Roofing is crucial and one of the last steps in building or renovating a house. That’s why it’s advisable to pick a suitable roofing material that guarantees longevity and will upgrade your home’s value and style. For most Minnesota homeowners, metal roofing is the go-to option, courtesy of its various selling points, but how long does a metal roof last?
Most metal roofs are sturdy and will serve you for a decent time before you consider repairs or replacements. Here is a detailed guide on the longevity of metal roofs and what makes them the best option for your house.
How Long Does a Metal Roof Last?
When picking a suitable roof for your house, the material’s durability should be a primary factor when determining how long a metal roof lasts. Luckily, you get this with metal roofs. These roofs are long-lasting, with a life expectancy of 20-70 years. With a metal roof, you don’t have to climb up your house regularly with your hammer for repairs.
Metal roofing features elements like copper, zinc, and steel alloys, which are more resilient to the elements. However, metal roofs can last for many years on their own, but with modifications—like painting—their functionality improves.
How long does paint last on a metal roof? High-grade paint can have your back for up to 10 years.
The Life Expectancy Factors Affecting How Long a Metal Roof Lasts
So, how long will a metal roof last? There are several things that may increase or decrease its lifespan. Below are some of the factors that can affect metal roof life expectancy:
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions will affect how long a metal roof will last. Roofs act like shields over our heads and bear the brunt of weather conditions, and metal roofs fare well in mild and stable conditions. However, their lifespan could deteriorate in extreme or fluctuating conditions.
In hot climates, excessive heat and wind can cause wear and tear on these roofs. The heat causes metal to expand, while wind may carry items like sand that may erode the surface. Despite a metal roof’s resiliency, exposure to such conditions can shave some years off their lives.
Fluctuating conditions, like heat and cold spells, lead to rift development on the metal surface due to irregular contraction and expansion. The rifts may grow into cracks, prompting a quick fix, depending on how bad the situation is.
Metal Quality
Product quality is a critical factor when shopping for metal roofs and how long a metal roof will last. You judge quality by looking at the nature of construction. Thin and poorly crafted roofs perform poorly and may crack in a few years. While they may be cheap, light metal roofs don’t offer the best value.
Painted roofs are great, as they are sturdier against rusting and the effects of heat, and therefore, they can last longer. Stainless steel and alloy roofing products are also rustproof, though they tend to be pricey.
Installation
How long a metal roof lasts also depends on whether or not the roof is properly installed. Installing a metal roof is hassle-free, especially for an experienced hand. If you are not good at roofing, hire our professionals for well-done work.
Poor roofing practices may lead to cracks and leaks, which lessen the roof’s life. After installation, regular checkups are a must to ensure everything is alright.
Additionally, be aware of the roof’s slope. Low slopes can hold more water and weaken the roof over time, Whereas a sharp slope makes sure that rainwater does not accumulate. Focusing on the roof slope when designing your house helps to avoid potential water damage that might occur with a low roof.
How Metal Roofs Compare to Other Materials
How durable are metal roofs? To answer this question, you must look at how it fares against other roofing materials.
Another popular roofing material used when building homes are asphalt shingles. This roofing type is often inexpensive and relatively easy to install, even if you lack experience. Plus, they are also ideal for low-sloped roofs.
Shingles have a 30-40-year service life, which is not bad compared to metal roofs. However, the negative aspects of rolled roofing are that it has a short lifespan of only 8-10 years and it does not have a high aesthetic value. This means that asphalt shingles need consistent care and maintenance, lest their service life drops by several years.
Some construction experts advise using metal roofing over shingles to improve metal roof life expectancy. It is an excellent mode of roofing, where you use a steel shingle system over the asphalt, with the latter material acting as insulation and water protection. Should you decide to go with this roofing, have a professional guide you.
Metal Roofs for Cold Climates
If you live in colder climates, you understand the necessity of installing the proper roofing material to shield you from extreme temperatures. Metal roofs perform well in cold temperatures, with their durability being a crucial factor. Many families in Minnesota are upgrading to metal roofs to withstand the cold and snowy climate.
Why? Snow easily slides off metal roofs, so you don’t have to deal with the physical task of clearing your roof off. With less snow on your roof, you do not have to worry about snow dams, which can cause water damage.
Installing a metal roof means you don’t have to worry about constant upgrades, which can be strenuous both physically and financially.
How to Improve Your Metal Roof’s Lifespan
These are the following measures you can employ to extend your metal roof’s life expectancy:
- Clear debris from the roof and gutters to prevent ice dams
- Trim the trees around your house and clear branches hanging over the roof
- Paint your roof after ten years to make it sturdier and rustproof
- Proper attic ventilation for ample air circulation
- An annual roof inspection by qualified personnel
Turn to A to Z Construction for Your Roofing Needs
How long does a metal roof last? A properly installed metal roof can last up to 70 years. Metal is an ideal roofing material, with boasting attributes like stylishness, convenience, and durability.
Metal roofing is ideal for cold areas, like Minnesota, making it easier to deal with the colder climate and snow. Be sure to remember to conduct regular inspections on your metal roof to ensure it lives up to its standards.
If you are considering installing a metal roof, contact us today to learn more about your metal roofing options and your project’s possibilities. Our team of experts are professionally trained and will make sure to install a quality metal roof.
