The material’s lifespan is one of the most important things to consider when selecting a roof for your home. In the last couple of decades, metal roofing has become the clear favorite for a long-lasting roof. A metal roof, when properly installed, will last for generations with minor repair and maintenance.
What Factors Can Affect the Lifespan of a Metal Roof
Several factors can influence the lifespan of your roof, including:
Quality of Roof Installation
The quality of roof installation has a significant impact on the lifespan of a roof. Even the best roofing systems can fail if they are not correctly installed. Metal roofs necessitate a thorough installation process that requires strict adherence to specific techniques. Improper installation can lead to leaks, insulation loss, rapid corrosion, and high repair costs. You can avoid this by hiring a top metal roofing company with the right licenses and years of experience.
Regular Roof Maintenance
Although metal roofs require little maintenance, keeping a regular schedule can increase the lifespan of your roof by 10 to 20 years. Inspect the panels and coating regularly, and clear any debris from the roof and gutters. This will also save you money on costly repairs in the future.
Climate and Weather
Your location, and thus your climate and weather, will influence how long your roof lasts. You can work with your metal roof supplier to customize the roof specification to your specific needs.
Moss on the Roof
Metal roofs have the added benefit of being resistant to biological organisms. The accumulation of moss or fungus on the roof, on the other hand, can cause roof damage over time. You can avoid this by clearing the roof regularly.
Roof Pitch
The roof pitch influences how quickly or slowly water flows off the roof. A low slope allows rainwater to accumulate on the roof for a longer period of time than a steeper slope, causing damage if left on the surface.
Metal Roofing Maintenance that Increases the Lifespan
Metal roofs are designed to be extremely long-lasting. They are, however, still vulnerable to damage, especially if not properly maintained. Calling a metal roofer to perform simple maintenance tasks regularly can significantly increase the roof’s service life. Among these steps are the following:
Replacing Damaged Mounting Bolts
The areas where metal roof panels are joined are the most susceptible and weakest on a metal roof system. The clamping bolts can become loose over time due to the roof’s natural expansion and contraction. Replacing the damaged or lost bolts will ensure the structural integrity of your roof and prevent leaks.
Replacing Sealants
Sealant strips used for the insulation of the metal coating can dry out over time, allowing rainwater to enter through gaps. Replacing the sealant materials can significantly extend the life of your roof.
Repair of Punctures & Minor Damage on Metal Sheets
Accidents happen; even though metal roofs are strong, they can sustain damage. For example, the fall of a tree can leave cracks or punctures that must be repaired.
Replacing Damaged Metal Roof
In cases where the metal roof has sustained severe damage, the damaged panels can be replaced. This complex process requires a trained professional since the fasteners and insulation must also be replaced. Inspections can help detect problems before they become serious.
How Does Sun Affect Your Metal Roofing?
Although metal roofs are designed to be long-lasting and strong, the sun can damage them over time. The following are some of the ways the sun can damage your roof.
Coating Damage
UV rays from the sun can cause the roof coating to break down and deteriorate. You can avoid this by conducting routine inspections and replacing damaged tiles as soon as possible.
Bleaching
UV rays can cause the metal to fade as well. If you start noticing that your roof is starting to fade, you can have it repainted or coated with a UV-resistant material.
Thermal Shock
This happens when the roof expands and contracts unevenly because one area is heated more than another. You can avoid this by adequately ventilating your metal roof or applying a heat-reflective coating to the roof.
Warping & Cracking
The sun can also cause your metal roof to warp and crack due to the metal’s extreme expansion and contraction over time. This puts extreme pressure on the roofing materials, causing them to deteriorate over time. Repair any cracked, warped, or broken tiles as soon as possible.
What To Look For In A Metal Roofing Contractor
Customizable options
There is no perfect metal roof for every home or roofing situation. It is critical to find a company that offers a variety of options, whether it is roof styles or the best solution for your needs. With their customizable metal roofing, our metal roofing company offers both of these services. Their free quoting service will help you determine what type of metal roofing you require, how much it will cost, and any additional benefits. They provide snaplock roofing, standing-seam roofing, and a variety of colors as options. They also sell snow guards, which help prevent snow accumulation and gutter damage.
Proven Experience and Track Record
Metal roofing requires the proper skill, tools, and knowledge to ensure that it will last many years. Assume the unexpected occurs, and damage from a storm or weather occurs. In that case, the same skill is required for a qualified repair.
Aside from reading a company’s website, reading customer reviews is the best way to check their track record. Past customers will leave feedback on the quality of work and how the contractors performed on the job. Delighted customers may leave comments about specific details or extra steps that let you know you’ve chosen the right company. It would be best if you also asked for references to contact previous customers directly for additional information.
Licensed and Certified
Before being considered for a job, every roofing contractor must be fully licensed and insured. Licensing is a homeowner’s assurance that the roofer is knowledgeable about the industry and their trade. Business insurance protects you from liability for property damage or injury. A licensed roofer will provide a written contract covering the entire project, including what will be bought, the timeline, and other details.
Our metal roofing company in Milford, Delaware, is fully licensed, certified, and insured. We also had certifications and recognition proving our expertise in shingle quality, technology, and as employers. We have a reputation for being among the best roofing contractors in Milford, Delaware.
Metal Roofing FAQs
How Long Can Metal Roofing Be Expected to Last?
Metal roofing materials, such as aluminum or steel, have a life expectancy of 50 years. Other materials, such as zinc or copper, have lasted more than 100 years on a single building. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines to get the most out of your metal roof.
Is It Possible for a Metal Roof to Rust?
Yes, metal roof rust. Metal roofing, on the other hand, can last a lifetime without rusting if properly protected and not actively removed.
Is It Possible for a Metal Roof to Leak?
If properly installed, your metal roof should not leak. Your roof may sustain damage, causing it to leak. Furthermore, if your metal roof was improperly installed, it may leak. The following are five reasons why metal roofs can leak:
- Misaligned screws,
- Stack flashing/sealing,
- Missing sealants/flashing,
- Curb flashing
- Improperly overlaid seams or overlaps
Contact Us Today
You need someone who is both dedicated and skilled to work on your roof. Our metal roofing company in Milford, Delaware, has certified experts who will always do what’s best for the safety of everyone who lives or works in this area.
Contact us today to learn more about our metal roof services!