How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?

When it comes to durability, the metal roofing stands out as one of the best roofing options available for its reliability. Shingles of a metal roof can last between 40 to 70 years with proper installation and timely maintenance. Durability of metal roofs also depends on the material of the roofing element, and environmental conditions. 

In this blog, we’ll take a look at the longevity of metal roofing and the influencing factors that shorten or make its lifespan longer. This guide will help you be informed about metal roofing and make right decisions for your home, and take the right steps to take care of your metal roofing.

Table of Contents

1. Reasons Why Metal Roofing is So Popular
2. Key Factors Influencing the Longevity of Metal Roofing
3. Lifespan of Different Types of Materials
4. The Lifespan of Metal Roofing Depends on Proper Installation
5. Set Aside Traditional, Metal Roofing Material Benefits Here
6. Do These and Your Metal Roofing Will Last Longer 
7. Why Homeowners Should Act Smart and Invest in Metal Roofing

Reasons Why Metal Roofing is So Popular

Metal roofing consists of roof shingles and other roofing elements made from metals, and these metals include aluminum, steel, copper, or zinc. For their durability, metal roofings are best known. The energy efficiency, sleek appearance are also reasons why metal roofs have become homeowners’ favorites who seek long-term solutions based on their needs. 

Metal roofing can stand harsh weather conditions better, including heavy snow, hail, and severe winds, unlike the other materials. The main reason is that metal roofing is a reliable and preferred choice for both residential and commercial properties around.

Key Factors Influencing the Longevity of Metal Roofing

As marked before, the lifespan of metal roofing depends on lots of outside factors, but it largely depends on:

• The roofing material: 40-50 years are the approximate time that steel roofs last. However, copper and zinc ones are more resistant to corrosion, and it makes them play a role of a shield for your house for up to 70 years.
• Weather Conditions: Coastal or industrial areas host properties, which may be exposed to outside influence faster, and wear faster as a result of salty water or pollution exposure.
• Used Coating Material and Paint: What protects the metal from UV lights and their damage, and rust is high-quality finishes and coatings. They help metal last long and quality of coating and paint defines the duration that 
• Quality of Installation: Proper installation by experienced professionals ensures that the roofing materials are secured correctly, preventing premature damage.
• Proper Maintenance and Inspection: To keep your roof in a good condition, and make it last longer, you need to be conducting inspections regularly and cleaning the gutters and shingles will help you to address the minor issues like spots.

Lifespan of Different Types of Materials

1. Steel: This material is very durable and quite effective for its cost, steel roofing generally has a 40-50 years lifespan.
2. Aluminum: This type of roofing will be with you for up to 50 years such as steel material, because it is light in weight and super resistant to corrosion.
3. Copper: With a lifespan of over 70 years, copper roofing will be a premium choice, which has an impressive and long enough durability period. It also develops patina over itself time by time.
4. Zinc: Known for its eco-friendliness and longevity, lasting over 70 years with proper care.

The Lifespan of Metal Roofing Depends on Proper Installation

Proper installation is critical to the longevity of metal roofing. Poorly installed roofs are prone to leaks, rust, and structural issues, reducing their lifespan significantly. Always hire licensed contractors experienced in metal roofing systems to ensure your roof is installed according to manufacturer guidelines.

Set Aside Traditional, Metal Roofing Material Benefits Here

• Lifespan: Lasting for 15-30 years, some traditional materials including asphalt shingles  stay weak compared to the metal roofing.
• Environmentally safe: Heat absorption is reduced by the coatings of metal roofings, because they are reflective. This is the reason why it results in low energy bills to pay throughout hot season periods.
• Sustainable: Materials used to make metal roofing are generally suitable for recycling, and the best thing about this feature is that the roofing elements can be fully recycled after it is no longer useful for utilization for house structure. 
• Requires less funds to keep: If we compare metal roofings to the other roofing materials like wood and asphalt, it is definite that the metal roofs require minimal maintenance.

Do These and Your Metal Roofing Will Last Longer 

If your intention is maximizing durability and period of time that your metal roofing will stay with you, we suggest that you do the things listed and use it as a checklist from the time of construction:

• Loose fasteners, rust and dents should be inspected annually, to address the best solution if there is any issue with those.
• If water drainage is not in a proper way, you will need to clean your gutters from all of the  debris which will exactly be helpful to prevent water and debris buildup, and it will definitely have a positive impact on your metal roofings.
• As talked before, coatings are the one element that prevent damages coming from UV lights and corrosion. That is why reapplying coatings time by time will make your metal roofings more resistant to get damaged.
• Address minor issues promptly to prevent them from escalating into costly repairs.

Why Homeowners Should Act Smart and Invest in Metal Roofing

Taking all into consideration, it is clear that it is not only for durability to invest in  metal roofing structures for your homes. All the benefits of metal roofing are making it a good choice, as it will stay with you longer, help you save funds in the long run, and will not cause you to feel uneasy that you will have frequent issues with your roofs. 

If you want “a long-term friend” for your house, metal roofing should be your first choice to think about with all the benefits and features we listed in this blog.