The Lifecycle of a Metal Roof: From Installation to Decades of Protection

Whether it’s a roof replacement or a new installation, your metal roof has a lifecycle that building owners should understand. We’ll cover the stages of this lifecycle — from installation through decades of protection. By knowing what to expect, owners can make informed decisions and ensure long-term performance and cost-effectiveness. While the primary focus of this guide is roof replacement, the principles apply equally to new construction.

Exploration Phase

If you’re considering replacing an existing roof with a new metal roof, start with a thorough roof replacement assessment for lifecycle costs. Inspect the current roof condition to determine if a new roof is necessary in the first place, or if the existing roof can be recovered. Evaluate the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.

When selecting panels, consider product options like standing seam versus exposed fastened, gauge, and pan width to minimize oil canning concerns. Color selection also factors in, with consideration for both aesthetics and energy efficiency. Where possible, opt for single-length panels to avoid end laps.

During this phase, contractor selection is also critical. Properly installed, metal panels don’t leak so it’s critical to vet contractor options and ensure you’re working with an experienced company whom you trust and respect. If you’re considering a metal roof and not sure where to turn for contractors, check out our Find-A-Contractor tool where you can search for contractors near you.

Installation Process

Once you’ve chosen your materials, features, and contractor, you can begin prepping for installation. Work closely with your contractor to determine the need to remove old roofing material and replace underlayment or structural members, if necessary. It’s also important to check for proper ventilation and insulation during the preconstruction phase. Lastly, give serious consideration to underlayment products. Synthetic underlayments have become much more popular than asphalt-based products due to their superior performance. If you’re not familiar, check this out and discuss it with your contractor to ensure the best chance of success for your roofing project.

Installation techniques vary, but common methods include exposed fastener and standing seam panels. Typically, your contractor will start by installing perimeter trims like eaves and valleys, followed by panels, and ending with rakes and ridge caps. A step-by-step approach ensures precision, as will quality control measures, with inspections during and after installation to guarantee all materials meet standards. Experienced contractors will have solid contingency plans for dealing with common challenges such as adverse weather conditions and jobsite access.

Immediate Post-Installation Benefits

Your building will reap several important benefits from your metal roof installation right away. These benefits include:

• Superior weather resistance and immediate protection from elements like rain, wind, and hail
• Energy efficiency and improved insulation, which together lead to reduced energy costs

Reflective properties of metals that help keep the building cooler in the summer

Enhanced aesthetic appeal with an appropriate boost to the building's curb appeal

Maintenance and Upkeep

Routine inspections should always be a part of your metal roof’s lifecycle. As always, it’s recommended to have a licensed roofing professional conduct roof inspections, typically once a year. Key areas to focus on include panel seams; fasteners, flashings, and pipe boots.

Cleaning and minor repairs are also important. Use soft brushes and mild detergents for cleaning. If you encounter any minor issues like loose fasteners, small leaks, or surface scratches to prevent major problems, it’s better to deal with them before they become more than minor issues.

For more extensive issues, consider professional maintenance services. Regular professional maintenance ensures early detection of potentially serious problems. There are multiple benefits of being proactive in this case such as:

• Avoiding costly repairs
• Inventory Damage
• Maintaining building safety for occupants
• Preserving your roof’s aesthetic appeal.

Long-Term Performance and Longevity

Metal roofs have renowned durability and longevity, often lasting 40-60 years. This lifecycle far exceeds the lifespan of traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles and membrane systems such as TPO and EPDM. Several factors contribute to this durability:

• High-quality materials
• Natural fire and pest resistance
• Light and thermal energy reflection

All around, metal roofs excel in resisting extreme conditions — rain, snow, or high winds. They are also resistant to rust, corrosion, and UV radiation.

Environmentally, metal roofs are highly sustainable, as they are often made from recycled materials and can be recycled again at the end of their lifecycle. This eco-friendly aspect significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to conventional roofing options.

Cost Efficiency over Time

While metal roofs have a higher initial investment, their long-term financial benefits can make them the most cost-efficient product over the building's life expectancy. They contribute to significant energy savings by lowering heating and cooling costs through superior insulation and reflectivity. Additionally, metal roofs require minimal maintenance and fewer repairs, reducing overall upkeep expenses.

Metal Roofing with McElroy Metal

With over 60 years of experience, McElroy Metal serves the construction industry with quality products and excellent customer service.