Get matched with top grill repair technicians in Richlands, VA

24-gauge metal is thicker and will stand up better to impact, so it’s a better option for roofs that will see heavy snow and ice accumulation, hail storms, fallen tree debris, and blown debris. It’s a more expensive option, but it’s worth the added cost for roof longevity in extreme climates. If you live in a more moderate climate and don’t have trees overhanging your roof, 26-gauge metal is suitable and is a more affordable option.

Generally, magnets do stick to a metal roof, though certain metals may not be magnetic. In that case, you can use self-adhesive hooks designed for outdoor use or plastic clips that hook onto your gutter or the edge of your roof. But if your metal roof is made of steel, aluminum, or copper, you're in luck—those are all magnetic metals.

Metal roofs have an excellent reputation for longevity. Including aluminum roofing, you can expect a metal roof to last between 40 and 80 years under normal conditions and with proper maintenance. That longevity can shorten in areas where salty air is a concern and not accounted for during installation to provide additional material protections. 

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.