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When choosing a roofing material for a home or business, the life span is one of the biggest considerations. A durable option can save you a lot of money in the long term, which is a big part of why metal roofing is so popular. Here’s what you need to know about the life expectancy and maintenance needs of common metal options.

Standing-Seam Metal Roofing

Standing-seam roofs are built from long sheets of metal that run vertically down the slope of the roof. The edges of each sheet are designed to interlock with their neighbors to form a tall seam with no holes or exposed screws. 

metal roofing

These roofs can easily last from 40 to 75 years, a range that's up to four times the life of asphalt shingles, and some have continued to function for even longer. Thanks to the natural beauty of the sheet metal, they stay attractive and eye-catching the entire time.

Screw-Down Metal Roofing

Screw-down roofs are simpler to install. They're also made up of long panels of metal, but these run horizontally across the roof slope, and the edges are attached with metal screws through holes in the panel. The exposed fasteners are more vulnerable to weathering, so this roof type isn’t as long-lasting as a standing-seam model, but depending on the quality of screws used, it can still last up to 50 years easily.

Durability & Minimal Maintenance

The reason metal roofing lasts so long is its natural immunity to many of the sources of wear and weathering that affect other roofs. UV radiation from the sun causes materials like asphalt and wood shakes to dry out and become more brittle, but it doesn’t break down metal the same way. 

Metal isn’t absorbent and has few seams or edges for water to soak into, and materials like steel that are prone to rust are coated to prevent them from corroding. The material doesn’t rot, is rarely damaged by hail or falling debris, and it’s even fire-resistant. 

Since it’s so difficult to damage and is made of large sheets of metal instead of small individual shingles that can be torn away, metal roofing rarely needs repairs. The most maintenance it needs is an occasional reapplication of rust-proof coating or a few replacement screws.
 

For quality metal roofing in Newton, AL, choose Custom Roofing and Construction. Serving the Dothan area for over 25 years, this roofing company offers a 10-year warranty and a personal inspection by the owner on every job. For a free estimate, call (334) 790-4418 to speak to a team member. Visit their website to learn more about this durable roofing material.

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