How Long Will a Metal Roof Last?
Are you interested in making your house more energy efficient? Want to add a beautiful and striking major design element to your home. How about never replacing your roof again? Consider a metal roof. While the initial cost of a metal roof is significantly higher than an asphalt roof, it lasts a lifetime and requires minimal maintenance. Metal roofs offer many advantages, such as design flexibility, energy efficiency, recyclability and of course, durability. The main practical advantage of metal roofing is that it lasts for such a long time. The big question is – how long does it last?
Metal Basics
While most roof warranties provide around 50 years of coverage, several metal roofs have been known to last over 100 years. Many factors affect the longevity of your roof, including the type of metal used. There are several types of metal roofing available these days. Copper and zinc roofs typically cost the most and last the longest. Pre-painted steel and aluminum are popular choices, which typically have a 40-50 year warranty. Bare galvalume steel reportedly lasts up to 60 years. Quality PVDF paint coatings are usually warranted to last 30-40 years.
Longevity Factors
Local environmental conditions vary and these will affect how long your roof will last. For example, a metal roof located within 1500 ft. of salt water may deteriorate faster if not maintained with a bi-annual tap water rinse. Proper installation is crucial in the longevity of any roof, including use of proper underlayment, fasteners, high quality caulking. All things considered, properly installed metal roofs do not rot, crack, warp or curl and can withstand harsh environmental conditions for many years. That’s what they do best.
