How to Care for a Metal Roof

Did you know that metal roofs have a lifespan of up to 70 years before they need to be replaced?

While metal roofing has no issue standing up to weather, bugs, and heat, it does require proper roof maintenance. Knowing how to care for a metal roof will keep it in pristine condition and allow you to get the most out of your investment.

To ensure that you get the most life out of your metal roof and that it keeps you and your family safe and dry, there are some important steps that you should take.

Continue reading for pointers on how to keep your metal roof in the best condition for decades to come.

Maintaining Your Metal Roof

While metal roofs are hardy and can stand up to a lot, there are still a lot of things that you should do to care for your metal roofing. There are natural hazards like trees that should be considered.

There are also things like paint and people walking on your roof that can damage it. Implementing these steps can prevent premature damage and repairs to your roof.

Watch for Trees

Trees are very beneficial for your home. They provide shade and protect your home from wind and inclement weather. They can also be detrimental to your metal roof.

Over a period of months or even weeks, tree limbs can damage your metal roof. The constant rubbing can damage the finish of the metal. Additionally, with strong enough wind, tree limbs can undo fasteners or dent the surface of your roof.

Once your metal roof has been damaged it can be difficult to cover or repair. This is especially true depending on the location of the damaged portion of your roof.

Prevent Debris Buildup

Depending on the design of your roof, it is easy for debris to congregate. This debris will continue to decompose which destroys the finish of the roof. A window cleaning brush or a long brush on a pole to whisk away debris.

While water jets are sometimes helpful when it comes to clearing debris and roof care they can end up doing more harm than good. With metal roofs, water jets can push water under the roof's surface which can lead to leaks in the future.

Keep Your Gutters Clear

Keeping your gutters clear is important for maintaining a roof, no matter the type. It allows for the proper draining of your gutters and protects the ends of your roof from becoming damaged.

With metal roofs, it is especially important. A metal roof is built to stand up to rain and snow, but if the gutters are clogged the runoff has nowhere to go.

This leads to the edge of the roof getting damaged from corrosion due to the excess moisture that has nowhere to go. This is one of the quickest ways for a metal roof to begin failing.

Try to Prevent People From Walking on It

When you install metal roofing you know that at some point people will need to walk on it in order to handle repairs. This is especially true if you have an air conditioning unit on your roof or if you've invested in solar panels.

If you have either of those and they need to be replaced, unfortunately, someone will need to walk on your roof to access them. When someone needs to walk on your roof it isn't the end of the world, but it's not something you want happening on a regular basis.

Any time that someone needs to walk on the roof it is important for them to limit their time up there and as well as their motion. They should also adhere to the roof manufacturer's recommendations when walking on the roof.

Avoid Paint Overspray

With how long your metal roof will last you, there will be times when you need the outside of your house painted to keep it looking pristine. When this painting happens, try to find painters than don't use sprayers.

Using sprayers can cause overspray to land on your metal roof, especially if they're painting on windy days. Any overspray could permanently stain your roof and tarnish its appearance.

If the overspray is noticeable enough it could require repairs or even a replacement well before your roof would need one structurally. Brushes and rollers may be more expensive but they're the safer investment for your roof.

Keep an Eye on Fasteners and Sealants

If you notice any screws that are loose or missing, tighten or replace them as soon as you can and try to use fasteners that are the same material as your metal roof.

Fasteners should also only be used on raised areas of the roof. Putting screws on the lower parts of the metal leads to a puddling of water on your roof that will eventually lead it to rust.

Because metal roofs last as long as they do, it's important to keep the sealants touched up. Seams and edges are especially important to maintain the sealant.

Sealants last an average of 20 years, so you will need to get them touched up or replaced multiple times during the lifetime of your metal roof.

Checking your sealants after a big storm or a lot of snow is important for roof care. If you see rust it is a clear sign that your sealant has gone bad or failed and the anti-corrosion layer on your roof is beginning to go bad.

Repair Holes and Separations ASAP

While it may require help from a professional, you shouldn't wait to get holes or separations fixed. If you have a gap in your roof you are at risk of leaks and widespread damage to the roof structure under the metal.

If you have a hole or separation a professional technician will be able to patch it to prevent further damage. This patch will restore the look and the performance of your roof and allow it to keep you safe and dry.

Ready for a New Roof?

The benefits of investing in a metal roof are many, and they're the best bet to keep your home protected and your family safe and dry for years to come.

While they are durable, there are measures that you should take for roof maintenance to ensure that you get the most out of your investment. Preventing damage from trees and debris is crucial, as is replacing missing fasteners and patching holes.

Are you ready to take that next step and upgrade your home's roof? Get in touch with your Broward County, FL roofing company and get a quote on a metal roof today.