For Cincinnati Homeowners: Metal Roof Tips for the Whole Year

If you’re a homeowner in Cincinnati, your metal roof represents a significant investment that can improve your property value and your home’s energy efficiency. Like any other home feature, however, it requires proper maintenance. Knowing how to properly care for your roof can extend its lifespan, improve its aesthetic, and keep it operating at its best for years to come.

Here’s how to care for your metal roof year-round:

1. Give it a Wash

Your metal roof could benefit from a simple wash with the hose a couple of times a year – once in the spring to clear the pollen and other debris, and once in the fall to rid it off acorns, fallen leaves, and dirt. You shouldn’t notice much growth of algae or moss on your metal roof, but it might occur if you live in an extremely humid area. If you notice any algae growth on your roof, give it a once over with a power washer and ½ cup trisodium phosphate per gallon of water.

2. Order a Gutter Cleaning Twice a Year

Your gutter system plays an important role in protecting the longevity of your roof. It works to clear away debris and standing water from your roof and back to the ground below. When this line of defense becomes clogged with leaves and other debris, it gathers on your roof where it can cause damage. In order to protect your roof, have gutters cleaned out twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.

3. Complete Periodic Roofing Inspections

Thankfully, your metal roof does not require much maintenance compared to other roofing materials. Still, it’s a good idea to complete a visual inspection and look for problems a few times a year. Using a pair of binoculars, scan your roof for signs of disrepair like loose screws or sections. Call a roofing company that serves the Cincinnati-Dayton area and have them tighten down any loose patches, which can allow water to get into your roof and cause rotting underneath. This tip especially applies to places that experience routine high winds (i.e., a hurricane or tornado season).

4. Only Allow a Trained Professional on Your Roof

If you have the DIY spirit, you might be tempted to attempt some of these projects yourself – and you can, as long as you don’t have to climb on your roof to do so. We recommend only letting a trained professional complete maintenance on the roof itself, since they have proper safety equipment and experience.

Tending to your metal roof requires basic maintenance. By following these tips, you can extend its lifespan and possibly make it the last roof you’ll ever need.