How Long Do Metal Roofs Last in Florida?

If you’ve started noticing more metal roofs around lately, it’s not just you. Metal roofing is more popular than ever before, and a lot of residential and commercial property owners have questions. More specifically, they have questions about the metal roof life expectancy for structures in Florida.

That makes sense—any reasonable person would want to know how long their new roof will last, especially in Florida where tropical storms and hurricanes are part of regular life. Unfortunately, however, there’s not a simple answer. With so many variations between types of metal roofing, there’s no one-size-fits-all metal roof lifespan.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t help. We’re John Hogan Roofing, and we’ve got decades of Florida metal roofing experience. Keep reading for a full breakdown of metal roof life expectancy that will tell you what you can expect from your new metal roof.

Types of Metal Roofing

Before we can talk about metal roofing life expectancy, we first need to discuss the most common types of metal roofs in Florida. This will help with understanding why some metal roofs last longer than others and which one could be right for your structure.

The most common types of metal roofing in Florida include:

• Aluminum: This is one of the lightest forms of metal roofing and arguably the most common metal roofing material for commercial structures in Florida. This is because aluminum is corrosion-resistant, which is perfect for the coastal Florida climate where saltwater can rust unprotected metal roofs. If it has downsides, it’s that it comes with limited color options and lends itself to a more industrial look, so it may not be right for some homeowners.
• Copper: Copper roofing offers a distinctive look that no other roofing material can match. This is because, over time, copper changes color and goes from a bright brown to a blue-green patina. As a bonus, this change also gives the roof great corrosion resistance! However, copper roofing is also one of the most expensive metal roofing options on the market.
• Steel: Steel is known for its unmatched toughness and durability. Steel roofs stand up well against pests, high-force impacts, and high winds. However, it’s more vulnerable to corrosion than aluminum or copper—for this reason, experienced professionals often use steel coated in aluminum to extend the metal roof life expectancy.

All three of these metal roofing materials have a lot to offer. But how long do they last?

Metal Roof Life Expectancy in Florida

As you can see, every type of metal roofing has its pros and cons. But when it comes to duration and longevity, things are a lot more clear-cut. Let’s take a look at how long each type of metal roofing will last in Florida!

Aluminum Roof Life Expectancy

Aluminum roofing has a lot of factors working to increase its life expectancy. It’s lightweight so it doesn’t put additional weight on your structure, it resists rust, and it doesn’t get as hot as steel, so it is less likely to suffer damage from heat and UV rays.

It’s not all pros, though. Aluminum is a very soft metal, which is good because it makes the metal malleable and easy to fit into your desired shape, but bad because it’s vulnerable to impact damage. This means that if hail or storm debris hits your aluminum roof, it could dent under the pressure.

Altogether, this results in a roof that will last for 50 years on average, although well-maintained aluminum roofs have been known to last as long as 70 years. This puts it close to the average metal roof life expectancy of 40-70 years.

Copper Roof Life Expectancy

Copper roofing is a timeless choice that offers a luxurious, classic aesthetic. But how long does it last in Florida’s humid weather?

The answer: surprisingly long! Copper roofing’s patina gives it great corrosion resistance, and copper is a strong, durable metal. On the other hand, copper is a soft metal like aluminum. This means it has the same weakness to denting, so it may require repairs after a major storm knocks branches onto your roof.

Still, if metal roofing life expectancy is your main priority, then copper is a stellar option. With an average lifespan of 60-100 or more years, no other metal roofing material can match copper’s longevity. Keep in mind, though, that copper is one of the most expensive metals available, so buyers certainly have to pay for that durability!

Steel Roof Life Expectancy

Steel is a popular material for metal residential roofs due to its strength and low-profile aesthetic. Available in a variety of types (like 5V or standing seam), steel roofing requires very little maintenance because it’s so durable. In fact, steel roofing can withstand winds of up to 140mph. That’s equivalent to a category 4 hurricane!

But as mentioned, steel can be more vulnerable to corrosion over time. Additionally, it’s a very heavy roofing material, so some structures may need reinforcement added when having a metal roof installed.

Still, steel roofing lasts for quite a long time. Specifically, it lasts between 40 and 60 years on average in Florida. This puts it well within the average metal roof life expectancy and is far better than the average shingle roof lifespan of 20 years.

How Long Will Your Metal Roof Last?

Now that you have some reliable numbers on how long each type of metal roofing will last, you know exactly how much life you’ll get out of your new roof, right?

Not exactly. The truth is that there are many additional factors that will influence how long your flat roof lasts, including whether your fasteners are hidden or exposed, the unique features of your structure’s roof, and what kinds of metal have been mixed together to create your roofing material. So while the information above is a great guideline, it doesn’t give you the whole picture.

But the friendly staff at John Hogan Roofing can. When you schedule your free roofing estimate, we’ll discuss how long our metal roofs last and answer any questions you have about which metal roofing option will best suit your needs. Additionally, you’ll get a clear picture of exactly what you’re paying for and how much it’ll cost.

If you want clear, reliable information about metal roof life expectancy, reach out to John Hogan Roofing. We’ve been installing and maintaining metal roofs in Florida for over 25 years, and we’ve got all the information you need to make an informed choice. Let us show you why we’re still Florida’s top roofers after all this time!