Category Archives: Metal Roofing

Metal Roofing Life Expectancy

A metal roof’s life expectancy varies by its type. For example, standing seam metal roofs last between 50 and 75 years. In contrast, a screw-down panel metal roof lasts only 20-30 years.

Of course, dozens of additional variables influence a metal roof’s longevity, which we’ll outline in this post.

Key Takeaway

Metal roofing life expectancy is 75 years for a standing seam metal roof. Other metal roof types, like screw-down panel roofs, last only 20-30 years.

Metal Roofing Life Expectancy (Blog Cover)

Metal Roofing Life Expectancy by Type

The first thing you should know is that there are different types of metal roofs. Each type has a different life expectancy because of how it is built and can withstand conditions.

So, let’s take a brief look at each one and their average life expectancy:

Standing Seam Metal Roofs

A standing seam metal roof consists of metal roofing panels joined at an underlying seam. Its vertical, trapezoidal legs conceal the seam underneath, which gives this type of roofing its name. The design also offers this type of metal roofing, which is incredibly durable. 

You can expect a standing seam metal roof to last for at least 30 years. Most standing seam metal roofs last for much longer than that, though. Under the right conditions, expecting your standing seam metal roof to last between 50 and 75 years is not outrageous. 

Screw-Down Panel Metal Roofs

Screw-down panel metal roofs are usually made of corrugated steel or aluminum and feature a series of exposed screws. It’s the screws that hold the metal panels to the roof decking. Because the screws are exposed, screw-down panel metal roofs aren’t as durable or reliable. 

Panel metal roofs also don’t perform as well as standing seam roofs because the metal panels aren’t allowed to expand and contract. Generally, you can expect 20-30 years from a screw-down panel metal roof. 

Screw-down panel metal roofs also don’t look as clean, modern, or nice as standing seam metal roofs. While installing a standing seam metal roof may cost you a bit more, it’s better if you can afford it. 

Why Choose A Metal Roof?

You may have thought that metal roofs were just for barns, silos, and commercial buildings. And if this were 1990, you would have been right.

Today, metal roofs are a viable option for residential buildings. There are many benefits to metal roofing, including:

Eco-Friendly

Some metal roofing products contain as much as 95% recycled metal. And once a metal roof needs to be replaced, 100% of the materials can be recycled. 

As a result, metal roofing is one of the most environmentally responsible roofing materials, making it an excellent choice for anyone who is conscious or concerned about their impact on the environment.

Wind-Resistant

If you live in an area pounded by high winds, you may want to consider metal roofing. On average, a metal roof can withstand winds up to 140 mph.

However, some types of metal roof systems and materials can withstand winds as fast as 180 mph!

Flame-Retardant

Metal roofing can withstand wind, fire, and hail. It is also flame-retardant, so it guards against spreading flames in a fire, which can also benefit your insurance. 

A metal roof in some regions of the country is estimated to save you up to 30% on your homeowner’s insurance policy a year. 

Other Factors That Contribute to the Lifespan of A Metal Roof

We touched on it a bit in the previous section, but now it’s time to take a detailed look at what can affect the lifespan of a metal roof:

Installation

The installation is the most critical contribution to the lifespan of your metal roof – whether that lifespan is long or short. Standing seam metal roofs especially need to be installed very carefully and meticulously. 

You should always work with a licensed and experienced roofing contractor for standing seam metal roof installation. Furthermore, you should make sure that the contractor you are considering hiring has specific experience with standing seam metal roofs.

Paint

Some metal roofs can be coated with a Kynar 500 finish. In layman’s terms, it’s pretty much just paint. But it can significantly increase the lifespan of your metal roof.

Usually, Kynar 500 is only used on standing seam metal roofs, yet another reason to choose this roofing over screw-down panel metal roofing. 

Even the application of the finish is essential, though. While applying, the contractor should clean the paneling at the end of each day to prevent rusting.

Ventilation

The ventilation in your attic will significantly affect any roof you have on top of it, including metal roofing. If your attic is improperly ventilated, it can strain the roofing materials more.

As a result, it may expand and contract more than usual, develop ice dams, or be exposed to moisture.

You should inspect your attic regularly to ensure that the insulation strips are intact and there are no signs of moisture damage, and check for leaks. 

Weather

The weather will significantly impact how long your metal roof lasts. If you live in an area with mild weather (no high winds, little to no hail, moderate rain, little to no snow, and moderate heat), your metal roof can last well over 50 years. 

Conversely, if your area experiences extreme weather, you should expect to repair or replace your metal roof after about 30 years.

Maintenance

Most experts agree that you should have your roof inspected once a year. Does this apply to standing metal seam roofs, too? Yes, it does. You can’t see certain things that a professional inspector will notice.

