How Long Do Metal Roofs Last in BC? (Lifespan, Warranties & What Actually Fails First)

Cody Giroux
Jul 26
3 min read

TL;DR: Properly specified and installed Galvalume steel standing seam roofs with PVDF/Hylar 5000 coatings routinely deliver 40–70+ years of service life, often outlasting asphalt shingles by two to three full replacement cycles. Your true lifespan depends on the following factors: coating quality, panel system, underlayment/ventilation, installer skill, and maintenance.

Drone view of a Langley, BC home featuring IronStone Slate metal roofing in black, installed by Valley Metal Roofing—highlighting its modern slate-look profile and weather-resistant finish.

Why “how long do metal roofs last in BC” is the #1 question (after cost)

Once homeowners in BC see the upfront price difference, the next logical question is: Will a metal roof last long enough to pay off? The answer is almost always yes, especially in the Lower Mainland, where rain, moss, and coastal air wear down shingles much faster than expected.

The Real Numbers: Typical Metal Roof Lifespans

When homeowners ask how long do metal roofs last in BC, the answer often exceeds expectations, as long as materials, coatings, and installation methods are high quality.

Standing seam steel (PVDF/Hylar 5000 coated, like ours): 40–70+ years
Premium metals (copper, zinc): 70–100+ years
Asphalt shingles (for comparison): 10–15 years in BC’s climate

7 Factors That Decide How Long Your Metal Roof Actually Lasts

1) Coating & Paint System (PVDF / Hylar 5000)

Premium PVDF coatings like Hylar 5000 offer high resistance to fading, chalking, and corrosion, especially in UV-exposed or coastal BC areas.

2) Base Metal & Gauge

Galvalume steel provides outstanding corrosion protection. Heavier gauge panels last longer and resist damage better.

3) Panel System & Detailing

Standing seam roofs with hidden fasteners reduce the chance of long-term water intrusion.

4) Underlayment, Ventilation & Attic Health

Poor attic ventilation can shorten the life of any roof. We always inspect attic systems during consultations.

5) Installer Skill & Flashing Work

No panel system can compensate for poor detailing. Valley Metal Roofing builds custom flashings in-house to handle chimneys, valleys, and fascia properly.

6) Climate & Exposure

BC’s Lower Mainland weather includes high winds, wet snow, and year-round rain. Metal sheds water and snow better than shingles, but must be detailed for your specific slope and location.

7) Maintenance (Minimal but Necessary)

A quick check-up every 1–2 years to remove debris and check flashings can extend the lifespan of your roof by decades.

Close-up of IronWood Shake metal roofing in Forest Green on a home in Mission, BC, showing the textured shake profile and durable Hylar 5000-coated finish by Valley Metal Roofing.

Warranties: What’s Covered (and What’s Not)

With Valley Metal Roofing, you get:

True Lifetime Material Warranty — This is a non-prorated warranty that lasts for the lifetime of the homeowner. That means the value of your warranty never decreases over time. You’re covered 100% for the life of the roof as long as you own your home.
What does non-prorated mean? It means your warranty doesn't lose value the longer you have it. In contrast, asphalt shingles usually come with prorated warranties that reduce coverage every year. After 10–20 years, you may only get a fraction of the replacement cost.
Many things can void an asphalt warranty: improper ventilation, installation errors, even things like algae growth or foot traffic. With metal roofing, especially ours, the standards are much higher, and our warranty is much stronger.
Transferable Warranty — If you sell your home or gift it to a family member, the warranty can be transferred for up to an additional 40 years. That adds significant resale value and peace of mind for the next homeowner.
10-Year Workmanship Warranty — If anything ever goes wrong due to our installation (like a leak, a loose sheet, or an issue with flashing), we’ll fix it free of charge for 10 years. That’s how confident we are in our craftsmanship and our team.

Will a Metal Roof Rust, Fade, or Chalk?

Not when you use Galvalume steel with Hylar 5000 PVDF coatings and ensure proper underlayment and ventilation. These materials are engineered for long-term weather protection in BC's environment.

Metal Roof Lifespan vs Asphalt: The Lifetime Math

Metal (1 roof): 40–70+ years of coverage
Asphalt (2–3 roofs): Multiple installations and landfill waste
Result: Metal roofs usually cost less over 50 years when factoring in replacements, energy efficiency, and resale value.