How long does a metal roof last? Well, you need to read about the whole character of metal roofing in the first place. Other than that, some myths stories circulate, and it could make a biased review of this material.
In this article, we are going to show you anything you need to know about metal roofing. And you may find it useful, especially if you are going to replace your old asphalt roof with a metal roof.
Overview
Many people agree that metal roofing can be one of the most sensible ways to protect your home. This will be a huge help if you live in an area with heavy snowfall, large hail, beaming sun that could meal asphalt, rapid temperature change, or a lot of storms.
Read also: How long should a roof last.
You can ask those who live in Vermont, Maine, Northern New Hampshire, several New York, Ohio, Illinois, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida for this kind of fun fact. They have proven how metal roofing could stand such extreme weather and answer your question about “how long does a metal roof last”.
The Benefits of Metal Roofings
Metal roofing is pretty lightweight, especially if you compare it with other materials. Other than that, they could be pretty easy to attach. If you already have the existing roof material installed, you can directly install the metal roof on it.
Since it comes in 12 to 36 inches each panel or multiple-shingles section, they will save your energy when it comes to the installation. Other than that, since metal reflects the heat from the sun, it will minimize the heat when the hottest days come through. In the end, you could save on your electricity bills.
The Drawbacks of Metal Roofings
When it comes to the disadvantages of metal roofs, the first thing you need to know is that this material is so expensive. It costs between USD 150 and USD 600 for 100 square feet. Of course, this is such a big initial investment.
Other than that, it produces annoying noise, especially when the rain is pouring down. Of course, you can low the sound down by installing a structural barrier made of solid plywood or something else.
Talking about the accessibility, it will be such a huge challenge when you need to walk over the roof when the roof is wet. You will need to do that to clean up your roof during the wintertime.
On the other hand, metal tends to dent easily. It will be an annoying issue, especially if something with velocity hits your roof, like large hailstone or tree limbs. Copper and aluminum roofing are more prone to this issue compared to steel. Still, you need to consider these points after all.
Facts of Metal Roofing
First of all, metal roofs are made of various materials such as galvanized steel, zinc, aluminum-coated steel, stone-coated steel, aluminum, stainless steel, zinc-tint alloy, zinc, copper, and aluminum. In fact, aluminum-coated steel is a bit more expensive compared to the most common galvanized steel.
The wide range of materials used for making the metal roofing could be interesting when it comes to making a consideration.
Galvanized steels are pretty popular, and we may know them with the term G-90 and G-60. Both types of galvanized roofing are prone to corrosion, especially when the moist and salty environment exposed them, which are the metal roof problems everyone should understand. It would be something you do not want to have when you are living in coastal areas.
Steel is the most popular material used for commercial and residential buildings. Some people love this material because it is cheaper than other materials on the list. Aluminum stands on the second podium.
People love aluminum due to its durability and how long-lasting this material is. If you live in the coastal area, aluminum might be the best roofing option you can choose.
Talking about the most durable material, copper is on the first list. However, the only drawback is its high cost. This is why some people prefer to install a certain part of their roof with copper. Other than that, this material is great for accents.
How Much Does Metal Roofing Cost?
Typically, steel metal roofing costs from USD 300 per square. Stone-coated steel costs between USD 350 and USD 425 per square. On the other hand, steel shingles cost about USD 270.
Aluminum metal roofing, a better version of steel when it comes to quality, costs around USD 100 per square. The most expensive metal roofing is copper and zinc. Averagely, they cost the same. The cost is between USD 900 and USD 1,400 per square. No wonder only a few homeowners chose to install their entire roof with zinc or copper.
Talking about metal roof maintenance, you can put a special protective coating on steep roofs to prevent corrosion. Galvalume and galvanized steel roofing systems are pre-painted and pre-coated by the manufacturers. You do not need to put any further coating later.
On the other hand, zinc, copper, and aluminum roofs do not need any additional coating. Normally, hi-end aluminum and steel roofing have an excellent steel panel finished with acrylic paint. You pay for what you get for sure.
Metal Roofing Longevity
When it comes to the performance aspect, metal shingles and standing seam roofs are similar. Those types of metal roofing systems are great if you consider using them for a lifetime system. You will never need to install another roof in the future.
On the other hand, metal roofs such as steel shingles or aluminum could last for up to 50 years. Some of them could even get longer. Zinc and copper roofs offer 100 years of longevity. Meanwhile, asphalt shingles roofs can only last up to 15 years.
The metal roof indeed provides solid protection, curb appeal, great looks, and energy savings. And this is the end section, “how long does a metal roof last”.
