How Long Does A Metal Roof Last?

If you’ve been thinking about replacing your existing roof, you should consider getting a metal roof. I remember the aggravation my old shingles used to cause me, and I’ve been much happier since I switched over to a metal roof.

Metal roofs are gaining popularity across the United States with every passing day. They are durable and have a longer lifespan than other roofing materials, which I appreciate. Durability and longevity are not the only immense benefits that encourage more people to invest in metal roofs.

Imagine your old asphalt roof: its life span is just 20 years, and when the sun beats down on it constantly, it could start deteriorating even sooner than that. Wood shingles also get damaged rather quickly when exposed to various weather conditions. A metal roof, however, will protect you from any environmental conditions.

The major question most people want to know when they think about switching over to a metal roof is how long does a metal roof last? I will answer the question in detail in this article.

What Are The Advantages Of A Metal Roof?

Like everything else in the world, metal roofing also has some pros and cons. If you want to invest money in a metal roof, then as a buyer, you should know first about its advantages and then its downsides.

#1. Durable

Almost all metal roofs are durable. If you install them properly, they last as long as your house does.

#2. Resistant To Any Weather Conditions

Some areas in the United States are prone to excess snowfall or heavy rainfall and scorching sun in some months in a year. If you use wood shingles or any other roofing material, your roofs will be damaged quickly. But a metal roof can resist any harsh weather conditions.

#3. Fire-Resistant

If you are unfortunate enough to experience fire near your house and have wood shingles on your roof, it will easily catch fire. Metal roofs are non-combustible; therefore, they do not catch fire easily.

#4. Energy-Efficient

Metal roofs are energy-efficient, which means they reflect most of the sun’s rays, thereby helping keep your house cool and allowing your air conditioner to do less work. So, indirectly, the metal roofs are reducing your electricity bills. You can even install solar panels on some metal roofs, which will provide you with clean and green energy.

#5. Lightweight

Metal sheets usually weigh 0.88 lb per square foot, depending on the gauge, whereas other roofing materials such as asphalt weigh more than 5 lb per square foot.

#6.Easy Installation

Metal roofs are easy to install, and you can do it independently without the help of any roofing professional. You can even install the metal panels directly on your existing roof without having to tear your roof apart. Some may be curious regarding how to install metal roofing.

You only need to follow a few simple steps, like measuring the roof, selecting the metal panels, removing the old roof and placing your new metal roof. The last step is to correctly install the ridge cap because it prevents airflow inside your house. Ridgecaps are also helpful in shedding water from your roof.

#7. Increases The Resell Value Of Your House

If you have a metal roof that is in good condition and you want to sell your house, a buyer will be interested in your home. You will be able to sell your house at a great price with this added feature.

#8. Maintenance

Metal roof maintenance is relatively easy. You don’t have to do much to maintain your roof, but you do need to clean it within regular intervals. Repainting your metal roof every five to six years is also necessary.

#9. No Tenancy For Rodents

Rodents and other pests will not waste their time trying to break through your metal roof.

#10. Wide Variety Of Metal Panels

The buyer has numerous choices if he wants to install metal panels in his house. Many metal panels are available on the market, like aluminum metal panels, zinc metal panels, tin metal panels, standing seam panels and various others. Even the color differs from one panel to another. So you need to choose carefully.

#11. Recycle

Metal panels are not harmful to the environment, as old panels can be recycled.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Metal Roofs?

#1. Expensive

Metal roofs are a bit expensive. The price of the metal panel usually ranges between $150 to $600 per hundred square feet, which is relatively high compared to other roofing materials.

#2. Noisy

When the rain falls on the metal roofs during the rainy season, it can be rather noisy. You can reduce the noise to some extent by adding an insulation layer to your roof.

#3. High Chance For Accident When Wet

When wet, metal roof panels are quite slippery. So if you are up on your wet metal roof, falling is a real possibility. It’s best not to walk on metal panels during rain or when they are wet.

