Everything To Know About Maintaining a Metal Roof

When homeowners opt to put a metal roof on their abodes, they ensure they have a strong, durable source of protection over their heads. However, even though these roofs require less maintenance than those made from other materials, metal roofs still need care.

Maintenance ensures your roof lasts longer while lending itself to the aesthetics of your home. Read on to learn everything you need to know about maintaining a metal roof.

Keep Gutters Clean

Gutter blockage from leaves, twigs, and other debris can result in water backing up. Rust could form on your roof, as could mold.

Clean your gutters using a sturdy ladder. Put on gloves so you can remove the leaves and twigs by hand. You can also use a garden hose to perform a final rinse so water can flow freely through the downspouts. If you have trees near your home, you may want to purchase gutter guards to prevent leaves and twigs from collecting.

Take the time to clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Trim Tree Branches

Something else you need to know about maintaining a metal roof is that you must trim tree branches before they get too close to your home.

Although trees with long branches can look good on your property, they can damage your roof if you don’t maintain them. Overhanging branches can scratch and damage the roof’s surface, especially during storms when the wind causes them to sway. Aim to keep branches at least six feet away from your roof.

Use pruning shears or a tree saw to trim branches and follow safety guidelines to avoid injury. However, if you find that trimming the branches yourself is too dangerous, consider hiring a professional to complete the job. This will allow you to preserve your roof and avoid any accidents or injuries.

Watch for Scratches and Dents

If you spot any scratches, scuffs, dents, or color fading on your roof, enlist the help of a roofing contractor to fix them. These issues can lead to future problems that threaten the roof’s longevity.

Fortunately, contractors should be able to solve these issues easily. For example, they can eliminate small scratches with a paint pen or return dented areas to their normal shape.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

Homeowners must have their metal roofs inspected regularly. During their inspections, professional roof technicians will look for signs of damage to fasteners, flashing, and more. Regular inspections indicate when to get your roof repaired before its condition worsens and potentially threatens your home (while becoming more costly).

For example, if an inspector discovers damage to your roof’s flashing, fast repairs will prevent your home from incurring leaks that may lead to ceiling or attic water damage.

Schedule a visit with professional roofing technicians at least twice a year, ideally during the spring and fall. Additionally, you may want to have them visit after severe weather events, as high winds, hail, and heavy rain can impact the roof’s structure and surface.

Clean Debris From Your Roof

Leaves and branches on your roof pose a threat. Instead of letting them sit, be proactive and either remove them yourself or have a professional roof cleaner take care of the job as soon as possible. In addition to making your roof look less attractive, debris can damage your roof.

When cleaning the roof yourself, use a broom with soft bristles to gently sweep leaves away, but avoid using metal tools, which can cause unsightly scratches.

If you find that debris has accumulated in hard-to-reach areas, such as valleys or around roof penetrations, it’s once again best to defer to a professional cleaning service. These experts have the necessary equipment to remove debris safely and effectively.

Keep Your Roof Clean

When dirt collects on top of your roof, it can lead to staining, rust, and reduced performance, so plan to clean it regularly. You can hire a professional or do it yourself using tools such as a soft-bristle brush, sponge, or soft cloth.

Use mild cleaning solutions such as detergent or soap. Gentle ingredients prevent damage that harsh chemicals could do to your roof, its finish, or its protective coating.

Cleaning your roof at least once a year, preferably in the spring, will remove any buildup and prevent long-term damage. It will also ensure your metal roof remains an asset that adds value to your home.

Don’t Let Snow Build Up on Your Roof

As snow builds up, it can weaken the roof’s structure, leading to potential damage or even collapse. Additionally, melting snow can create ice dams that result in leaks. As ice dams form, they work their way under your shingles and cause interior water damage.

One technique to prevent snow buildup is to remove it with a long-handled broom. You can also invest in snow guards that will ensure the snow spreads more evenly across your roof. These tools will also prevent ice dams and stop the snow from quickly falling off your roof, which can potentially cause injury to those nearby.

Keeping your roof free of excessive snow protects its structural integrity and prevents costly repairs throughout the winter.

Address Repairs Immediately

One last thing to remember as a homeowner is that you must address any repair issues with your metal roof immediately.

Neglecting even minor damage can lead to more substantial problems later, such as water infiltration and rust. As soon as you realize you have a problem with your metal roof, take action to have it fixed. Investing in timely repairs extends the lifespan of your metal roof and maintains your home’s overall safety and value.

Now that you know how to maintain your metal roof, you can get the most out of your investment. Contact Schmucker Quality Construction LLC today to explore the advantages of metal roofs. We have experience installing residential steel roofing for many satisfied clients and can advise you on various important decisions throughout the process.