Benefit #: Environmentally Friendly
Metal is a sustainable material that contains a high portion of already recycled material. If your metal roof one day needs to be replaced, the panels and other roofing components can be melted down and used to create other metal roofs. Asphalt shingles by comparison would merely be tossed into a landfill if they ever became damaged or needed to be replaced.
Due to the extended longevity of your roof, you wont find yourself replacing it every few years, which mitigates the use of fuel and heavy equipment. Everyone wins in the end. The metal roofing company gets the job for the installation, you as the homeowner get long-lasting protection from the elements, and the environment gets the protection it needs for a win-win-win situation.
Proper Installation Of Metal Panels
One of the most common reasons a metal roof has issues prematurely is due to errors made during the installation. Many times the mistakes are simple, such as not tightening screws properly or using the wrong sealant.
For more information on metal roof installation errors, we suggest reading:
It is crucial to hire a roofing professional that has specialized experience with installing metal roof panels and has a valid contractors license. Depending on the type of panel used, metal roof installations require a different set of skills and tools than other types of roofing installations.
An installation that is done properly gives your roof the best chance of lasting as long as possible.
What Are The Four Major Types Of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs come in a range of different materials. Each one caters to different houses as well as different purposes. These are the five major metal roofs that you should know about.
appearance over time. Where copper roofs turn a shade of green, zinc roofs turn either blue or grey. Zinc roofs are durable, easy to install, require negligible maintenance, and look amazing.
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How Long Does A Zinc Roof Last
Some say zinc roofs can last for centuries, and this isnt an unfounded claim.
Zinc roofs develop a patina, but their patina is different from copper roofs.
Generally, saying these roofs last for 100 years is a safe bet.
Zinc patinas are layers of hydroxyl carbonate, which is a self-healing material that reforms itself over time.
When a zinc roof gets scratched, the patina will cover the damage as if it never happened.
This phenomenon has led to the option of buying pre-patinated panels, though you can always purchase new zinc.
Some homeowners like to collect rainwater, but other materials can contaminate the fluid, making it unsafe to drink.
Zinc is different, as the water is tested and found free of harmful chemicals from the roof. Its still necessary to filter and boil the water for safety.
It takes less energy to make zinc roofing than steel or aluminum, as the metal has a lower melting point.
Therefore, zinc has less of an impact on the environment.
Disadvantages Of A Metal Roof
Metal roofs can last a really long time, but they do have some disadvantages.
âCost: Metal roofs may be worth the cost because of how long they last, but they do cost a lot more than asphalt roofs.
âNoise: Noise can be a problem with some metal roofs. Using more insulation can decrease the noise, but this will add to the cost.
âDents: Some metal roofs can be prone to dents, which could mean more frequent repairs.
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Metal Roofing In General
Metal is strong. We all know that, and its why metal roofing is a common choice especially in commercial applications. But a lot of metals struggle with corrosion, and thats a major concern when calculating longevity. The truth is that there are a number of different materials available, and they all have different advantages.
Well go over the four most common metals in roofing and explain their longevity. But the quick answer is that depending on the material and outdoor conditions, you can typically expect a metal roof to last somewhere in the ballpark of 20 to 70 years.
How Long Do Metal Roofs Last
Metal roofs continue to remain an extremely popular roofing solution for residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings. Not only are they durable, stylish, and low maintenance, theyre also extremely long-lasting. Metal roofs have an impressive lifespan, and last much longer compared to other roofing materials. One of the most commonly asked questions about metal roofs is how long will they last? Were giving you all the information about a metal roofing systems lifespan.
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Protecting Your Metal Roof
While metal can be very long-lasting and durable roofing material, it’s crucial to have an experienced and knowledgeable roofer perform the installation. Any scratching or damage done during the installation will expose the steel to dew or moisture, which can cause rust.
Also, it’s essential to check on your metal roof once annually to look for potential trouble. Have your roofer check out your roof or perform the inspection yourself.
But What About The Color Will It Last
You may be wondering how long the color will last on a metal roof. That special alloy coating that makes the metals roof rust-resistant? The same coating also protects color.
The color is extremely durable and protected against sun exposure, oxygen, humidity, extreme temperatures, and even pollution. Of course, some colors may last longer than others, so you may want to choose a color that will last for years to come.
For example, lighter colors such as tan, grey, or white are an excellent choice as they will fade less than darker colors such as navy or black. Be sure to research the color you are interested in and look into the finish to see how long it will last.
