Metal roofs are exceptionally durable and have a long service life. For commercial business owners seeking a roofing material that will outperform the standard options, metal roofing is a go-to product. Knowing how long metal roofing lasts and what you can do to extend the life of your metal roofing can help you get the most out of your investment.

How Long a Metal Roof Lasts

A typical metal roof will last approximately 50 to 60 years. This number can vary depending on the quality of installation, the quality of the materials used, and how well the roof is maintained over many years.

What You Can Do to Extend Your Metal Roof's Service Life

Metal is a long-lasting material that can endure for decades, but like any roofing material, it needs to be properly installed and well-maintained. There are many things that commercial business owners can do to extend the service life of their metal roof, including:

Get installation from an experienced contractor. A metal roof is only as good as the quality of the installation. If the roofing is not properly installed, it will be vulnerable to excessive wear and tear. The following tips can help you find the right contractor for your commercial roof installation:

Vet multiple commercial contractors before choosing a contractor you trust. Meet with at least three contractors before choosing the right contractor for your job.

Check references for commercial contractors that you are thinking about hiring. Contact at least three references before hiring a contractor.

Read the contract from front to back before signing. Do not sign a contract that gives you pause: ask questions about the contract until you understand it fully.

Choose a contractor with a reputation for excellence. Look for a contractor that has won awards, is a member of local associations, and so on.

Consider how long the contractor has been in business. Contractors that are in business for a long time are likely contractors that have a good process in place for keeping clients happy.

Perform regular roofing maintenance. Metal roofing needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Remove debris like branches, leaves, pine needles, and more. Clean gutters on an annual basis, or more often if necessary. As needed, replace caulking around the flashing.

Schedule (and perform) roofing inspections. Inspect your roof once annually to identify problems before they become serious. Look for corrosion, discolorations, weak spots, cracked, or broken flashing, loose or missing fasteners, and so on. Depending on the pitch of your metal roof, you may or may not be able to inspect your roof safely without help from a pro. Always use the proper safety equipment when climbing on your roof. If you're not able to inspect the roof safely, work with a roofing professional to get the work done.

Install a Quality Metal Roof Today

Install a long-lasting, durable metal roof on your commercial structure. Contact Dutton & Garfield today to make an appointment for a consultation.