How Long Does a Standing Seam Metal Roof Last?

Are you considering a standing seam metal roof for your roof replacement? Are you wondering what you’ll get out of such a large investment?

While it will increase your home’s value, the main ROI is how long a standing seam metal roof lasts after installation. The truth is that metal roofing could be the last roof you ever put on your home. 

So, how long does a standing seam metal roof last?

For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in helping homeowners make the right roofing material decisions. Because lifespan is a huge consideration when deciding if a standing metal roof is right for you, let’s break it down. 

By the end of this article, you’ll learn:

• How long will your new standing seam metal roof last?
• 4 factors that determine how long a standing seam metal roof lasts

How long does a standing seam metal roof last?

As long as it’s properly installed, a standing seam metal roof should last 30 years. In perfect conditions, it could even last up to 50 years.

(Steel standing seam metal roof)

However, this is generally speaking. The type of metal you choose determines how long a standing seam metal roof is supposed to last.  

The table contains the lifespans of the 5 most common metals used in residential roofing. 

No matter which metal you choose, a standing seam metal roof is one of the most durable and longest-lasting roofing materials on the market. However, reaching these lifespans comes down to multiple factors.

4 factors that determine how long a standing seam metal roof lasts

Now you know how long a standing seam metal roof lasts, depending on the metal you choose. But as I said, reaching these lifespans depends on multiple factors.

Let’s look at the 4 factors that impact how long a standing seam metal roof lasts.

1. The workmanship quality of the roofer installing the standing seam metal roof

The first and most important factor impacting the lifespan of a standing seam metal roof is the installation quality. No matter the type of metal, improper installation prevents it from reaching its full potential.

This can be caused by poor workmanship, inadequate attic ventilation, poor quality materials, and poor weather conditions during the installation process. Unfortunately, all of this leads to repairs before it finally prematurely fails.

To avoid this happening to you, it’s crucial to hire a reputable roofing contractor with a strong standing metal roofing installation history.

2. The painted finish on the metal panels (steel panels only)

While every metal type has pros and cons, steel is the most common standing seam metal roof installed on homes today. The great thing about using steel is that a Kynar 500 painted finish is applied to the standing seam metal panels. 

This painted finish protects your metal panels from the elements and keeps the color you choose from fading for as long as the 30-year warranty is valid. However, scratching or damaging the finish exposes the fresh steel to dew or moisture in the air. 

This causes rusting, which leads to a steel standing seam metal roof not lasting as long as it should. Because of this, a roofer must take all the proper precautions to protect the finish during installation.

3. The weather a standing seam metal roof is exposed to

Every roof is impacted by wear and tear by the weather, and metal roofing is no different. However, the amount of extreme weather in your area determines how fast that wear and tear affects your new standing seam metal roof. 

For example, the metal’s integrity will be impacted much more and quicker if your area gets a lot of hail. Luckily, metal roofing stands up better to weather and different climates than other roofing materials.

However, the weather in your area will always impact how long your standing seam metal roof lasts.

4. Maintenance maximizes a standing seam metal roof

No matter what type of roof you have, it needs maintenance to maximize its lifespan. I like to compare annual roof maintenance to changing the oil in your car; it just keeps it running smoothly. 

That’s why the best way to maximize a standing seam metal roof is simply to maintain it. However, a standing seam metal roof requires much less compared to other roofing materials. 

The only required maintenance is checking penetrations (vent pipes, gas pipes, etc.) to ensure the flashing is holding up to prevent future leaks and clear sitting debris. While a standing seam metal roof may not need much, I still recommend getting it maintained once a year or at least every other year.

How much does a standing seam metal roof cost?

Now you know how long a standing seam metal roof lasts and the 4 main factors that impact its lifespan. As I said, it’s one of the longest-lasting and durable materials available in residential roofing.

This is one of the biggest reasons metal roofing is closing the gap on the popularity of asphalt shingle roofing. But the truth is, it won’t be the right roofing material for the majority of homeowners. 

The reason why is simple: cost. Unfortunately, most roofing companies won't talk about pricing because of the sticker shock. 

I don’t like this lack of transparency. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down what you can expect to pay for a new standing seam metal roof. 

Check out How Much a Standing Seam Metal Roof Costs to learn the budget you'll need for your new metal roof system.