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What Other Factors Contribute To Metal Panels Long Shelf Life
- For starters, they are extremely durable. Metal panels better withstand the slight contraction and expansion that comes with changing temperatures.
- When exposed to the sun, they are not susceptible to cracking and crumbling like shingles.
- Thanks to their overlapping construction and protective sealant, metal roofs are also far less likely to experience water damage compared to other roofing structures.
- Metal roofs are unattractive to pests, such as termites. Making them far less exposed to outer factors that would challenge the roofs integrity.
- Most metal roofs include the highest impact resistance and hail rating.
How To Take Care And Maintain Metal Roofs
Clean off mildew, stains, dirt, and other elements: Cleaning and removing dirt from your metal roof boosts its lifespan. In such dirt, harmful elements could stick to your old roofing system. Also, the roof maintenance
- Reduces cooling costs
- Shoot down lightning strike effects
- Boosts energy efficiency
- Protection from extreme weather, for example, heavy rain
Maintenance sounds easy, but therere strict processes for safe roof cleaning. Safe roof cleaning prevents harm to the building, panels, or yourself.
Clean the drains and gutters: Drains and gutters are popular areas for building up sticks, debris, or leaves. Later on, the build-up causes clogging, which leads to water pooling. The pooling water encourages premature corrosion on almost all metal roof materials. Ensure you clear out the drains and gutters at least once per year.
Remove debris or leaves clung in valleys: Debris strains and scratches the roofs paint system, making it unappealing. Check for branches and leaves that could stick to the valleys, horizontal planes, and low slopes. After that, remove the branches or leaves promptly.
Clear sticks or branches that touch your metal roof surface: Buildings/homes underneath trees need extra care, ensuring branches arent low-lying. The branches shouldnt scrap or touch the meta roofs surface. Theyll scuff or scratch the roofs paint system when the branches do so. Paint warranties dont cover such happenings.
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Weather Conditions & Metal Roofs
Metal roofs stand up well in all kinds of weather, but the conditions your roof is subjected to on a regular basis will determine how long it lasts. People with homes in areas with a fairly mild climate will find their roof lasts longer than those in areas that suffer from high winds or heavy snowfalls. Harsh weather conditions can cause your roof to suffer from wear and tear.
How Long Does A Copper Roof Last
Copper roofs are one of the two materials that can easily last more than 100 years.
Copper roofs that are just installed glow brightly under the sun, but as with all copper objects, they undergo patination. This process might not be pleasant to antique collectors, but its a desired trait on roofs.
The patina the copper roofs develop can range from a darker green to a near turquoise shade, and this process only requires time.
The golden glow will slowly be replaced with a beautiful layer that doesnt need to be maintained. Few people would paint or coat a copper roof.
Patinas are also a layer of protection against the elements and will only keep growing.
Its known that patination can keep copper objects intact for more than a thousand years, even though roofs might not be that hardy.
Repairing copper roofs isnt too difficult, as it consists of soldering pieces as replacements. It barely needs maintenance anyway.
Most copper roofs are made of recycled copper, which is great for the environment.
If youre environmentally conscious, this material and zinc are excellent choices.
However, a copper roof is indeed an expensive upfront product.
Its a worthy investment, though not everyone can afford one.
Did you know? Copper patinas are a layer of copper oxides, and the reason the Statue of Liberty is green is due to the copper construction.
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What Factors Impact How Long Your Roof Lasts
- Quality of the installation workmanship – A poor quality installation will shorten your roofs lifespan.
- Environmental conditions – Exposure to high winds, extreme temperatures, and falling debris can decrease how long your roof lasts.
- The quality of materials used – Cheaper materials wont cost as much upfront but will have to be replaced more often than other expensive roofing materials.
- The type of roofing material used – Each roofing material has different durability, making them last longer or shorter in different conditions.
While there are several factors that impact how long your roof lasts, your roof’s lifespan most heavily depends on the materials used. Let’s take a closer look at the various roof types and how long each of them lasts.
Picking The Correct Metal Panel Gauge
A panels metal gauge, or thickness, can influence its durability, which in turn influences its life span. Keep in mind that the lower the metal gauge number, the thicker the metal. The thickness of a 24-gauge metal panel is greater than that of a 29-gauge metal panel.
As a result, a 24-gauge panel would be more durable than a 29-gauge panel.
A thinner material could be a problem when it comes to harsh weather elements like snow, high winds, or hail. I would not recommend 29-gauge if you live in an area where there is regular snowfall. There might be leaks if there is excessive snow.