#4. Dents

There are different gauges of metal panels. If you use thin gauges like 29 -gauge metal panels on your roof and stay in a location where there is excess snowfall, then you will find dents on your metal roof within a short timespan. So, try to use thicker gauge material if you stay in an environment where there is excess snowfall.

As you can see, using metal roof panels on your roof has more benefits than drawbacks.

Different Types of Metal Roofs

There are many different types of metal roofing.

#1. Tin Metal Roofing

A tin metal roof looks greyish. Manufacturers are producing tin metal panels coated with steel to ensure a good life span and corrosion resistance. Tin roofs usually last for 60 years, but you need to perform maintenance from time to time.

#2. Steel Metal Roofing

Most people prefer to have steel metal panels on their houses because they are economical and durable. The manufacturers don’t use bare steel for metal roofs. They use a protective coating on the steel called galvanized steel.

The galvanized steel contains zinc, and when we use these panels on our roof, they won’t rust easily. Another great protective covering on steel is galvalume which includes both aluminum and zinc. The galvalume is three times more corrosion resistant in comparison to galvanized steel but is a bit expensive.

#3. Aluminium Metal Roofing

The aluminum metal panels are lightweight and durable but don’t use these metal panels in the areas where there is frequent snowfall. The aluminum panels are light, so they will dent easily.

#4. Copper Metal Roofing

Copper metal roofing lasts for 200 years. Copper metal panels don’t need any coating, but they are costly. So, not everyone can afford copper metal roofing.

#5. Zinc Metal Roofing

Zinc roofing is durable and lasts for 100 years. The zinc roof panes don’t rust easily.

Factors Affecting Metal Roof Durability

#1.Installation

Proper installation can increase the durability of a metal roof. Now the question comes how to install a metal roof. You can do it yourself if you follow some simple steps.

#2. Repainting

You should repaint your metal roofs from time to time. While repainting, you need to use good paint and primer to protect the metal panels and increase durability.

#3.Cutting Of Metal Panels

While installing the metal roof, you need to cut the metal panels wisely. There are many cutting tools available, like a circular saw, nibbler, power shear and tin snips. You can choose according to what best fits your needs. Now the question is how to cut metal roofing. Well, there are a few steps that you will need to follow to cut a metal panel precisely.

Cost of Metal Roofs

If you decide to change your roof and buy metal roof panels for your house, you must want to know how much a metal roof costs. The metal roof cost depends on various factors like the type of metal in the roof, shape and size, paint, primer, installation, labor costs and your roof’s complexity.

So, it’s pretty tricky for me to say the exact cost of a metal roof. You will need to spend approximately $850 – $1600 per square of your roof. Here one square refers to 100 square feet of your roof.

Now how much does a shingle roof cost? Well, the price of metal shingles usually ranges between $10.50 – $14, including installation charges per square foot of your roof. If you choose a standing seam metal panel for your roof, you need to spend $12 – $16 per square foot.

Cost Of Metal Roof Versus Shingle

Now we are going to compare the cost of a metal roof vs. a shingle. The cost of a metal roof versus an asphalt shingle or any other kind of shingles depends on your location. In my opinion, if you are going to choose asphalt shingles, then their durability will last only 12 – 20 years.

They will also need maintenance within very short intervals of time. If you opt for asphalt shingles, there may be a chance that you need to change your roof again not too long afterwards.

Metal roofs are far better than shingles but also more expensive. The national average cost of a metal roof is almost $18,500. A metal roof will cost you just $850 – $ 1600 per square foot, whereas the asphalt shingle will cost you $100 – $200 per square. Even the installation charge will be more for the metal in comparison to asphalt shingles.

If we talk about metal shingles and standing seam metal panels, then standing seam metal panels will be more expensive when compared to metal shingles. This is because the standing seam metal panels are pretty tricky to manufacture, fabricate and install.

Metal Roof In Florida

A roof is part of the foundation of your house. So, if your foundation goes wrong, then it severely affects you and your home. In my opinion, if you want to change your existing roof, then you need to select the new roof wisely. A cheap roof panel needs changing again and again. To avoid that, you need to spend your money on quality roof material.

