Steel and aluminum are the ideal roofing materials due to their appeal and strength. Throughout the year, they can survive natural events such as heat, snow, and rain. However, these materials are not immune to difficulties and frequently face complications as a result of inadequate maintenance. To ensure your metal roofing experiences maximum longevity and function, you should conduct proper maintenance. Here are some ways to extend your metal roof’s lifespan:
Clean the metal roofing of any debris and dirt
One of the most important tasks you can do to extend the lifespan of your metal roof is to routinely clean it of any debris and dirt. You may have noticed that your metal roof is dirty the last time you glanced at the outside of your home. You want your metal roof to appear its best since it is the focal point of your home’s curb appeal. Cleaning the metal surface is also necessary for reasons other than aesthetics. Getting rid of dirt and leaves can possibly help your roof last longer. Cleaning the roof on a regular basis prevents dirt from adhering to the roof and harming the paint. By clearing leaves, you are preventing accumulation in your gutters, which can cause your roof system to malfunction. While cleaning metal roofing is not as quick and straightforward as washing your car, cleaning a metal roof is quite simple and well worth the effort.
Metal roofing can be cleaned with a mild detergent, soft bristle brush, solvent, and a cloth or sponge. If you are comfortable going to the top of your roof and the roof pitch is safe to walk on, you can begin by removing any excess leaves or debris from the top. You can either remove it by hand or with a broom. Once the roof is clear of large debris you can begin to wash the roof. Always begin from the top and work your way down as this will allow the dirt to flow downward and away from areas that are already cleaned. In the case that you do not have the right equipment or need help cleaning your roof, there are professional services that assist you in deep cleaning your metal roof.
Clear out the gutters
It is recommended that you clean your gutters at least once a year, either in the spring or fall to remove any fallen leaves or pine needles that have made their way in. Clean gutters are important for your metal roof because it ensures that water is flowing away from the top of your home and flowing into a drain. Overflowing gutters can give way and fall off of your roof or the excess water can also be pouring into your nearby foundation which can cause serious issues to your basement. In addition, regularly cleaning gutters also helps in keeping water from entering your attic. The inside portion of your attic does not have the same resistant treatment that your metal roof has which will result in the internal structure developing mold. Mold is not only bad for the structural integrity of your metal roofing but can be harmful to everyone’s health in the home and should be addressed immediately. Clean gutters can extend the life of your metal roof.
Fix or replace any broken or cracked panels
There are direct signs that may warrant you to repair or replace sections of your metal roof. By fixing these problem areas you can ensure that the rest of your roof does not need repair or replacement. One sign that will require a repair is leaks. Leaks are an obvious indicator of damage that you cannot ignore. There are several reasons why your metal roof may be leaking, including environmental factors or poor installation. Leaks are also a warning indicator that there may be deeper problems at hand, and they should not be ignored. Ignoring leaks may lead to structural and electrical system damage, as well as the growth of harmful molds in your home. Another sign to look out for is rust or corrosion. Metal roofs are extremely robust, however, they are susceptible to corrosion over time. When you observe rust on your metal roof, it means that your roof’s protective coating is deteriorating or has already degraded. Corrosion can begin to eat away at your metal roof if rust on your roof is overlooked and the protective layer totally deteriorates. Water and moisture can infiltrate your home, causing the structure to become unstable. If you notice any of these signs it is best to speak with a professional who can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action. By being proactive in the current status of your metal roofing you can prevent further damage and repair and overall extend your roof’s lifespan.
Inspect the roof after storms
A regular roof inspection is important but it can also be vital to check your roof after any severe storms that could have caused damage. Metal roofing is very durable but sometimes mother nature can cause heavy winds and sometimes hail to occur. Do a close inspection of your roof and look at the flashings which are usually located near chimneys, pipes, ridges, or joints. Ensure these areas are secure and properly sealed. You can also check the metal itself and loof for curt, corrosion, hollowing, or holes. Lastly, you can inspect areas around the outside of your home and look for any signs of material coming off of the roof or abnormal solid material coming out of your downspouts. By looking for these signs and inspecting your roof regularly you are able to act fast when your metal roofing needs required maintenance.
Trim nearby trees
Even though trimming trees may be a landscaping maintenance routine, tree pruning is part of routine roof maintenance as well. However, how frequently you do so is determined by the trees in your neighborhood. That is, you will need to perform this as often as necessary. Trees give shade and beauty, but you do not want tree limbs hanging over your roof, so you will need to cut them back. Branches and leaf debris can also cause significant harm to your metal roofing. Pine needles, in particular, are infamous for clogging a roof’s drainage system. It can be beneficial to hire professionals to manage your trees so that they will not pose any harm to the roof of your home. As You do not want a tree branch to fall as you are pruning your tree and land on your roof by accident.
In addition, you can be preemptive and plan ahead by planting trees far from your roof. So when you need natural shadows to keep you cool from the searing sunshine in the summer, it is wonderful to have a home surrounded by lovely trees. Trees, on the other hand, are subject to harsh weather conditions such as storms and lightning. When tree branches repeatedly scrape against your metal roof, they can cause damage to the structure’s edges and eaves. If you want to add greenery to your environment, make sure to plant large trees away from the home.
Metal roofing has a long lifespan that surpasses other alternatives. However, just like anything in your home it does have a lifespan. To ensure your metal roofing reaches its maximum potential and longevity, it is best to utilize the mentioned maintenance techniques to get the most out of your investment. An appealing metal roof only adds curb appeal if it is free from damage and functioning properly.