Regular maintenance will ensure that your metal roof (if installed correctly) will go the distance – even if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather. 

Conclusion on Metal Roofing Life Expectancy

Metal roofing can last up to 75 years when installing a standing seam metal roof. Other types of metal roofs, like screw-down panel roofs, age faster and last only 20-30 years. Ultimately, your roof’s longevity will depend on variables like installation, ventilation, climate, and weather.

4 Ice Dam Prevention Tips for Metal Roofs

Ice Dam

Key Ice Dam Prevention Tips

Minimize Warm Air: Identify and Seal Air Pathways To Your Attic

Measure Attic Insulation: Determine the R-Value of your Attic Insulation

Add Additional Floor Pads: Adding More Floor Pads Will Help Prevent Heat from Escaping

Ensure Ventilation: Ensure The Roof Includes Either Soffit Vents or One Foot of Gable Ventilation (or an Alternative Roof ventilation) Per 150 square feet of The Attic Floor

One winter issue that you may need to worry about, particularly if you have a metal roof, is what is known as an ice dam. An ice dam is where ice and water become trapped on a portion of the roof and catches any flowing water. This can be particularly bad for your roof.

Ice dams can cause a number of different issues for your metal roof. The water can get under the metal shingles, raising them up and leaking water down onto the roof below. This can cause heat loss as well as damage to your attic space as well as further structural damage to the wood surrounding that area.

What Causes Ice Dams to Form?

This occurs when the heat that is inside the house rises up to the attic space. There it continues to rise until it reaches the apex of the roof.

That warm air then warms up the top of the roof itself; this causes the snow that has built up there to melt, and that water runs down the surface of the roof.

When it reaches the colder edges that are at the bottom of the roof, that water then refreezes and forms a wall of ice (or a dam). That ice then traps additional water, causing icicles and additional ice and water to build up.

Preventing Ice Dams on Your Roof

So, what can you do to prevent those ice dams from building up and causing substantial damage to your metal roof over the winter? Here are a few helpful tips that can go a long way toward keeping your metal roof protected.

1) Minimize The Impact of Warm Air

The flowing of warm air really aids in the buildup of water, which then causes the ice dams to form. In order to prevent the ice dams from forming, you need to ensure that the warm air is kept to a minimum when flowing outward to the roof.

You can do this by first sealing the air leaks that can lead to the attic space. Locate those little pathways where the warm air can rise up inside the attic and make sure that they are properly insulated. This is an effective long-term solution to solving the ice dam problem that plagues so many metal roofs.

The first step is properly identifying those holes and then sealing them. You can use something like weather stripping to make sure that they are properly insulated and then make sure to seal all of the holes through which that warm air can escape into the attic.

2) Measure Attic Insulation

The next step is measuring your attic insulation so you can bring up the level of the attic floor if necessary. Most homes within a snow-belt zone will be required to have a level of attic insulation that is around R-49, as rated by Energy Star.

Older homes are generally not properly insulated, which means that you have to have additional floor insulation added to your home’s attic. To do this, you need to find out what the current level of insulation is in your attic.

You can grab a ruler and measure the height of the insulation in your attic and then multiply that height in inches by 3.14, and that will give you your attic’s current floor insulation R-Value.

If your level of insulation isn’t where it needs to be, you will have to purchase additional levels of energy-efficient floor insulation pads for your attic to ensure that it is properly insulated from the cold. This will help keep your roof from getting those annoying ice dam buildups.

Ice Dam Icicles

Icicles are just part of the problem with ice dams. You may have to buy floor insulation pads for your attic to insulate it from the cold.

3) Add Additional Attic Floor Pads

One of the most important things to do here is to ensure that you are not putting the insulation into corners where the attic floor and the roof walls wind up meeting.

This is because it can create something of a cold area near the edge of the roof; this can contribute to ice dam formation, and it can block the air in-flow as well.

That additional attic floor padding will help to properly insulate your roof so as to keep it protected and to keep that additional heat from escaping into the roof itself.

That additional insulation will go a long way towards preventing the buildup of ice and water, which leads to those pesky ice dams building up on your roof.

4) Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation

Next, make certain that your attic is also ventilated properly. First, you need to check to see if you have soffit vents installed. These are designed to drive cold air into the attic, and you will be in good shape if you have them.

If you don’t have soffit vents, then you will need to have gable vents installed as an alternative. Generally speaking, you want to have one foot of that gable ventilation or any alternative roof ventilation for every 150 square feet of your attic floor.

When you ensure that you have proper ventilation, you prevent the buildup of heat that can melt water and cause it to become trapped in areas of your roof, causing those troublesome ice dams to form.

