How long will a metal roof last? A quality metal roof installed today can be expected to maintain its beauty and functionality for a lifetime. Copper roofing can be expected to last in excess of 100 years. Most metal roofing manufacturers will provide lifetime product warranties covering paint fading, chalking, chipping, cracking and peeling, and provide lifetime warranties against rust perforation of the painted metal panels. There are many metal roofs out there that are more than 80 years old.