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While there are many benefits to installing a metal roof on your home, there are some downsides, too. Zinc roofs, in particular, are susceptible to corrosion from overly salty air directly near coastal areas. Another potential downside of zinc roofing is that it must be allowed to expand and contract with the weather. This means special attention is necessary to how it's fastened to the home to avoid issues. 

A 26-gauge metal roof panel can span between 4 and 8 feet, depending on a few factors. Local building codes dictate what’s appropriate for panel span, but these are normally based on expected snow loads. Additionally, the type of metal roof you choose will affect the maximum span, as corrugated metal is stronger than flat standing seam panels or a screw down roof and can often span greater distances.

Metal roofs are dangerous to walk on, even for professionals. Metal shake does offer some texture to help with grip, but metal itself is extremely slippery, especially at a medium to steep pitch, so call in a pro rather than getting up on the roof yourself. They’ll have the necessary safety equipment and experience to avoid injury.

When properly installed and maintained, a metal roof can last 50 to 80 years. However, the fasteners used to attach the roof may have a shorter lifespan than the roof panels, so it’s a good idea to inspect your roof every few years to check for wear and replace any damaged components. Metal roofs installed over shingles don’t last as long as tear-offs since the underlying roofing components can deteriorate over time, and the added weight can stress roof supports.