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A metal roof will last for an average of around 50 years—usually between 40 and 75 years—which is about double the lifespan of an asphalt roof—between 15 and 30 years or 25 years on average. Installing a metal roof is usually more expensive than an asphalt roof, with an average cost of $11,400 compared to the $9,200 for an asphalt roof. However, given that a metal roof costs about 20% more and lasts twice as long, it’s typically well worth the investment and should save you money in the long run.

Roofers most often use nails to fasten roofing shingles and other roofing materials. Nails have more holding power than staples and offer better weather resistance and longevity. However, it is possible to use staples instead of nails when installing a roof. Staples are less expensive, but not as high-quality.

When choosing a metal roof, consider not only the area of the roof but also the thickness of the panel, known as the gauge. Common roofing gauge sizes for metal roofs are 24-gauge and 26-gauge. The smaller the gauge size, the thicker the roof. Usually, a thicker gauge is ideal if your house is in an area that sees a lot of rain, snow, or hail, as it will be less likely to dent.

Metal roofs can rust, but steel is a material that holds up well to environmental factors, especially if it’s painted or galvanized. One of the main determining factors regarding rust is the environment the roof is in. Harsher environments with a lot of salt in the air will rust much more quickly than a steel or metal roof in a dry climate. Zinc-coated steel, called galvanized steel, is excellent at preventing rust from forming.