What Determines How Long a Metal Roof Will Last?

Metal roofs are renowned for their durability, often lasting 60 years or more, as highlighted by the Metal Construction Association. The lifespan of a metal roof depends on multiple factors, including the type of metal roofing system, materials used, paint coatings, location, design, maintenance, and installation methods.

Westman Steel is a leading manufacturer in the steel cladding and roofing industry. We supply premium materials to retailers and commercial contractors who use our products in homes, barns, and commercial or industrial buildings across Canada.

Roofing System

Materials

Installation & Maintenance

In this article, we’ll explore the factors that influence the longevity of a metal roof and how you can maximize its service life.

Roofing System

Hidden Fasteners:

Standing seam metal roofs (Snap Lok) feature concealed fasteners, protecting them from weathering effects such as moisture, wind, and UV exposure. This sleek design enhances the system’s foundation and increases longevity, with only minimal exposed fasteners in certain trim details.

Exposed Fastener Systems:

These are among the most popular choices due to their durability. They are commonly used in agricultural buildings, residential homes, fencing, retail stores, and light industrial or commercial applications.

Engineered Systems:

Engineered panel profiles (SSR) are designed and tested for high wind speeds, water penetration, air leakage, impact resistance, and fire resistance. Standing seam metal roofing systems are gaining popularity, especially in low-slope industrial and commercial applications, due to the performance of engineered panel profiles.

Materials

The choice of material significantly impacts the longevity of your metal roof. The two primary materials in metal roofing applications;

Galvalume or Galvanized Steel:

This material combines steel, aluminum, and zinc, creating a corrosion-resistant coating that protects the steel substrate. The coating can remain bare or be factory-painted with a variety of systems. On-site painting is not recommended.

Your specific location plays a role in determining the best material for your metal roof.

Metal Thickness

A metal roof’s thickness directly affects its durability. Standard thicknesses for metal roofing materials are 28, 26, 24, and 22-gauge, with 28-gauge being the thinnest and 22-gauge the thickest. Thicker metal offers increased rigidity, making it better equipped to handle weathering and impacts, though it is also the most expensive option.

Coating

Paint coatings are crucial to a metal roof’s longevity. Westman Steel exclusively uses the Perspectra Plus Series™ paint system, which offers resistance to chalking, fading, chemical degradation, and scratching. This state-of-the-art Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP) technology features a resin backbone that enhances performance, providing superior color fade resistance, improved gloss retention, and exceptional hardness. The system guarantees 40 years of film integrity and 30 years of stringent color fade and chalk resistance for roofing and cladding applications across Canada.

Accessories

The lifespan of accessories should match that of the roof system. Accessories play an integral role in maintaining the integrity of a roofing assembly. Using high-quality accessories recommended by Westman Steel ensures the entire system remains intact throughout its service life.

Design

Thoughtful design is critical for maximizing a metal roof’s longevity. The durability of the materials and system depends on the overall design. Issues such as dissimilar metal corrosion, which occurs when incompatible metals come into contact, can compromise the roof’s performance. Proper planning during the design phase can prevent these issues and ensure a long-lasting roof.

Installation & Maintenance

Installation

Metal roofing, particularly standing seam systems, is complex to install. It requires precision and problem-solving to address flashing areas. When properly installed, a metal roof offers unmatched aesthetics, functionality, and durability. Ensure you hire a trusted contractor to guarantee quality workmanship.

Maintenance

While metal roofs require less maintenance than traditional options, regular inspections are still recommended to ensure they remain in excellent condition.

Quality Supplier

The key to a long-lasting metal roof starts with sourcing high-quality materials. Westman Steel provides painted or plain Galvalume and Galvanized steel products (depending on application). While budget suppliers may offer lower costs, their materials often lack reliability, leaving you with potential issues and invalid warranties if the supplier goes out of business.

With 46 years of experience serving Canadians, Westman Steel stands behind our products. We operate seven manufacturing plants across Canada, providing only the highest-quality materials. For commercial projects, our Commercial, Architectural, and Technical teams offer comprehensive services, assisting with design and panel profile selection to ensure optimal performance. Choose Westman Steel for reliable, durable, and industry-leading roofing solutions.

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