A metal roof can easily last up to 80 years and could very well be the last roof you ever have to put on your house — it’s extremely durable, weather-resistant, and cost-effective.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s completely maintenance-free.
We’ve installed roofs in the Indiana area for decades, so we know what it takes to properly maintain a metal roof. Here’s what you need to know about how long a metal roof is expected to last and what you can do to prolong your investment.
The Average Life Expectancy of a Metal Roof
While metal roofs can last around 50-80 years, the average lifespan of a metal roof depends on the type of metal roof you’re having installed.
Here’s what you can expect for each type of metal roof material:
- Ribbed metal roof – 50+ years
- Standing seam metal roof – 50+ years
- Metal shingle roof – 80 years
This is great news for anyone who needs to put a long-lasting roof on their home or is looking into buying a home that already has a metal roof installed. When you have a new metal roof on your house, it might not ever need to be replaced.
Metal Roof Maintenance
While a metal roof requires much less attention than an asphalt shingle roof, there are still a few things you should know about how to maintain a metal roof:
- Schedule annual inspections so a professional roofing contractor can identify any areas of concern, damage, or weakness.
- Clean off your metal roof regularly. This job is best left to the professionals, as they’ll know how to properly clean your metal roof without damaging the paint or metal panels.
- Clean out debris gutters, drains, and valleys. If water pools up in these areas, it could start to corrode the metal.
- Replace any damaged or loose screws, especially if your metal roof has exposed fasteners (like a ribbed metal roof).
- You might have to repaint it every 20 years or so, as the color will eventually start to fade.
Without proper maintenance, you could be left with expensive repairs or need to replace your metal roofer sooner than expected.
Why Do Metal Roofs Last So Long?
We always recommend metal roofs to our customers because we know that, in the long run, it’s going to be the best choice. These are a few reasons why metal roofs last so much longer than other types of roofing materials.
Metal is More Durable Than Asphalt
Whether you opt for a standing seam metal roof with panels or metal shingles, the material is extremely durable. It can withstand strong winds, rain, snow, and potential damage from debris.
In general, it’s much less susceptible to damage. A tree branch that could’ve put a hole through asphalt shingles might just leave a small dent in your metal roof.
Metal Roofs are Weather Resistant
Not only can a metal roof stay strong in the face of water damage threats from rain and snow, but it also does well with extreme temperature changes.
If you live in Indiana or Michigan, you know how extreme the seasons can get: we have hot summers and cold winters. These dramatic temperature changes cause your roof to expand and contract, which could easily cause damage if it wasn’t the right material or if it was installed incorrectly.
Luckily, the way a metal roof is installed allows for this natural expansion and contraction, so it can keep up with the seasons.
Metal roofs are also resistant to mildew, fire, and insects, unlike asphalt shingle roofs.
Looking to Install a Metal Roof on Your Home?
We install roofs in over 100 counties throughout Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio, and Southern Michigan.
All of our metal roofs come with a TRUE accident free double lifetime warranty, which covers just about anything that could possibly happen to your roof. Plus, it extends to the next owner of your home should you decide to sell it.
So, what are you waiting for?! Whether you want to learn more about the benefits a metal roof has to offer or already know exactly what you want, contact us today for a FREE estimate!
Written by Shield Exteriors: Our team of experienced roofers has been in the business for decades. We want to help educate homeowners on everything they need to know about residential roofing, from how long certain types of roofs last to picking the roofing material best for your needs and budget. Learn more about us or contact us today if you’re looking for a roof estimate!