Metal is one of the most durable roofing materials that protects your home and looks captivating as well. Metal roofing is desirable because of its long-lasting qualities. With the proper maintenance, your roof can last for 50 years or more! If you recently installed a metal roof or are considering purchasing one for your home, you should know about all the maintenance requirements to keep it in excellent condition.
Frequently Remove Debris
Leaves, branches, snow, and ice can cause immense damage to the roof. Leaves and branches fall frequently. It’s inevitable! So it’s necessary to clear them off of the roof before they can cause issues like clogged gutters.
Snow and ice are heavy on the roof’s surface. When snow falls, try to brush as much off with a broom as you can. Removing ice isn’t as easy, but keep a close eye on it to ensure it melts and doesn’t cause any problems.
Trim Nearby Branches
Small branches and leaves may only scratch the surface, but that’s enough to hurt the roof in the long run. Trim any overhanging branches that may damage the roof. You should do this whether the branches are small or large. The goal is to avoid the risk of them falling onto the roof, damaging the surface, and potentially harming the overall quality of your home.
Keep the Metal Panels Clean
It’s important to know how to clean a metal roof, whether painted or not. Fortunately, it’s a simple process! Remember to carefully navigate walking on the roof because you don’t want to damage the surface. When cleaning, use a non-abrasive detergent or dish soap, a bucket of water, and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface. Depending on the style of metal roofing, you may be able to use a light pressure washer, as well! Both methods effectively remove dirt and various stains that become stuck to the surface.
Examine for Corrosion
Metal roofs are made of iron and see frequent exposure to moisture. If you neglect the roof, you’ll quickly notice the formation of rust.
Regular checkups on the roof’s status are essential to ensure the roof’s structural integrity doesn’t falter. This is a job for a professional to conduct. Not only will they fix the rust spots, but they’ll search for any additional damages around the area below the roof due to corrosion.
Checking for Separated Panels
Metal expands and contracts as temperatures fluctuate. Over time, you might experience separated panels. This is one of the most important maintenance requirements for metal roofs because if the panels aren’t in the correct positions, that can lead to rusting or cause leaks in the home. Allow a professional to thoroughly check the surface for any separation each year.
Remember that although metal roofs are strong, they’re also quite sensitive and can easily succumb to further harm if you handle them improperly. If you feel uncomfortable performing maintenance on your own, always contact a professional. They’ll take the right steps to keep your metal roof in pristine condition.
