Metal roofs are popular among Highland Beach, Maryland, homeowners and contractors. They are a great option for residential, commercial, and other projects due to their design, versatility, and durability.
Here is everything you need to know about metal roofs, including how they can increase the value of your home while lowering your energy bills over time.
How Long Do Metal Roofs Last?
In terms of longevity, a metal roof has a decent lifespan, which is greater than most roofs.
A typical metal roof can last between 40 and 70 years when properly maintained. When used for roofs, materials such as copper can last even longer.
A metal roof can easily outlast three roofs made of asphalt shingles due to the metal’s superior durability. Metal roofs can withstand the elements for a very long time with minimal maintenance, compared to shingle roofs, which are susceptible to environmental pressures such as moisture.
As a result, many homeowners and commercial establishments opt for metal roofs rather than asphalt shingles.
Factors That Affect the Life of Your Metal Roof
While metal roofs are thought to be long-lasting and durable, some factors can reduce their longevity if not carefully considered.
Maintenance
Metal roofs demand the least maintenance among all available roofing materials. Many people prefer it over other materials because of its low maintenance characteristics. A thorough inspection once or twice a year is usually enough to ensure that your metal roof is in good shape.
Furthermore, you can extend their life by keeping an eye out for debris on your roof and keeping the valleys and gutters clear of any unwanted accumulation. Professional metal roofing companies can help you make and stick to a plan for metal roof maintenance.
Installation
If it is not installed incorrectly, the lifespan of your metal roof could be significantly decreased. Properly installing a metal roof is the surest way to ensure that it stays in place without causing any problems. Damage and leaks are much more likely to occur on a roof that is in poor condition. Having your metal roof installed by a trained professional is the best way to increase its longevity.
Weather Conditions
The environment is the most damaging factor that can make or break a roof. The weather has a direct impact on how long your roof will last. Metal roofs can last longer in areas with less rainfall or snowfall.
Like any other material, metal roofs can wear and tear over time. That is why routine inspections and maintenance checks are required for metal roofs too.
Tips to Increase Your Metal Roof’s Lifespan
It is not difficult to keep metal roofs in good condition. Smaller steps, on the other hand, can help to extend their overall durability and lifespan.
Keeping Your Roof Clean
During its lifespan, your roof protects you from a lot of things. During this process, the roof accumulates a lot of dirt, leaves, and moss. Leaves on the top of your roof can collect moisture and dirt, causing rust.
A good rule of thumb is to clean the roof once a month to ensure there are no unwanted elements on top of it.
Inspecting Your Roof
While a metal roof is the most durable of all available roofing materials, it still necessitates some maintenance and inspection. Inspecting the roof once a year can help you identify problems (if any). It is best to have your roof inspected in the spring or fall.
Repairing Leaks
An unprecedented leak can do more damage to your metal roof than anything else. These leaks can cause rust and weathering in the roof. Leaks are one of the most common causes of rust, which can eventually cause the roof to be replaced.
Painting The Roof
Painting a metal roof can significantly increase its lifespan. Painting a metal roof can extend its life by almost ten years. A new coat of paint will keep your metal roof from rusting and weathering. Over a standard spray paint, good quality paint should be applied.
Installing Insulation
Under every metal roof panel, there needs to be insulation. This layer of insulation can prevent rust, heat, and water damage to the metal roof. The attic’s temperature will prevent the roof from warping.
What Is the Best Way to Install Metal Roofing on a Shed?
Take Accurate Measurements of the Roof
Before beginning the installation work, measure the area and slope of the roof to determine the supplies required. After calculating the total area, add a 10-15% contingency margin to the total materials for waste and human error.
When measuring the roof, make sure to take exact measurements. Don’t forget to think about additions like chimneys, skylights, curbs, and other penetrating features. It’s always a good idea to double-check the initial measurements to ensure they are accurate.
You should also order all the needed materials ahead of time to avoid delays. It will also ensure that you have enough materials and metal shingles to do the installation work smoothly.
Discard Old Roofing and Repair Damages
Remove the old roof. Prepare a bin or trailer to collect all original roof debris and transport it to a nearby landfill or recycling center. Ensure that all nails are removed to work on a clean, smooth surface.
Repair any damage to the existing roofing frame or plywood sheets before installing your new metal roof.
Ensure Proper Insulation
Insulation keeps heat in and water out of your home. Most of the time, one layer of insulation is enough to protect your home. However, if you live in a place with extreme temperatures, you may want to add a second layer of insulation before installing your metal roof.
Then, finish with eave flashing, drip edges, and closure strips. Covering the entire perimeter of your roof will protect your home. Use one ¼ in. galvanized roofing nails to secure the flashing and drip edges.
Cover with a closure strip after applying sealant tape one inch from the drip-top edges. To avoid bare spots and misalignment, ensure your steel roof installation is straight and evenly applied.
Install Metal Panels or Shingles
Before you install your metal roofing panels or shingles, you will need to measure and cut them to the size you need to cover the roof. If the panels or shingles are not the correct sizes, problems such as water leakage may occur.
When installing panels on your roof, begin at the eaves and work your way up. Align each metal shingle to overlap the bottom metal panel’s edge by half an inch to three-quarters of an inch.
Read and carefully follow the instructions with each type of metal roofing sheet to find out where and how far apart to place the screws. Also, don’t tighten the metal roof screws too much.
After installing the metal roof panel, seal the underside of the next panel’s short edge with 100 percent silicone sealant. When installing the next panel, the new panel’s short edge should overlap the previous panel’s longer edge. Install each metal roof shingle in the same way as you work your way up the roof’s surface.
Set Up Roof Ventilation
If you installed metal roof panels with vented closure strips, you could add roof vents after the metal roofing was installed. Follow the same steps for measuring and cutting the vents to ensure they cover and overlap both sides of your roof’s ridge. Also, follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing roof vents to make sure that the right vents are securely attached to the roof.
After installation, there shouldn’t be any spaces or gaps between the roof vent and the panel ridges. Use wooden roofing screws and sealant tape along the vent length to ensure the steel roof is installed correctly along the entire ridge.
Install Metal Roofing Flashing
The flashing is the final step in the installation of a metal roof. Flashing is the metal trim that is used to cover all of the joints where the metal sheet panels on your roof meet. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer to attach and secure the flashing to the joints in your roof. Once installed, the flashing will add an extra layer of protection against the weather and complete the look of your metal roof installation.
Conclusion: Should You Get a Metal Roof?
To conclude, metal roofs are an excellent choice for homes and businesses. If you’re thinking about getting your roof redone, a metal roof repair or a new metal roof can be great options.
The only thing that seems to be a drawback about metal roofs is that they may corrode early. But that doesn’t have to happen if the roof is well taken care of. As was already said, metal roofs are known to be the most durable. The price you pay for them will definitely pay off.
Get in touch with a metal roofing expert in Highland Beach, Maryland, to learn more about the importance of metal roofs and how well they can fit your needs.