In the northern and central parts of Florida, homeowners experience humid subtropical climates, whereas the southern part experiences a tropical climate. Overall in this state, you will experience rainy and dry seasons. During the rainy season, the people of Florida have to face cyclones and thunderstorms.

Luckily, you will not find snowfall in this state compared to other states in the U.S., but the climate becomes severely hot and dry. During the summer months, the temperature ranges from 89 – 97 degrees Fahrenheit.

Selecting a roof for the Floridian climate is a pretty challenging job. Every year, a severe cyclone affects the Floridian people. Many months are dry with a high moisture content which is harmful to any roof panel.

Metal roof maintenance plays a crucial role in selecting a roofing material for the state of Florida. You will need to maintain them from time to time, or your roofing material will deteriorate rapidly.

You need to give importance to the quality of the roof material you are going to purchase. A good quality roof material may be costly, but it lasts longer and can be more energy-efficient than cheaper roof material.

How Long Does A Metal Roof Last In Florida?

Florida is a state which experiences severe cyclones yearly. So, you need to select your roof wisely if you are living in a state like Florida.

A metal roof is the best option for Florida. A metal roof can withstand the harsh environmental conditions like cyclones and storms which Florida faces each year. The metal roof will protect your house even when the winds blow at 140mph.

If any tree falls on your roof during a cyclone, the metal roof will not crack easily. This is not the case with tile roofs or roofs made from any other material. Now, to answer the question: how long does a metal roof last in Florida? Depending on the metal used in the roof, metal roofs usually last for 40-70 years in Florida!

Another question that people often ask is how long does a metal roof last in South Florida? With the coastal weather, salty water vapor and high rainfall in South Florida, you need aluminum or galvalume metal roofs. Those roofs may last for 20-30 years longer.

How Long Does A Metal Roof Last On Mobile Home?

A mobile home is quite similar to your regular home, but the only difference is that you can shift a mobile home to different locations.

If you are staying in a mobile home and have a metal roof or want to buy metal panels for your mobile home, you must wonder how long a metal roof lasts on a mobile home.

The lifespan of a metal roof on a mobile home will be the same as a traditional home. The metal roof in a mobile home usually lasts for 50 years.

If you want to change your roof on a mobile home and plan to stay in a location where there is frequent rainfall and salty air, you should choose an aluminum metal roof. They are light and adequately resist the rain.

How Long Does A Metal Roof Last In Texas?

If you are staying in Texas and want to invest money in the metal roof, you must consider how long a metal roof lasts in Texas.

In Texas, you will experience thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorms from time to time. So, to protect your house, you must use metal roofing panels that will provide a protective layer against harsh environmental conditions.

A metal roof in Texas can last for more than 40 years. But its lifespan also depends on your maintaining it every few years.

How Long Does A Metal Roof Last Compare To Shingles?

Now I am going to discuss how long a metal roof lasts compared to shingles. If you want to replace your roof, you need to think hard while choosing a roofing material. You should select a roofing panel for your house to provide basic shelter and be durable and energy-efficient.

A metal roof is a good option that is durable and energy-efficient, and they last for 50 – 70 years. Some roof suppliers provide a warranty for 50 years because they are confident that the metal roof panels can withstand hailstorms, snow, rodents and other hazards.

Now the question is, how long does a shingle roof last? The shingles usually last for 12-20 years. Again, they are generally affected by snow and hailstorms, so you should not choose shingles for your roof if you live in an environment where there is frequent snowfall and gusty winds.

How Long Does A Metal Roof Last In Canada?

Canada is a country in North America that usually experiences snowfall and gusty wind from time to time. So, keeping this in mind, you should choose a durable roofing material that can resist snowfall. You should choose the right type of metal roofing that will suit a country like Canada.

Now the question is, how long does a metal roof last in Canada? Well, it lasts for around 60 years. Within these 60 years, you will need to perform maintenance on your metal roof from time to time.

How Long Does A Tin Roof Last?

Tin is an alloy of copper and zinc. No modern roofing material consists purely of tin. You will find steel coating on tin roofs just increase durability.

