Metal roofing is a major but excellent investment for homeowners. They’re versatile, stylish, durable, and energy efficient. Not to mention, a very sustainable option as most roofing materials get recycled.
With proper metal roof maintenance, your metal roof can last you between 50 and 70 years — longer, depending on the type of metal. Of course, if you want your metal roof to last that long, you’re going to have to maintain it throughout the years to ensure it.
Fortunately, metal roofs don’t require a whole lot of maintenance compared to asphalt shingles and the other roofing materials out there. Below we’ll uncover the seven best metal roof maintenance tips so you can keep yours in the best possible shape.
7 Metal Roof Maintenance Tips You Should Know
1. Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clean
Gutters are an integral part of any roofing system as their job is to redirect water away from your roof and home. If they become clogged from debris accumulation, the water that’s supposed to drain will get backed up and begin pooling on the surface. Eventually, that water will seep into your home and show up as roof leaks and stains on your interior walls.
So, you need to clean the gutters and downspouts at least twice per year to keep your metal roof in good shape. Fortunately, it’s a simple process:
- Use a small garden trowel to scoop any large debris from your gutter, starting away from the downspout and working your way toward it.
- Use a garden hose to flush out the rest of the debris from the gutter, starting the flow of water away from the downspout so that it travels through the entire system.
- If the downspout is clogged, use a high-pressure hose attachment or a plumber’s snake to clear out the blockage.
2. Trim Any Overhanging Tree Branches
It may not seem like an obvious mode of metal roof maintenance, but you also need to keep overhanging tree branches trimmed for the following reasons:
- Overhanging branches can scratch the roof’s surface — and even minor scratches can damage your metal roof’s protective coating or your metal roof’s paint. Eventually, this will lead to rust and corrosion.
- The leaves and debris that come from overhanging branches will clog your gutters and downspouts causing water backups.
- If a bad storm rolls through, there’s a good chance that the overhanging branches or the tree itself will fall onto your metal roof and damage it along with any roofing components in the fall zone.
3. Keep Your Metal Roof Free of Debris
Any dirt or debris that collects on the surface of your metal roof will do the same as the overhanging branches — which is wreck the protective coating and paint system.
Additionally, as debris collect, they begin to add unnecessary weight to your metal roofing panels. This can cause them to buckle and start caving if neglected, so be sure to keep your metal roof clear of dirt and debris.
4. Have Your Roof Inspected Annually
A crucial part of metal roof maintenance is having yours inspected by a professional at least once per year. This is advised for all types of roofing systems, however, it’s important that the following things are checked and touched up or repaired if needed:
- Fasteners, to ensure they’re not loose or broken to prevent leaks and weak points
- Foam closures, to ensure they’re in solid condition
- Flashing, to ensure there are no damaged flashing materials — which also lead to leaks and rust
- Sealant, to ensure sealant that has been applied to roofing components is not dried out and cracked for further water protection
Your roofing contractor will also check for separating panel seams in standing seam metal roofs as well as internal components like insulation to ensure everything is up to snuff.
5. