How Long Do Aluminum Shingles Last?
Quick answer
Aluminum shingles last 50 years or more — often a lifetime — far outlasting asphalt's 15–20 years. Because aluminum cannot rust and its factory finish holds color for decades, an aluminum shingle roof is frequently the last one a home ever needs, which is why quality systems like Interlock's carry a transferable lifetime warranty.
How long do aluminum shingles last?
A quality aluminum shingle roof lasts 50 years or more, and is commonly described as a lifetime roof — for most homeowners, the last one they will ever buy. That compares to roughly 15–20 years for asphalt shingles, 20–30 for wood shakes, and a widely variable life for exposed-fastener steel that depends on its coating. Only natural slate rivals aluminum's longevity, and it does so at several times the cost and weight. Pound for pound of service life, aluminum shingles are among the longest-lasting roofs a home can have.
Why do aluminum shingles last so long?
Three reasons. First, chemistry: aluminum contains no iron, so it cannot rust, and it forms a self-healing oxide layer that reseals if scratched — there is no corrosion clock ticking. Second, the finish: a factory-applied 70% PVDF coating resists UV, fading, and chalking for decades. Third, the construction: concealed fasteners and a four-sided interlock have no exposed rubber washers to harden and leak, which is the failure point that ends most other metal and asphalt roofs. Nothing in the system is designed to wear out on a short clock.
What affects how long an aluminum shingle roof lasts?
Mostly installation quality and details, not the metal. Correct installation over a sound deck, proper attic ventilation, and well-executed flashing at penetrations are what let an aluminum roof reach its full potential — which is why the installer matters as much as the product. Environment barely limits it: aluminum's rust-proof nature means it lasts just as long at the coast as inland, unlike steel. Occasional flashing maintenance and keeping the roof clear of debris keep it performing for its full life.
What does the lifetime warranty cover?
Interlock backs its aluminum roofs with the Guardian lifetime warranty, and critically it is transferable to a future owner — which turns the roof's longevity into a documented resale asset. The warranty reflects real confidence in the system: because aluminum does not rust and the finish and interlock are engineered to last, the manufacturer can stand behind it for the life of the home. Our warranty guide explains exactly what is covered and how the transfer works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do aluminum shingles last longer than asphalt?
By a wide margin — 50+ years versus 15–20 for asphalt. Over the life of a home, you would install two or three asphalt roofs in the time one aluminum shingle roof serves, which is the heart of aluminum's lifetime-value argument.
Do aluminum shingles fade or wear out?
Very slowly. The factory PVDF finish is engineered to resist fading, chalking, and UV breakdown for decades, and the aluminum beneath cannot rust or rot. A quality aluminum shingle roof holds its appearance and performance far longer than asphalt, which visibly deteriorates within its short life.
Is an aluminum shingle roof the last roof I'll need?
For most homeowners, yes. With a 50-plus-year lifespan and a transferable lifetime warranty, an aluminum shingle roof is commonly the final roof a home requires — one of the main reasons people choose it over repeatedly replacing asphalt.
Sources
- The Aluminum Association — Durability and service life of aluminum
- Metal Construction Association — Metal roof service life
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Last reviewed 2026-07-12 · Reviewed by Scott Plumptree, Director of Marketing