A metal roof in Colorado Springs commonly lasts 40 to 70 years, roughly two to three times as long as a typical asphalt shingle roof, which usually wears out in 15 to 30 years. How long yours lasts depends on the metal, the panel or shingle style, the coating, and how well it was installed. Aluminum and coated steel are the common residential choices, and copper can last a century. Our climate tests every one of them with hail, heavy snow, wind and strong sun, so the details below matter more here than in milder places.
Lifespan by metal
| Metal | Typical lifespan | Strengths here | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel (coated, including stone-coated) | 40 to 70 years | Strong; stone-coated hides hail marks | Scratches in the coating can rust |
| Aluminum | 50 years or more | Will not rust; light | Softer, dents more easily |
| Copper | 100 years or more | Extremely long-lived; develops a patina | Highest cost; dents |
These are common industry ranges for a properly installed roof, not a guarantee. The manufacturer’s warranty for the specific product is the number to check.
What our weather does to a metal roof
- Hail. Hail is the biggest test. Thicker panels, textured finishes and products rated UL 2218 Class 4 hold up best. Our Class 4 shingle comparison explains the rating, and our hail damage page covers inspections after a storm.
- Snow. Smooth metal sheds snow, which keeps weight off the roof but can drop a whole slope at once. Plan snow guards over doors and walkways. Our snow and ice page explains ice dams, which metal roofs resist better than shingles.
- Wind. Exposed fasteners can loosen over years of gusts. Concealed-fastener standing seam and interlocking metal shingles resist wind lift better; see wind damage repair.
- Sun. The EPA notes that how much UV reaches the ground depends on altitude, among other factors. Quality paint systems on metal resist fading and chalking far longer than asphalt granules resist the sun.
What local code requires
A metal roof replacement in Colorado Springs needs a reroof permit from the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD). Homes in the City of Colorado Springs need a Class A roof covering, so ask for the fire rating of the exact metal system you are quoted. The old layers have to come off first, and direct-to-deck metal shingles do not need a mid-roof inspection, only the final.
How to make a metal roof last
- Have it installed by a crew that does metal regularly. Most early failures are flashing and fastener problems, not the metal.
- Inspect once or twice a year and after big storms, looking at fasteners, sealant, flashing and coating scratches.
- Keep gutters clear so water and ice do not back up at the eaves; see our gutter installation page.
- Touch up scratches in the coating before rust starts on steel.
- Do not walk on it more than needed; foot traffic dents panels.
Is metal worth the cost?
Metal costs more up front than asphalt, and the payoff comes from not reroofing again for decades. Read what a metal roof costs in Colorado Springs, compare styles on our Colorado Springs metal roofing page, and see how to read the estimate when it arrives. Financing is available if you want to spread the cost.
Talk to a local metal roofer
Integrity Roofing and Painting installs standing seam, stone-coated steel, aluminum, copper and corrugated metal roofs. We are veteran-owned and family-run since 1990, with 650+ Google reviews. Book a free inspection or call (719) 488-2800.
Sources: PPRBD Reroofing Guidelines (rev. 03/05/2024); EPA, Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Sun Exposure.
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