rays, and corrosion.
The Pitch of the Roof
The slope or pitch of the roof directly impacts the debris and water accumulation. A steeper roof with a high pitch sheds water properly with little chance of water and debris accumulation. It will ensure a longer life of the roof.
Climate and Environment
The climatic condition of the area where you stay highly affects the lifespan of the metal roofs. An area with extreme weather conditions, fluctuation in temperature, and an environment with high moisture content results in early wear and tear of roofs. Be mindful of the climate factor when buying roofing materials.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation in the attic area reduces the strain on the metal roof adding extra life to the roof. Keep an eye on the functionality of insulation strips and see if there is no water leakage or moisture accumulation.
How to Care for and Maintain Metal Roofs
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The harsh weather conditions lead to rusting on roofs. Once you identify rust, remove it using a brush and apply an anti-rust coating to prevent further corrosion.
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Clean roofs at least once a year to clear debris and dust using a soft brush or low-pressure washer. Avoid using a high-pressure washer, as it can damage the roof.
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Heavy storms and wind may cause dents, which is not common with metal roofs. Try to fix it after consulting a roofing expert.
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Inspect gutters regularly and check if they are working properly. Timely and proper cleaning will prevent water pooling and leaking.
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Add a protective layer of coating on the roof because moisture and sunlight damage the color and the protective coating after a few years.
Conclusion
Consider metal roofs if you are looking for a durable roof material because they last longer than other roofing materials, making it worth investing in. Never try to DIY as it requires expertise in installation. Also, keep inspecting at regular intervals to avoid wear and tear.
