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How Long Will a Metal Roof Last?

home with a brown corrugated metal roofing system

What are the Benefits of Metal Roofing?

It’s always important to ensure you are getting the best roofing material for your needs when seeking a roof installation or roof replacement. This is one of the many reasons so many homeowners and business owners are now seeking out metal roof installation. Metal roofing can provide a number of benefits. Perhaps the most notable benefit of a metal roof is the incredible durability that it can offer, as it can stand up to everything from hail damage to water intrusion far better than many other roofing materials. However, a metal roof still isn’t the best choice for everyone, in part because of the fact that it can still be a major investment. Keeping this in mind, here are some answers to the most common questions people have about metal roofing.

What is the Lifespan of Metal Roofing?

One of the biggest questions that people have about metal roofing is how long they can expect a metal roof to last. The answer to this can vary depending on a few things such as the type of metal used in your roof and the exact type of metal roof you are choosing. There are many different options available on the market today, including various types of metal such as aluminum, steel, and even copper and types of metal roofing such as standing seam metal roofs and metal shingles. However, you can expect great longevity regardless of the option you choose, with most metal roofing lasting for around 40 to 70 years and in some cases for upwards of a century. 

Will a Metal Roof Attract Heat?

Another thing that many people wonder about is whether a metal roof will attract heat and increase their overall energy costs. It’s no surprise that so many people wonder about this. After all, everyone has had the experience of touching a hot piece of metal on a summer day and everyone knows just how painful that can be! However, a metal roof can actually be incredibly beneficial when it comes to your overall energy costs. This is because metal roofing will actually reflect sunlight and heat away from your home, which in turn keeps your home at a more comfortable temperature and can reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home. This can help to lower your overall energy usage and costs, making a metal roof an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective choice. 

Will a Metal Roof Attract Lightning?

Homeowners and business owners alike often find themselves asking whether a metal roof will attract lightning as well. This is why it is important to remember that lightning is not attracted to anything in particular, and when it strikes it will hit the highest point in the area where it is striking. Because of this, there is no real way to prevent lightning from hitting your home if it is coming down in that area. However, a metal roof is a fire-resistant choice, which means that it is much safer than many other options if this kind of problem occurs. 

Is Metal Roofing Noisy?

Perhaps you have heard the sound of raindrops or hailstones falling on a metal patio roof, and you may be wondering if you can expect that same noise if you have a metal roof installed on your home. Let us put your mind to rest. With a metal roof installation, you receive plenty of insulation. This helps to prevent the sound of raindrops or hailstones from reaching your home. Though you can’t cut out the sound of particularly heavy hailstones hitting your roof, a metal roofing system will not be any noisier than any other type of roof that you may have on your home. 

Will Hail Damage a Metal Roof?

With the kind of weather that we can experience in this area, most homeowners end up wondering about the kind of problems they may experience because of high winds or large hailstones. A metal roof can still sustain some damage due to falling hail. However, it typically takes much larger hailstones to damage a metal roof than to damage other types of roofing such as asphalt shingles. Along with that, the type of damage that a metal roof may end up with will typically not require any immediate repair. You may see some minor issues such as denting to your roofing, but in comparison, a shingle roof can see problems such as fractures or heavy bruising that in some cases will require emergency repair. Overall, the hail damage you experience with a metal roof will be relatively minor.

Will a Metal Roof Rust?

This is another area where we can put homeowners’ minds to rest. Advances in the finishes used for metal roofing along with the usage of high-quality metals and other types of technology all work together to prevent a metal roof from rusting. For the most part, a metal roof can last for decades without experiencing any type of rusting or corrosion so long as you choose a metal roof installation that uses the highest quality of materials and so long as you have your roof installation done by a skilled and experienced roofing professional. 

Is a Metal Roof a Good Investment?

Overall, a metal roof is one of the best investments that you can make. This is because while it may be more expensive in terms of upfront costs, homeowners will save an incredible amount of money when it comes to the maintenance and repair needs their roof will have over its lifespan. This is in addition to how long this type of roofing system will be able to last before a roof replacement is required and other factors such as the energy savings this kind of roofing can provide. 

If you think that a metal roof may be the best choice for your home or business, the team at INNOVATIVE ROOFING can work with you to identify whether this is the case. We can also be there to help you determine the best type of metal roofing for your needs and to provide you with your new roof installation, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits that this type of roofing has to offer. 

