What Kind of Surface Maintenance Does a Metal Roof Require?

When you need a new roof installed on your home, there are many reasons to opt for a metal roof. A metal roof’s longevity can’t be beat, and it saves most homeowners from ever needing to invest in another new roof. Perhaps the other most appealing attribute of metal roofs is the fact that they are very low maintenance – and that’s true regardless of the weather in your area. When a metal roof is installed properly, you will have to do little to keep it functioning properly. However, low maintenance does not mean “no maintenance.” There are a few upkeep items to keep in mind.

If you want to keep your metal roof protecting your home and family for its entire lifespan of 50+ years, it is necessary to keep up with a few regular maintenance tasks. If you have recently had a metal roof installed or are considering installing one on your home, keep these maintenance tips in mind.

The Top Reasons to Keep up With Metal Roof Maintenance

If you want your metal roof to look its best and do an optimal job of protecting your home and keeping your family dry and safe, there are maintenance chores you must keep up with. Like any other part of your home, the more preventive maintenance measures you take, the more likely the structure will last a long time and give you the most bang for your buck. Consider these reasons you should take time to maintain your metal roof.

• Curb appeal. There is no denying that a stunning metal roof can enhance the appearance of any home design. Today’s colors and styles on the market can be matched to nearly any architectural aesthetic and provide superior protection to the home. If you want to keep your roof from showing its age and looking dirty or damaged, regular maintenance will help you achieve your goal.

• Metal roofing is one of the longest-lasting materials you can use as your first line of defense against the elements, but you must be sure to take good care of the roof if you want it to reach its full lifespan. The last thing any homeowner wants is to have to replace their metal roof sooner than necessary. Most homeowners can avoid ever replacing a roof again if they take proper care of their metal roof. The elements can take their toll on any roofing material, but a metal roof will outlast most others if a regular maintenance schedule is followed.

• Avoiding potential problems. Roofing issues can pose problems to the entire structure of the home. Leaks can damage interior walls and ceilings and even affect the studs and beams that your home is built around. This type of damage may require costly repairs, so it is vital to ensure that your metal roof protects against leaks. Potential issues with metal roofing that must be addressed right away include galvanic corrosion, degradation, scratches, scuffs, dents, and leaks. When you perform maintenance once a year and have your roof inspected by a roofing professional, these issues can be fixed before they turn into major problems.

Surface Maintenance Tasks That Should Be Done Every Year

Keeping up with yearly surface maintenance is one of the best measures a homeowner can take to preserve and even extend their metal roof’s lifespan. You may choose to hire a professional to handle these chores for you, or you may wish to do them on your own, but always keep in mind that working on a roof, especially one with a steep slope, can be dangerous. Metal roofs are also very slippery when wet, so never work on the roof when it is raining, and be careful when using liquid cleaners.

An important factor that you should remember regarding your maintenance frequency is the climate and location of your house. In most cases, maintenance chores will only need to be completed once a year or so. However, if you live in an area with an extreme climate, you may need to perform these tasks more frequently.

• Visual inspection. When you look over your roof, keep an eye out for flaking, chipping, scuffs, and scratches. If you notice that your roof has any of these issues, you may be able to remedy the problem with a touch-up paint pen. If the marks are more severe, you should always contact a professional or reach out to the manufacturer. You should also check to ensure that the metal roof is not in contact with other materials such as concrete, treated lumber, bricks, or other metals that may contribute to the panels’ degradation.

• Trim trees. You should always check to make sure there are no tree branches in contact with your roof, as they may scratch or scrape the paint and lead to rusting and other issues.

• Remove debris. If there are leaves, twigs, or any other debris stuck in dead spots and valleys on your roof, remove them to approve the appearance and prevent scratches.

• Clean gutters. Your gutters and drains should be cleared of leaves and debris to prevent clogging and standing water, which can degrade your metal roofing materials.

• Clean the roof. If your roof is dirty, stained, or has mildew build-up, clean the panels to improve your roof’s overall look and its longevity. Be sure to follow safety precautions and use cleansers that will not damage your metal roof.

Don’t Hesitate to Call in the Pros

If you have any questions or reservations about performing your metal roofing maintenance chores yourself, it is typically best to hire a professional to do the job. Reputable professional roof cleaners are trained in proper cleaning techniques, follow safety protocols, and carry insurance in case of accidents. Be sure to ask cleaning companies to see their insurance documentation before hiring them. Taking care of your roof and keeping up with regular maintenance tasks will ensure that you get to enjoy an attractive metal roof that protects your home and your family many years into the future.