If your home needs a new roof, you have a lot of options open to you. If the idea of replacing it more than once sounds less than ideal, you may want to opt for longer-lasting roofing material. Some of the most durable materials are the various types of metal roofing.
Metal roofing is becoming more popular all the time. It has many benefits that can convince homeowners to opt for metal instead of more common materials like asphalt shingles or tiles. There are also some drawbacks, so there’s a lot to think about when deciding if you should use a metal roof for your home.
How Long Do Metal Roofs Last?
Metal tends to have a very long lifespan. As there are several different types of metal to choose from, the duration depends on which material is used. The most common types of metal used for roofing include:
Copper roofing tends to last 50-100 years
Steel roofing has an average lifespan of 40 years
Aluminum roofing lasts around 50 years
Zinc roofing can last 60-100 years
Tin roofing, though not popular today, tends to last around 50 years
Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing
As you can see, the main benefit of metal is its durability. Each type of metal has an average lifespan of 40 years or more. Since asphalt shingles top out at around 30 years, that’s a huge advantage.
On top of lasting a long time, a roof made of metal tends to require less repair than shingles or tiles. Tin roofing is easily damaged, but it is rarely used today. When the term tin roofing is used, it is often in reference to aluminum or even steel.
The cons of using metal for your next roof include the cost. It can cost more than asphalt roofing or some tile roofing. This is especially the case with higher-end materials like copper and zinc. However, a steel or aluminum roof is quite competitive with non-metal materials, and their lifespan makes the upfront expense well worth it.
Another potential con of using metal is that it requires expert installation to ensure its durability. If you do opt for metal, make sure you find a skilled metal roofer.
Should you use a metal roof for your home? The durability and reliability of metal certainly makes it a worthwhile choice.