A metal roof is usually the last roof a homeowner buys, which is why the lifespan question comes first. The honest answer depends on the type of metal roof, how it is fastened and how well its trim and flashings are kept up. Here is how the common types compare for an Austin home.
How Long Does a Metal Roof Last, by Type
| Type | How it's attached | What limits its life |
|---|---|---|
| Standing seam | Concealed clips or a mechanically seamed joint; no screws through the flat of the panel | Mainly the paint finish and the flashings |
| Stone-coated steel (DECRA, Tilcor) | Interlocking panels, on battens or direct to deck | The coating and the underlayment beneath it |
| Exposed-fastener panels (R-panel, corrugated) | Screws with rubber washers through the panel | The washers, which dry out in Texas sun and need re-screwing well before the metal wears out |
Metal roofs commonly last 40 to 70 years, with standing seam and stone-coated steel at the long end when they are installed well, and exposed-fastener panels needing the most upkeep along the way.
What Shortens or Stretches a Metal Roof's Life in Austin
- Panel thickness. Our mechanically seamed standing seam panel is 24-gauge steel with a 1.5-inch double-lock seam. Thinner panels dent and flex more.
- Seam type. We roll-form panels on site and install both snap-lock and mechanically seamed systems; mechanical seams suit low slopes and are the more secure joint.
- Finish. The paint system protects the steel from Central Texas UV and keeps color from fading. Ask what finish and what manufacturer finish warranty come with the panel.
- Hail. Large hail can dent metal. Dents are often cosmetic, but check how your insurance policy treats cosmetic damage to metal roofs.
- Flashings and penetrations. Pipe boots, vents and wall flashings need periodic checks, just as on any roof.
Is the Long Life Worth It for You?
A metal roof costs more upfront than shingles, and asphalt shingles typically last about 20 to 30 years. Over a long stay, one metal roof can replace two shingle roofs, which is where the value comes from. If you plan to sell within a few years, you are less likely to get that value back; a quality architectural or Class 4 shingle roof may be the better fit. Our metal roof vs shingles guide walks through the trade-offs, and the roof cost calculator gives a ballpark for your home.
Keeping a Metal Roof Going
- Clear leaves and debris from valleys and gutters so water and moisture don't sit on the panels.
- Check pipe boots, vents and wall flashings after big storms.
- On exposed-fastener roofs, re-tighten or replace screws whose washers have cracked.
- Keep tree limbs trimmed back from the roof.
Talk to a Metal Roofing Installer
We install standing seam (with on-site roll forming) and every DECRA and Tilcor stone-coated steel profile. See our standing seam and stone-coated steel pages, or read the Metal Roofing Alliance's homeowner resources. We'll inspect your roof for free and send a written quote within 24 to 48 hours. Request your free inspection.