When Should I Schedule a Roof Replacement?

roofers providing a roof replacement

How Do I Know if I Need a New Roof?

It’s an unfortunate reality that no roof will last forever, no matter how durable it may be. This also means that most homeowners and business owners will require a roof replacement at some point, though it isn’t always easy to predict when a roof replacement will be necessary. However, there are several factors that you can keep in mind to help you determine when you may need a roof replacement, such as the type of weather in your area and the type of roof you have. But the most important thing that you can do to estimate how much life you have left in your roof is to get a regular roof inspection. A professional roofer will be able to look over your roof and identify how much wear and tear it has experienced. This way, you will be able to determine whether a roof replacement may be necessary and when one may be needed, giving you the opportunity to prepare for this investment in advance. 

At What Age Should a Roof Be Replaced?

Knowing the age of your roof is instrumental in determining when you may require a roof replacement. The lifespan of your roof can vary greatly depending on the type of roof you have, although it can also be affected by other things such as the weather conditions in your area and how much maintenance it has received over the years. Some of the most common types of residential roofing systems and the estimated lifespan for these systems include:

  • Asphalt shingle roofing: Roofing shingles remain the most popular choice in roofing for homeowners, and they generally last for around 25 to 30 years, though this can vary depending on the type of roofing shingles you have.
  • Wood shake roofing: Along with being an attractive choice, wood shake can last for around 40 to 50 years. 
  • Tile roofing: Though the lifespan of tile roofing can vary depending on the type, they tend to last for upwards of 50 years on average and in some cases can last for upwards of a century, making them one of the better investments. 
  • Metal roofing: The type of metal used in your roof can affect its lifespan, though a good option such as a standing seam metal roof can last for 50 years or more.
  • Slate roofing: Though one of the most expensive choices, slate roofing has been known to last for a century or more. 

If you aren’t entirely certain when your current roofing system was installed, a professional roofer can often help identify its age and give you an estimate of when you may need to think about a roof replacement. This will allow you to make better decisions regarding when a roof replacement may be needed.

Do I Really Need a Roof Replacement?

If you have been told you need a roof replacement or you suspect your roof is not in the best condition, you may be wondering whether a roof replacement is really necessary. That’s understandable. A roof replacement is a major undertaking as well as a major investment, and it can be tempting to wait a little while before making that investment. But if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or it has sustained a significant amount of damage, scheduling a roof replacement can provide you with a number of benefits.

The most obvious benefit of a roof replacement is that it will help to prevent any possible damage to your home. When a roof has experienced a large amount of wear and tear, it can quickly sustain a lot of damage. When that happens, you could end up experiencing major problems such as leaks that have the potential to damage the structure of your roof as well as your home. Along with being far more expensive to repair, these issues also have the potential to become health hazards if not dealt with immediately.

Another thing to keep in mind is that when a roof has experienced a lot of wear and tear, it doesn’t have the ability to insulate your home as well. This means it may take more energy to heat up your home or keep it cool, which can be much more expensive in the long run when it comes to energy usage and costs. This is all in addition to the simple fact that a new roof is an attractive choice and one that can add to the curb appeal of your home, which in turn can help to increase its overall value. 

What Should You Know Before Replacing Your Roof?

The most important thing to know before scheduling a roof replacement is simply whether a roof replacement is the best choice. When you contact a qualified roofing company they will be able to perform a full roof inspection and, from there, will work with you to help determine what the best choice is for you moving forward. Bearing this in mind, another thing to remember is the importance of working with a professional roofer when getting a roof replacement. You want to be certain that the company you are working with is made up of experienced professionals so you can be certain you are getting the best work possible at the best price possible. 

Will My Insurance Cover a Roof Replacement?

Another common question that homeowners have is whether their insurance will cover the cost of their roof replacement. The answer to this question can depend on a number of factors. If your roof has experienced damage due to a storm, it is likely your homeowner’s insurance will cover the costs. However, insurance will not typically cover a roof replacement that is simply due to natural wear and tear that has occurred over time. Your roofer will be able to help you determine whether your roof replacement will be covered by your insurance and from there, will be able to provide roof insurance claims help so you can ensure that you get any money that you are entitled to. 

If the time has come for you to get a new roof, the team at INNOVATIVE ROOFING can be there to provide all the help you may require. We invite you to reach out to us if you would like to learn more about getting a roof replacement for your home or building. 