It might be a bit of a hassle, but ensuring that those ice dams do not form can mean the difference between a properly functioning roof and one that can become damaged and cause issues with your roof.

Final Thoughts on Ice Dam Prevention

Prevent ice dams with these relatively easy steps, and you can ensure that your metal roof holds up during even the toughest of winters. The key points to remember are minimizing warm air, measuring attic insulation, adding more floor pads (if necessary), and ensuring proper attic ventilation.

Roofing Diagnosis 101: Metal Roof Leaks Around Screws

When it comes to roofs, there are few products that can match the strength, durability, and performance that a metal roof can offer. But like just about anything else, metal roofs are not indestructible, and they definitely can spring leaks. Here are just a few things to look for if your metal roof is beginning to leak.

Metal Roof Interior

Knowing where and how to identify leaks in a metal roof is the first step towards implementing the repairs that you will need to get your roof back into working order.

Metal Roofing Screws

More often than not, if you have a leak in your metal roof, a metal roofing screw is the culprit. When installed properly, metal roofing screws will seal out the water by compressing a rubber washer down at the base of the screw head.

When the screw is then driven down into the metal roofing panel, the rubber washer will form a gasket of sorts between the roofing panel and the screw head itself.

While this sounds like a simple process, there are definitely things that can go wrong, and we will go over a number of those later in this piece. The key is to know that when you have a leak, you should go for the site of the metal roofing screws before checking out anything else.

Here are a few of the ways that a metal roofing screw can lead to a leak in your metal roof.

Under Driven Screws

This can happen when you don’t have enough torque on the screw as it goes into the metal roof itself. What causes the leaking is that the rubber washer does not properly seat against the metal roofing panel. When this happens, the rubber part of the screw is never compressed, and there is no gasket seal that is formed.

This can typically be remedied by tightening down the roofing screws with additional torque. This might not resolve the issue every single time, but it likely will solve the issue the majority of the time. This is one of the easier fixes that you can implement when your metal roof springs a leak, particularly around the metal screws.

Overdriven Screws

This is the other end of the spectrum. In an effort to ensure that the tight seal between the screw head and the metal roofing panel has been met, the screw can be overdriven into the metal roofing panel. This can lead to damage to the roofing panel itself, which presents other problems that may need to be addressed.

The added torque generally breaks the rubber washer and makes it spin out to the side, preventing the sealing necessary that keeps the water from leaking down into the hole.

Metal Roof Leaks Around Screws

In some cases, you can simply take some of the torque off of the screw; in others, the screw may be stripped, and there could be pressure damage to the metal roofing panel itself.

Screw Driven At Wrong Angle

Again, the key to a successful screwing of the metal screw is getting that seal. When you screw down at the wrong angle, there is nothing for the rubber washer to sit flat against. This will result in the seal not taking effect and leaks persisting around the area.

When something like this happens, you can generally unscrew your driven screw and use the proper torque to re-screw it in. You know you have done it properly when the rubber seal sits flush against the metal roofing panel and keeps the water from leaking through.

This is a pretty easy fix as, in most cases, the screw will not have done any damage to either itself or the metal roofing panel. Simply unscrew the current installation and make sure that you screw it in again so that it sits flush with the panel.

Screws That Missed Wood framing or Strut

When something like this happens, the screw has nothing to seal against, and leaks can be hard to find because many times the screw is right there, but without actually touching it you wouldn’t know that it didn’t actually seal or hit anything.

Always double-check to ensure that the screw has been sealed properly and grabbed onto the strut or wood framing below. You can save yourself a ton of trouble by double-checking your work each time and won’t have to revisit a leak area caused by inefficient screwing.

Faulty screws

While it isn’t the most common of causes that there are, you could find yourself having leaks after a proper installation simply because the rubber washer might not be safe or complete. It is also important to check on the screws after each season because hot summers followed by frigid winters are likely to be unkind to those rubber washers.

Over time, and with temperature changes, can degrade those rubber washers and make them lose their seals. When something like this happens, it can be difficult to find a difference between where the screws are leaking and where they are not.

How To Prevent Leaks Created by Metal Roofing Screws

It is essential that you double-check your work before walking away from the roof. Screwing in a screw with too much or too little torque can be a common cause, as can a screw that is placed at an improper angle.

When you double-check your work, you ensure that there are no screws that will slip by you, and you should not have to deal with leaks.

But should there be leaks in your metal roof, you have a pretty good idea that the metal roofing screws are the culprit. Take a look around, inspect those screws, and make adjustments where you need to.

Leaks in your metal roof don’t have to be a catastrophe. Taking proper care and using common sense can save you a lot of headaches and hassle and leave your roof standing up to the test of time and those pesky leaks.

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