Tin roofs are a popular choice in residential, commercial, and even industrial settings, thanks to their excellent durability. They are also low-maintenance and can withstand the harshest weather in Mankato. But then again, there’s one question we often hear: how long does a tin roof last?
In this post, we’ll discuss tin roof lifespan, how often replace tin roofs, and where you can find the best tin roof replacement in Southern MN. Keep reading to see if this type of metal roofing suits your property!
Average tin roof lifespan
On average, a tin roof can last about 40 to 70 years, depending on several factors. Galvanized tin roofs, for example, have a longer life because they have an added layer of protection.
Compared to other metal roof life expectancies, tin materials are slightly more durable than aluminum and steel. So, if you’re looking for weatherproof roofing to withstand the harshest winter conditions, a tin roof might be a good option.
Aside from other types of metal roofs, tin is also often compared to shingle roofing. In terms of tin roof vs shingle roof life, the latter is still the more durable option. This is because most shingle roofs only last for about 10 to 20 years, and they only require proper maintenance.
What affects tin roof lifespan?
The following factors will impact your metal roof durability, be it tin, steel, aluminum, and so on:
1. Quality of material
The quality of materials will dictate metal roofing’s longevity. Not all tin roofs are made equal, and some roofers may cut corners to increase their markup.
So, when searching for a ‘roofing company near me’, make sure that you only trust professionals like Boelter Is Better. We only use quality roofing materials with excellent metal roof warranty coverage, so you’ll get the best value for your money.
2. Installation
Incorrect installation will compromise the structural integrity of your new roof. It’s not enough that you have the best tin roof materials – you should also hire the right roofing contractor to do the job.
For example, you’ll get better tin roof durability with correct fastening, underlayment installation, and sealing. This way, you can prevent premature damage on your roof, like rusting or moisture buildup in the attic.
3. Maintenance
Proper tin roof maintenance is also crucial in extending the lifespan of your new roofing. It’s important to spot early signs of damage so you can prevent it from spreading throughout your roof system.
Also, it’s best to call for professional tin roof repairs to ensure that your roof is in the best shape. Take note that even durable roofing materials like tin metal aren’t invincible to wear and tear, but you can delay potential damages with the right upkeep.
4. Roof pitch
The type of roof pitch will also impact the longevity of your tin roof. Steeper pitches help extend a roof’s life by allowing water to drain properly, which reduces the risk of corrosion on tin materials.
Meanwhile, low-pitched and flat roofs often retain water and sludge, which can speed up the formation of rust on metal roofs. You’ll need regular roof snow removal to prevent this from happening.
Also, low-pitched roofs tend to collect debris, which will contribute to premature damage. The upside is that flat or low-pitch roofs are ideal if you’re planning to install solar panels or other green roofing systems.
5. Weather conditions
Lastly, the weather will ultimately affect the lifespan of your roof, be it tin, shingles, or other materials. Overall, Mankato gets a lot of snow, which can potentially impact the serviceability of your roof.
Strong winds and temperature fluctuations will also degrade the structural integrity of your tin roof. If you live in an area with this weather in Minnesota, you may have to pay a slightly higher cost for repairs.
How to maintain tin roofs for longer use
Despite the risk of corrosion, you can take steps to boost the lifespan of your tin roof. With that said, here are some tin roof maintenance tips that we always tell our clients:
1. Keep your gutters and drains clean
Leaves, twigs, and debris often get trapped in gutters, blocking proper drainage. This leaves a pool of standing water on your roof, which will cause rusting to the tin material, not to mention that it can also attract pests.
To prevent this, consider scheduling annual roof inspections to get your gutters cleaned and checked for possible damage. And if you don’t have one yet, consider installing roof gutters to reduce the risk of corrosion on your tin roof.
2. Clean your roof periodically
Aside from your gutters, you also need to remove debris stuck on your roof’s dead spots and valleys. You can also call a professional to clean your roof, ideally before the start of winter.
Moreover, you should ensure that no other metal touches your roof. Contact with other metals can cause the tin material to stain, corrosion, and rot.
Overall, an annual cleanup would be a great way to extend the lifespan of any roof. It’s also a good practice to spot potential damages before they become widespread and expensive to repair.
3. Replace any rusty parts
If you notice any rusted panels on your tin roof, consider partial roof replacement before it spreads to other portions of your roof system.
Also, you should treat rust spots with a rust-inhibiting primer and paint made for tin roofs. If possible, consider getting tin roofs coated with zinc to make them more durable against corrosion.
4. Trim overhanging branches
It’s also important to cut any branches touching or overhanging your tin roof. This way, the leaves and sticks won’t drop on your roof and clog your gutters along the way.
Aside from that, removing the shade on your roof will maximize sun exposure. This will help dry up moisture to prevent the growth of moss and molds.
5. Check and replace the sealant
Due to natural wear and tear, the flashings and sealant of your tin roof will degrade over time. It’s important to check these parts periodically to avoid leaks around your roof’s penetration points.
You can also call a professional like Boelter Is Better to do all the work for you. Our licensed roof technicians will inspect and repair your roof fast before the damage gets bigger.
Looking for long-lasting tin roof installation? Contact Boelter Is Better today!
Do you need expert roof repair or replacement? Or are you searching for ‘siding and roofing near me’ in Mankato? If so, all you need to do is reach out to Boelter Is Better!
For 30+ years, we’ve been providing professional exterior services in Southern Minnesota. We provide tin roof services for residential, commercial, and agricultural properties anywhere in Mankato and the Southern MN area.
With us, you’ll have a dedicated project advisor from start to finish. We also offer financing options so you can get your new roof with affordable monthly payments.
If you’re looking for a trusted roofing contractor or are still weighing your options, contact us at Boelter Is Better. If you already have a quote from another contractor, send it to us, and we’ll see how we can give you a better offer!
