Want to know why metal roofs are gaining popularity? One reason is their durability, but what does that mean practically? We’ll examine the metal roof lifespan in Orlando and why it may be the best option for you.
Homeowners are looking to break away from the traditional home design that features a conventional asphalt shingle roof. Asphalt is a good roofing option that delivers adequate protection at an excellent price point. But, Florida weather can place a lot of stress on your roof and other roofing materials simply last longer. If you’re seeing more metal roofs on homes these days, it’s because they’re trending big time. They’re durable and beautiful, but do they really last forever?
Florida Weather
A major contributor to your roof’s lifespan is the weather. Sun, rain, wind, hail, and lightning can take their toll on your roof. And we get plenty of all of those in Florida. Did you know that Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S.? Add in our volatile hurricane season and our months-long rainy season and you have a recipe for roof damage.
If you want your roof to last for decades and be able to withstand our extreme weather, you should take a closer look at metal. Here’s why.
Lightning – Metal roofs are no more likely to be struck by lightning than any other type of roof. What attracts lightning is the height and area of a structure, not its material composition. If a metal roof is struck by lightning, the damage will be minimal because the electricity spreads out across the entirety of the roof. Other roofing materials are susceptible to fire damage from a lightning strike but not metal because it is fire resistant.
Rain, wind, and hail – Metal roofs stand up to all of these weather conditions because they are made of large sheets with minimal seams. Compare that to an asphalt shingle roof composed of shingle sections layered on top of one another and nailed into place. There are simply fewer access points for rain to get under a metal roof.
Wind can blow shingles off of a roof and hail can damage shingles making them susceptible to water leakage. Metal roofs love the rain, wind, and hail because they can withstand up to 140 mph winds! You should have your roofer insulate your metal roof, however, so that the wind and rain aren’t so noisy.
Sun – We love our Florida sun but our roofs may not. Asphalt shingles succumb to heat and cannot withstand constant UV rays for more than 15 years or so. Metal roofs, on the other hand, reflect UV rays and can save homeowners on their energy bills.
Metal Roof Maintenance
The best way to make sure that your metal roof lasts as long as possible is to keep up with routine maintenance. Just like everything else in your home, your roof needs a little bit of TLC to maximize its lifespan.
Keep It Clean – Keeping your metal roof clean not only keeps it looking its best, it maintains maximum energy-efficiency and keeps debris from collecting water. If you live near the beach, you should power-wash your roof periodically to wash away the salt. A salty roof can turn into a rusty roof without proper cleaning.
Repaint Periodically – Fresh paint protects your roof from sun and rust damage. However, if you have an anodized aluminum roof, the color is bonded at the atomic level so repainting isn’t necessary.
Mind Your Hardware – Screws can become loose and washers can dry out over time. To extend your metal roof lifespan in Orlando, you should have a roofer replace rubber washers and tighten or replace screws if needed.
Watch For Rust – When you have our team at Advantage Roofing inspect your roof, we can examine it for any signs of rust. If you clean and repair rust right away, your roof will last much longer.
Bottom Line: What Is The Metal Roof Lifespan In Orlando?
Your Florida metal roof can last 50 years or more with proper maintenance. At Advantage Roofing, we can help you find the right material, color, and style to match your roofing needs. Contact us today to get started!