Metal roofs are becoming more popular by the day for their impressive durability and lifespan. While asphalt shingles are still the most common roofing material available, metal roofing is starting to challenge the standard.
The latest advancements in metal roofing allow an expansive variety of styles, colors, and materials to choose from such as:
- Copper roofing
- Steel roofing
- Zinc roofing
- Tin roof systems
- Aluminum roofing
Modern metal roof systems are sleek and durable and especially beneficial for homes in areas with severe and unexpected weather. Still, many homeowners don’t know about the many benefits, styles, or how long a metal roof should last. So before you take a chance on installing a new metal roof, you might want to know— how long does a metal roof last?
We’re going to answer that classic question while offering some general insight into what homeowners should know before making their decision.
Metal Roofs Are Replacing Asphalt Shingles
In the past, asphalt shingles and other roofing materials were the leading choices for residential homeowners. Nowadays, the traditional asphalt shingle roof has taken a backseat because a low maintenance and environmentally friendly material with greater durability has come to the forefront. Metal roofs are all the rage and for many great reasons.
Why Choose Metal Roofing?
Thinking about starting a new roofing installation but still can’t decide if metal roofs are right for you? Check out this complete list of metal roofing pros and cons below:
✅Pros ✅
- Durable: You might’ve guessed that a metal roof has high durability, but some roofing systems even come graded for wind gusts of up to 140 mph or more. Strong metal panels can withstand almost anything!
- Long-lasting: The average lifespan of a metal roof is around 40 to 70 years.
- Safe: Despite their material, metal roofs won’t attract any lightning, and many reputable brands offer fire-resistant roofing systems which can benefit homeowners who live where wildfires are common
- Energy-efficient: Metal roofs reflect UV sun rays, so your home doesn’t get too hot in the summer, reducing your cooling costs by upwards of 25% (and your need for AC at all).
- Sustainable: Like asphalt shingles, metal roofing is often made from entirely recycled content, and when it comes time for a replacement, the metal panels can be recycled too.
- Stylish: Metal roofs come in a wide range of colors and shingle shapes, so it’s easy to find a system that complements your home’s existing aesthetic.
- Low maintenance: Metal roofs require very literal upkeep over the years, and they’ll never grow mold or moss, unlike other material options.
🚫Cons 🚫
- High cost: Depending on your chosen material, metal roofing can get spendy. While steel and aluminum are more affordable, copper and zinc can get costly, quickly.
- Inconsistent color matching: If one of your metal panels happens to get damaged during a hail storm or for some other reason, it can be challenging to find an exact match in color since there’s a big margin for variation in the manufacturing process.
- Noise: Metal roofing systems look sleek but can sound like a marching band moved in during a huge hail or rain storm.
- Performance: Although many metal roofing systems are graded for fires and high winds, cheaper materials from no-name manufacturers are often prone to performance problems like rust or denting during storms. That’s why you want to budget for the best metal roofing materials possible.
Even with the added cost associated with metal roofing, you save on repairs and upkeep since these systems require virtually no maintenance.
Read more about the benefits and drawbacks of metal roofing here before deciding if it’s the right roofing system for you.
Average Lifespan of a Metal Roof System
So you’re wondering, how long does a metal roof last? With proper care, it could be upwards of 100 years, but the average lifespan of a metal roof is anywhere between 40 and 70 years. However, like any other shingle roof system, several other factors can affect the longevity of metal roofs and lower their expected lifespan.
4 Factors That Impact a Metal Roof’s Life Expectancy
Whether it’s wood shingles, asphalt shingle roofs, or metal roofing systems, everyone wants to get a nice, long life out of their roof. However, certain things must be considered to more accurately estimate the actual lifespan of metal roofs.
Let’s look at four of the main factors impacting the life expectancy of metal roofing systems:
Installation
The most crucial factor is the quality of installation. If you hire a high-quality roofing company to install your metal roof, it will last much longer than if you try to DIY the job yourself or hire a subpar roofing company to cut costs.
Be prepared to pay a higher premium for professional roofing services so that your metal roof is installed correctly and can last its entire lifespan.
Roofing Material and Quality
Although a properly installed metal roof could last for decades, not all metal roofing systems are created equal. The lifespan of each type of metal roofing material will vary. For example:
- Copper roofing can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years
- Steel roofing has an average lifespan of about 40 years
- A zinc coated roof will last between 60 and 100 years
- Tin roofs have a lifespan of at least 50 years
- Aluminum roofing typically lasts around 50 years
Installing a new roof can get expensive, but spending the extra cash on replacement roofing materials you can trust to withstand any weather conditions will be worth it in the long run because you’ll be making far fewer repairs.
Consult with your roofing contractor to compare materials and choose a roofing system that’s right for your needs and budget but also comes from a reputable roofing brand.
Weather Conditions
Another critical factor is the weather conditions where your home is located. Though it’s significantly sturdier than other roofing materials, if you live in an area with unpredictable or extreme weather, your metal roof may not last as long as it would in more moderate climates. The weather events that will typically cause storm damage to metal roofing include:
- High winds 💨
- Heavy rain ☔️
- Hail storms 🌨
- Hurricanes and twisters 🌩🌪
- Ice and sleet 💦
- Snow storms ❄️
Care & Maintenance
Like any other roofing material, metal needs to be taken care of to reach the end of its life expectancy. Proper annual maintenance ensures that metal roofs last as long as possible. You should have your roof inspected at least once a year by an experienced roofing contractor to check for any issues that may have gone unnoticed.
Remember to inspect your roof immediately after severe storms and clean your roof regularly as well. Removing any debris or leaves that could potentially clog up your gutters will help prevent further problems that’ll cost you in the future.
How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost?
Does an energy-efficient, low maintenance, and long-lasting roofing system sound like something you might want? Next time you need a roof replacement or are planning a new roof installation for your home, consider high-quality metal roofing over outdated asphalt or wood shingles. Although standing seam styles are the most prevalent, you can also find metal roofing that looks like clay tiles or classic shingles.
Since there are so many styles and types of metal roofs you can choose from, and because every roofing project will be a different size, there’s no set cost for these kinds of roofing systems. You’ll have to factor in expenses like labor, materials, and removal of your old roof or added fees for architectural shingles.
So, how much do metal roofs usually run American homeowners? Here’s a breakdown of estimated total costs for installing different metals based on national averages:
- Steel roofing: $9,350-$19,500
- Aluminum roofing: $15,500-$28,000
- Tin roof shingles: $17,000-$31,450
- Standing seam metal roofs: $17,000-$30,000
- Zinc roofing: $30,400-47,600
- Copper roofing: $35,700-67,500
Invest in Metal Roofing That Lasts
With impressive durability, a wide variety of colors and styles, and virtually no maintenance, it’s no surprise metal roofs are in such high demand. From aluminum and copper to tin and metal slate tiles, there are many ways to incorporate metal panels into your roofing system.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to your asphalt shingle roof and install a long-lasting metal one instead, what are you waiting for? Work with the trusted team at DuraShield today to receive a beautiful, durable metal roof you can rely on to last a lifetime. Contact us today!