Homeowners who live in the high-wind zones should avoid thinner metal. A 24-gauge roof is thicker and heavier than a 29-gauge roof. The more the weight is, the more chance there is of resistance during more adverse situations.
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Where To Buy Galvanized Roof Panels
At Wanzhi Steel, we have a wide variety of galvanized roofing panels to choose from. Besides, we also have roofing sheets made with galvalume steel and color-coated steel. As one of the top corrugated roofing sheets manufacturers in China, we have our factory, advanced equipment, and professional teams. If you have any questions, please contact us right now.
Remove Rust As Soon As Possible
If you see rust forming in your roof, you simply must act right away. You can try removing the formed rust by rinsing it with water. If the rust has already caused corrosion, remove it by lightly sanding it. Once the rust is removed, apply metal primer, which can prevent rust from developing in the future. Once again, apply paint in the affected area.
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Quality Of Roof Installation
Even the highest quality roofing systems can quickly deteriorate if not properly installed. Installation of metal roofs is a very complex process that requires adherence to certain technologies and work experience.
If the installation of a metal roof would be doing inexperienced specialists, there is a chance that there will be problems with it after 5-7 years. Installation of a metal roof is a whole complex of sequential works. If mistakes are made at any of the stages, the roof may not be complete.
This can lead to leaks, loss of insulation, and rapid corrosion of the coating metal. A negligent installation of a metal roof can cut its lifespan in half, which can be frustrating.
Wood Shakes And Shingles
Usually, a wooden shingle roof lasts for about 30 years with warranties that run up to 40 years. In order for wood shingles and shake roofs to last, however, you need to perform regular maintenance. Wooden roof upkeep includes yearly cleanings, as well as repainting or staining every 5 years.
Wooden shakes can last for decades if properly maintained. Image source: Westshore Roofing
The type of wood that you use will also determine how long the roof will last. Cedar shakes, for example, last longer than other types of wooden shingles because cedar is rot and insect-resistant. Cedar shakes are also able to withstand winds up to 245 miles per hour, which makes them a popular type of roofing material for coastal homes.
Signs you need a wooden roof replacement: Splitting shingles, rotting shingles, pest damage, mold, and/or algae growth.
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How Long Do Metal Roof Screws Last
Some metal roofs are attached to the main structure via screws, and these are designed to last about 20 years.
After this time, youll need to hire a professional roofer to replace them.
Roof movement due to heat and cold can damage screws, making them last for a shorter period. Therefore, its best to check on them at least twice a year.
The earlier you discover any damage, the less youll pay for repairs.
Pro Tip: Despite how long metal roofs can last, its crucial to check the attic for structural damage elsewhere. The roof isnt as helpful if the framing is damaged.
Benefit #: A Variety Of Colors & Styles
Metal roofs can be incredibly stylish. Todays metal roofs are light years beyond the old tin roofs of yesteryear. These days you can choose from zinc, tin, aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel. Not only can you choose your metal, but these roofs come in a dizzying array of colors and finishes, even different shapes. In fact, there are many more varieties of metal roofs than there are asphalt shingles. With shingles, you have ten to twenty options to choose from. Metal roofing can be found in over 100 colors, including premium and custom hues.
Metal roofing comes in a variety of styles also. Most metal roofing is made with traditional ribbed panels. This is otherwise referred to as standing seam construction. Of course, you also have the option of hiding the fact you have a metal roof. The roofing can be made to resemble slate, wood shakes, and clay tiles. You can choose to stand out or go with a look that is more traditional. Above all, you remain in control when it comes to the look, feel, and style of your metal roofing installation.
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Has The Paint On Your Metal Roof Panels Been Protected During Installation
Always keep in mind that the painted finish on the panels of your metal roof system protects the metal. Standing seam metal panels are coated with Kynar 500, whereas screw-down panels are coated with whatever painted finish the manufacturer chooses.
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Scratching or breaking the panels coating exposes the new steel to dew or moisture in the air, causing it to rust. As a result, it is critical that your local roofing contractor takes all necessary steps to safeguard the finish throughout the installation.
For example, every evening when the days work is over, the roof must be cleaned. They cant leave any cuts, little triangles, or shavings on the roof since the steel would corrode overnight.
Whatever metal roof system you have, it is critical that it is treated with care throughout the installation. As a result, selecting a competent local roofing contractor is critical to the success of your metal roof investment.