When Do I Need a Roof Inspection?

two workers providing a commercial roof inspection

Why is Roof Inspection Important?

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, providing you with protection against the elements every single day. You likely already know just how important it is to have your roof repaired when your roof has been damaged, but you may be wondering just how important it is to have your roof inspected. This is why every homeowner and business owner needs to remember that roof damage may not always be as obvious as you expect. Damage to your roof can occur in areas that can’t easily be seen from the ground, and minor damage may not be obvious to anyone but a professional. This is why it’s a good idea to schedule a roof inspection on a regular basis. Typically, it’s recommended that you have a roof inspection annually. This will give you the chance to identify any problems and have them repaired before they become far more serious issues. 

How Do You Inspect a Roof?

The short answer to this question is to leave it to the professionals. While you may be tempted to get a ladder and inspect your roof on your own, this can be incredibly dangerous unless you have the proper experience and training to perform a roof inspection. This is why you should always reach out to an honest and reliable professional roofing company. They will be able to perform the inspection and give you an honest account of whether or not anything needs to be done. Keeping that in mind, you can still perform a basic roof inspection from the ground. During this visual inspection, there are a few things you can watch out for that can indicate whether or not you need to reach out to a professional for help. These things include:

  • Algae, moss, or mold: It’s always a good idea to look out for the growth of any organic materials on your roof, as this can indicate a far more serious issue such as water intrusion and water damage. Look out for areas on your roof that are green, gray, or black.
  • Loose or missing shingles: Areas where shingles have become loose or gone missing need to be taken care of immediately, as this can become a major problem in a short amount of time.
  • Curling or buckling shingles: Shingles that are curling at the edges or experiencing other similar issues are another problem that can quickly become a more serious issue, and that generally indicate you may already have a problem with your roof that needs to be taken care of. 
  • Granule loss: If you have a shingle roof, you should always look for an excessive amount of granules in the water that has run off from your roof. This can indicate a large amount of weather and tear to your roof and could be a sign you are in need of a roof replacement. 

Along with keeping an eye out for these issues, it can also be a good idea to check inside your attic for issues and to look out for any areas of moisture or discoloration on the ceiling inside your home. This will ensure that you find any problems such as roof leaks so you can reach out for roof inspection and roof repair if necessary right away. 

When Should I Schedule a Roof Inspection?

As already mentioned, it is always best to schedule a roof inspection on a regular basis. By having an annual roof inspection, you can identify problems and get them taken care of before they become much more difficult – and much more costly – to take care of. However, other occasions may arise that call for a roof inspection. It is always a good idea to have a roof inspection if you have recently been through a major storm. Hail and high winds can both lead to a large amount of damage such as bruising, missing shingles, or fractures to your roofing material. 

Another thing to keep in mind is the importance of having your roof inspection done by a reliable roofing company. It is an unfortunate reality that there are a number of so-called “storm chasers” with predatory practices. These roofing companies target homeowners who have been through storms and perform roof inspections in hopes of selling unnecessary roof repairs and roof replacements. This is why it is always best to ensure you are receiving your roof inspection from an established roofing company with honest and reliable practices. 

How Should I Choose a Roofing Company to Inspect My Roof?

If you are currently searching for a roofing company to help with your roof inspection, there are several factors to keep in mind. One of the first things to remember is that you should be reaching out to a roofing company – they should not be targeting you. If a roofer comes to your door and tells you that they have identified a roofing problem that needs to be taken care of, it can still be a good idea to schedule a roof inspection to see if their claims are legitimate. However, schedule your roof inspection with a roofing contractor that has plenty of experience and one that has plenty of reviews from happy customers. This will ensure you are getting your roof inspection from a company that you can trust to be honest and reliable in the work that they do. 

Another thing to bear in mind is that a reliable roofing company will not ask you for a large amount of money upfront to complete their work. If a roofer performs an inspection, immediately identifies a problem, and attempts to secure a large payment to begin their work, pause for a moment. Get help from someone that you can trust. 

If you are in the area and have found yourself in need of a roof inspection, INNOVATIVE ROOFING can be there to provide you with a roof inspection and any roof repairs or roof replacement services that you may require. We pride ourselves on reliable roofing services and we are ready to work with you to ensure your roof is in the best shape possible.