Now the question is, how long does a tin roof last? Well, a tin roof lasts for 40 – 60 years, depending on the metal roof maintenance.

How Long Does A Corrugated Metal Roof Last?

A corrugated metal roof is a metal sheet that rolls into panels and then attaches to your roof with screws. The shape of corrugated metal is round and wavy. Corrugated metal roof sheets are durable, lightweight and energy-efficient.

The people who want to invest money in corrugated metal sheets for their roof must think about how long a corrugated metal roof lasts? Like all other metal roofs, corrugated metal sheets can last for around 60 years, but that depends on metal roof maintenance.

How Can You Maintain Your Metal Roof?

Although a metal roof lasts for around 60 years, it requires maintenance. If you don’t maintain the roof panels, they won’t last for 60 years. You must deal with leaks and other problems as they appear. If you don’t, you will have to change your roof or repair your existing roof many times.

I have listed a few steps which you need to follow for metal roof maintenance.

#1.Clean Your Metal Panels

You need to clean your metal panels within a gap of a few months by taking a wet cloth and wiping the entire roof with it. You can prefer a garden hose pipe to clean your roof. Make sure you use dish soap to clean your metal panels because that will remove the dust and dirt from your roof.

#2. Remove The Ice And Snow From Your Roof

You need to remove ice or snow from your roof as it appears. You can remove it with a broom, but don’t use metal tools because that may scrape away the protective coating.

#3. Clean Gutter And Debris

You should always clean the gutter from your roof. A build-up of excess moisture over a long time can damage your roof. The gutter may also invite pests into your house, so install a drip edge or clean the roof immediately when you find any gutter over your roof.

Now from time to time, you may notice leaves and branches on your roof. You should clean them immediately. Excess debris may scratch your paint on the roof. Again you need to cut or trim the branches of any tree that is near your roof.

#4. Repaint Your Roof

You need to repaint your roof every 5 – 6 years. Your metal roofs are exposed to direct sunlight constantly and also have to face rain and snow. The protective layer on the paint fades away after a time and results in rust.

To solve this, simply repaint it. You are probably wondering how to paint a metal roof? Well, repainting is relatively easy. You need to follow a few simple steps, and you can do it yourself at home. Try to apply a good primer and paint on your roof because it will allow your roof to last longer and resist rust.

#5. Check Your Metal Roof Screws

Check your metal roof screws from time to time. If those screws need replacement, then replace them as soon as possible. If you are wondering how long a metal screw lasts, then let me answer your question.

Metal screws last for 20 years. After that, you need to replace them. You should choose the best metal roof screws while roofing your house. If you don’t select the suitable screws, your roof may have a water leakage, and no one likes to have a leaky roof.

Read our guide on how to screw down metal roofing: it involves only a few simple steps which you need to follow while screwing on your metal panels.

#6. Check The Rusty Spots On Your Metal Roof

If you notice any rusty spots on your metal panels, then clean them immediately with sandpaper. You may also prefer a wire brush to remove the rust but apply the wire brush gently. After removing the rust, try to apply primer and another coat on your roof.

#7. Check The Seams

The seams usually connect the metal panels. If the seam is not in the correct position, then water may leak from your roof. That’s why you need to check the seams from time to time.

If you find the seams in the incorrect places or your flashing is missing and you are facing a leakage problem, you must consider repairing the metal roof. You don’t have to worry at all. You just need to follow these simple steps and use urethane cement to fix leaks on your roof.

If you still face leakage, then consult a roofing professional. Professionals will inspect all problems and repair your metal roof properly.

Conclusion

If you want to change your existing roof, then, in my opinion, you should select a metal roof because they are suitable in any climatic conditions and have immense benefits. These benefits are the reason more people are opting nowadays to buy a metal roof for their house.

You just have to invest one time, and it will last for more than 50 years. Isn’t that great? Just try to perform maintenance on your metal roof every few years.

Well, I hope I answered your question regarding how long does a metal roof last. So, if you install a metal roof after reading this article, then please share your pictures as I would love to see them!

Happy Roofing!