A roof is a major investment for a homeowner to make, and it’s important to understand the lifespan of various types of roofing options.
Metal roofs have become quite popular, as they’re known for being durable and having a long life expectancy, but how long does a metal roof last? How does that compare to a traditional shingle roof? And what are the factors that influence the lifespan of your roof? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more.
In this article:
- How Long Does a Metal Roof Last? Average Life Expectancy of Metal and Shingle Roofs
- Factors Influencing the Lifespan of a Metal Roof
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Metal Roof Last? Average Life Expectancy of Metal and Shingle Roofs
The typical metal roof life expectancy is around 50 years, but this can be extended even further with regular maintenance.
Some metal roofs offer excellent warranties, as well. For instance, Erie Home metal roofs are backed by a transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty that protects against any manufacturing defects for any roofs we install for the lifetime of the roof.
For additional peace of mind, an Erie Home metal roof also comes with the following features as standard:
- Protection against weathering and discoloration
- Resistance to wind speeds of up to 120 mph
- Class 4 hail impact rating, and
- Class A fire rating
Non-porous and freeze- and thaw-resistant, metal roofs from Erie Home will never crack, break, burn, curl, or split.
In comparison, the average asphalt shingle roof will last between 20 and 25 years, depending on both the natural elements and the quality of the shingles used.
For people who are looking for a long-lasting roof that will last for decades, an Erie Home metal roof makes the most sense. However, it’s important to consider the factors that can impact how long a roof will last.
Factors Influencing the Lifespan of a Metal Roof
A metal roof should last several decades, and an Erie Home metal roof is guaranteed to last half a century. So what are the factors that play a part in this durability?
First, the quality of the materials used makes a difference. At Erie Home, we use stone-coated steel roofing, which has a very long service life and comes with a 50-year limited warranty. Other metal roofs with high longevity include copper and zinc roofs. These are all very high-quality materials and, with excellent installation methods, should last a long time.
Speaking of the installation, you’ll want to hire an experienced professional to install any metal roof. Poor installation can lead to leaks and premature wear, both of which can reduce the roof’s lifespan. Installing a metal roof is not something you should take on as a DIY project unless you have considerable roofing experience.
An Erie Home metal roof is installed by a team of professionally trained local experts, with installation often being completed in less than a day and just a few weeks after placing the order. This saves you the hassle of making the time to either install it yourself or find someone nearby or who can get the job done for you.
Maintenance will also play a part. Metal roofs should be inspected periodically, and should also be cleaned regularly. If any minor issues crop up, such as rust or minor damage, addressing them promptly can prevent them from becoming more severe.
Fortunately, with an Erie Home metal roof, the transferable limited lifetime warranty has got you covered. Not only does it protect you against any manufacturing or installation defects, but it also covers discoloration and rust. Erie Home metal roofs have a Class 4 hail impact resistance rating and a Class A fire rating, and they also resist damage from high winds (up to 120 miles per hour).
Finally, the climate and environment where you live will likely impact your roof’s overall lifespan. If you are in an area with frequent hail, hurricanes, or ice storms, this can reduce your roof’s life expectancy.
Erie Home metal roofs carry a Class 4 Impact rating and the Very Severe Hail (VSH) impact-resistance classification and therefore meet the highest standards for being resistant to hail and high winds.
The most common reasons for needing to replace a metal roof include:
- Damage. If a tree falls on your roof or there’s other severe damage from debris, this can cause leaking and other issues. However, even minor damage can cause issues, thereby making it important to inspect the roof regularly.
- Corrosion. Although metal roofs are resistant to corrosion, rust can occur in harsh conditions. Regular maintenance can usually catch small areas of rust, and if treated properly, prevent the rust from spreading.
- Repairs by a non-professional. In general, homeowners without roofing experience should not attempt to patch or otherwise repair their metal roofs.
- Wear and tear. No roof is going to last forever, so as the decades go by, a metal roof will become less able to withstand the elements and demands required from a roof.
Final Thoughts
Homeowners looking for a well-built, attractive roof for their properties would do well to consider a metal roof. Since metal roofs last approximately twice as long as shingle roofs, these make for a good investment. Hiring a knowledgeable and professional company to install and maintain the roof will help to make it last as long as possible.
Erie Home is a name you can trust. With nearly 50 years of experience and over 400,000 satisfied customers, it’s little wonder we’re rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. We offer a range of metal roofing options with installation by expert local roofers and a transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty. Call 1-800-862-6400 or contact us today to learn how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a metal roof be replaced?
Metal roofs last several decades, so they don’t need to be replaced often. A metal roof professionally installed by Erie Home has an expected lifespan of 50 years or more. In fact, we’re so confident in the durability of our metal roofs that we back our work by a 50-year transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty.
What are the signs you should replace a metal roof?
Inspecting your metal roof regularly will allow you to identify signs that it’s time for a replacement. Severe damage from a storm or from heavy debris falling on the roof is a sign it might need to be replaced.
If your metal roof is rusty, that could be another reason to replace it. Water leaking into the house could result from damage or loose fasteners and might require a roof replacement. While these issues shouldn’t occur with an Erie Home stone-coated steel metal roof, they may be an issue with less-durable metal roofing options, such as standing seam metal roofs.
Why do metal roofs usually leak?
Most of the time, metal roofs don’t leak, but if they do, it’s often around the roofing screws used to attach the roofing panels to the frame. This can occur due to improper installation, faulty screws, or storm damage. Overlapping seams and the flashings are other parts of the roof that could leak. To avoid this issue, choose an expert install and save yourself significant repairs down the road.
Do metal roofs rust over time?
Yes, metal can rust over time. However, the coatings used on the metal, as well as the maintenance performed, can prevent rusting for many years. The good news is that our transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty will protect your roof against rust, so you won’t need to worry about this ever being an issue.
How often should metal roof screws be replaced?
Most of the time, metal screws will last as long as your metal roof panels, but if they show signs of wear and tear, they may need to be replaced sooner. They could become rusty, or they might be damaged in weather conditions that don’t damage the metal panels. In this case, replacing the screws will be less expensive than replacing the entire roof.