How Long Does Galvanized Steel Roofing Last?

Galvanized steel roofing can last 20 to 50 years if it is installed properly and with periodic maintenance. Galvanized steel roof panel is coated with zinc, which makes it more corrosion-resistant and durable. Actually, its service life mainly depends on the zinc layer thickness and the use environment. Besides, GI roofing panel is light in weight and silver-colored, which makes it easy and quick to install. That’s why galvanized steel roof is getting popular among investors, contractors, and house owners. At Wanzhi Steel, we have a wide range of GI roofing sheets for sale with different designs, sizes, zinc coating thicknesses, and so on. Keep reading for more information.

How Long Does Galvanized Roofing Last?

GI roofing is well-known for its durability and longevity. The zinc layer for galvanized sheets for roofing uses is usually more than 100 g/m². The max zinc layer we can supply is 300 g/m². Generally speaking, if installed properly, a galvanized steel roof can last at least 20 years. With periodic maintenance, its lifespan will be 50 years or even more. Here is a table for your reference.

Zinc layer Thickness (g/m2)	Rural (years)	Suburban	Urban	Marine	Industrial Area
100	10	8	6	5	3
180	15	12	10	9	5
300	30	25	20	15	10
600	50	40	30	25	15

What Will Affect the Lifespan of GI Roofing?

After knowing its life expectancy, you may wonder what will affect the service life of galvanized roofing sheets. Below let’s have a review.

1. Zinc Coating Thickness

Steel is easy to rust when exposed to wet or corrosive conditions. While the heavy zinc coating provides protection to steel from rust and corrosion. Generally, the thicker the zinc coating, the better the corrosion resistance and the longer the service life. At Wanzhi Steel, the zinc coating thickness can get up to 300 g/m² to meet specific needs. Below is a video showing the spangles of Wanzhi galvanized steel. If you want more videos, please follow us.

2. Galvanizing Metod

You can find both hot-dipped galvanized and electro-galvanized steel sheets on the market. The zinc layer of hot-dip galvanizing is thicker than that of electro-galvanizing. Besides, the hot-dipped galvanized steel is fully protected by zinc coating. So it has better corrosion resistance. At Wanzhi Steel, we use hot-dipped galvanized sheets for roofing panels.

3. Use Environment

The use environment will largely influence the lifespan of GI roofing sheets, such as the weather condition. For example, moisture like rain, snow, sleet, and humidity will rust metal. Sun exposure and heat can also cause corrosion and impact your roof’s lifespan. More than that, if your roof is installed in coastal or industrial areas, its lifespan will be shorter as well.

4. Maintenance

Though the corrugated galvanized roof is in low maintenance, regular inspections will help your roof last longer. For example, tree branches, leaves, and other debris can scratch metal roofs and cause premature rusting to exposed areas. Without maintenance, it leads to leaks and will shorten the metal roof’s lifespan.

Tips for Prolonging the Service Life of GI Roof

Accordingly, we discuss how to increase the lifespan of the metal roofs by taking the proper precautions. A longer lifespan means you get more value out of your roof before you have to pay for a new one.

1. Proper Installation

As mentioned, when the roof is installed properly, it will last longer. For example, if the zinc layer and the painting on the surface were broken during installation, any scratches, dents, and markings may expose the metal to moisture. It will affect the lifespan of your metal roof.

2. Regular Inspection

No maintenance may cause problems that keep undetected until it’s too late, resulting in expensive repairs or even a roof replacement. You can perform preventive roof maintenance annually, for example, cleaning the debris, leaves, touching up scratches, removing dirt, stains, moss, and other elements. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, remember to remove snow to lighten the stress on the roof.

3. Use Paintings

Painting is an effective way to prolong the service life of metal. It is because that paint coating will offer additional protection to the base metal. Also, the colorful paints can make your roof more attractive. At Wanzhi Steel, we also have color coated steel roofing sheets for sale.

4. Other Effective Tips

For example, trim the trees around your home. It can prevent scratches by stopping tree branches and leaves from coming in contact with the roof. Keep different metals away from each other. When different types of metal come in contact with one another and become wet, electrolytic corrosion may take place and may lead to deterioration of the roof. Well, more importantly, you need to choose quality galvanized roofing sheets first. Below are some tips for your reference.

How to Choose Galvanized Roofing Sheets?

Here are some factors you need to take into consideration.

1. Gauge
The roofing thickness affects its durability and longevity. You can find galvanized roofing sheets available in thickness from 0.12-1.2 mm. The common thickness for roofing is from 0.45-0.75 mm. You need to choose a roof panel that is right for your use environment. As investors, you also need to take the local climate into account.

2. Size & Design
Remember to pick the right panel size for your building as it can install appropriately and easily. You can get your house roofs measured before purchasing. As for the design, you can choose according to your architectural style and your preference.

3. Zinc Coating Thickness
Generally, the thicker the zinc coating, the stronger the corrosion resistance, and the longer the service life. Of course, its cost will be higher. You can choose the suitable one according to your requirements and budget.

4. Choose Reliable Supplier

Buy from a reliable supplier will make sure the roof quality and lifespan. At Wanzhi Steel, we will make sure your roof sheets will last for decades to come. Welcome to contact us for more details!

Where to Buy Galvanized Roof Panels?

At Wanzhi Steel, we have a wide variety of galvanized roofing panels to choose from. Besides, we also have roofing sheets made with galvalume steel and color-coated steel. As one of the top corrugated roofing sheets manufacturers in China, we have our factory, advanced equipment, and professional teams. If you have any questions, please contact us right now.