How Long Do Steel Roofs Last?

How long do steel roofs last? Well that’s a simple question, as long as the cat keeps dancing on it!

Jokes aside, steel roofs have been around for as long as most can remember. On average you can see a life expectancy of between 40 to 70 years, depending on the material.

While not all metal roofing is considered the same, there are some important things to keep in mind if you want to expect and maximize the lifespan of said roofing.

Your climate and location will play a massive role in the longevity of your roof. Perhaps you live in Cape Town, which can experience all four seasons in one day. How about staying on the Highveld which can be subjected to heavy afternoon thunderstorms. These are all factors that you need to take into consideration. Staying in a coastal city you will be in contacted with salty air, salty air is notoriously harder on metal buildings.

The sun’s UV rays are one of the most powerful culprits when it comes to metal roofing products. One such solution for this problem would be to use a reflective coating. They reflect the sun’s rays which protects the roof while reducing the amount of solar heat gain that transfers into your home or building.

Metals react differently with various compounds and, over time, some of these reactions lead to corrosion. Another thing to do is to keep your gutters clear of leaves, twigs and branches that would fall normally during the windy or rainy months. This will allow for rain water to move efficiently down the roof, into the gutters and out the downspouts at the bottom.

Most coated metal roofs from a building materials supplier carry warranties for a good couple of decades. However need the end of their lifespan you will begin to notice the wear and tear on them.

In short, if you look after your steel roofs, they will look after you.

Related Tags: Roofing Supply