One of the main reasons Providence homeowners invest in metal roofs is low maintenance. Metal roofs are naturally resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear and tear with little to no maintenance needed. Under average conditions, a properly installed metal roof will outlast almost every other roofing material. While you don’t have to do much to make sure your metal roof will go the distance, some maintenance can keep your metal roof looking pristine and performing as it should. Use these tips to ensure your metal roof has a long life.
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Watch for Separation
Metal tiles or sheets have joints and seams where each piece meets the next. Proper installation is key to ensuring these seams do not spring leaks. If you partnered with a poor quality roof installer, you may notice gaps begin to form at the seams of your metal roof. These gaps require repairs to keep water and moisture out of your home. Obvious seam separation points to a significant problem, while smaller separation may only require sealant or caulk to resolve the issue.
Remove Branches and Debris
Many metal roofing materials are strong enough to withstand the force of a limb or other debris dropping down upon them. Galvanized, corrugated, or coated metals can be even stronger than natural metal alone. However, if you have a tin or aluminum roof, you should be extra cautious with your tiles. Leaving limbs or debris on your roof could cause dents or scratches in the metal.
Visually inspect your roof for any limbs, twigs, or other debris – especially after a storm. If you go up on your roof to perform this type of maintenance, do so with caution. Walking on aluminum tiles could dent them further. Trust a professional to get things off of your roof to make sure you don’t cause further damage.
If you’re worried about something scratching or scuffing your metal roof, consider investing in a zinc roof. Zinc metal roofs naturally contain a hydroxyl carbonate coating. This coating allows the zinc to “heal” itself if something causes a scratch. You can watch scratches and scuffs disappear without maintenance over time.
Gently Wash Your Roof
You typically will not have to wash your metal roof unless you notice dirt or stains. Sometimes after a rainfall your metal roof may show streaks of residual dirt or muck. Gently rinsing off your metal roof with a low-pressure sprayer can be enough to make your metal roof like new again. Otherwise, you may need to gently rub your roof with a sponge or microfiber cloth, along with a solution such as lukewarm water and non-corrosive soaps or detergents. Never use a hard-bristle brush on your metal roof, as you could scratch the material. Do not use industrial solvents, as this could damage your coating. Thoroughly rinse your roof once finished to prevent soap residue.
Clean Off Mildew
Some metal roofing materials, such as copper, are naturally mildew resistant. If your metal roof does start to grow mold or mildew, cleaning your roof with lukewarm water and a safe detergent can solve the problem. Mildew is more likely to grow on roofing systems in hot, humid environments, such as Florida or Hawaii.
Clean Your Gutters
Although not technically your roof, your gutters play an important role in your overall roofing system. Clear out any leaves or debris from your gutters at least a few times per year. Keeping your gutters in proper working order can prevent water from damming on your metal roof. It can also ensure that water and runoff goes where it should, rather than dripping down the side of your home or causing moisture problems. Trim the trees that hang over your roof to limit the amount of leaves and twigs that fall into your gutters.
Avoid Metal Interactions
Not all metals can tolerate the presence of other metals. Adverse metal interactions could lead to corrosion or rust due to chemical interactions. Dissimilar metals contacting each other can accelerate one of the metal’s corrosion rates. Be careful of what metals you introduce to your roofing system. Replacing clips and fasteners on your own with a different type of metal, for example, could lead to accelerated corrosion if you use the wrong type. Always trust repairs with a professional to prevent causing damage to your metal roof.
Touch Up Paint
If you choose to coat your metal roof in a colored paint, you may need to pay for touch ups over the years. The paint may fade, chip, or discolor over time. You may notice chalking, or your metal roof’s resin beginning to break down and degrade. Chalking can occur due to exposure from the sun and pollutants. If you notice chalking, or can feel chalky residue when you touch your Providence metal roof, you may need to clean the roof or repaint the metal.
Repainting your metal roof can restore its luster and help your roofing system continue to combat the elements without corrosion. Do not attempt to repaint your metal roof on your own. This is not a DIY project. Hire a contractor to paint the roof for you. Otherwise, you could dent the metal with your footprints, use the incorrect type of paint, or accidentally injure yourself.
Speaking of paint, never use a sprayer to repaint your house if you have a metal roof. Droplets from the sprayer can land on your roof. House paint is almost impossible to remove from a metal surface – especially without scuffing the material. Only use rollers and paintbrushes to repaint your house, and avoid painting on particularly windy days. Again, trust professionals to repaint your house if you are worried about overspray ruining your metal roof.
How to Handle Metal Roof Maintenance
Routine metal roof maintenance can keep your metal roof looking and performing like new. Proper care can ensure the beauty of your metal roof never fades. The best way to prevent problems and tackle metal roof care is with help from a professional. The contractor that installed your roof can typically provide a regular maintenance service on your behalf.
A contractor can inspect your metal roof, clean it safely, and help you with general roofing system upkeep over the years. A contractor can also prevent significant issues before they cost you extra money in repairs. Finally, professional maintenance can prolong the life of your roofing system, giving you the most returns on your investment.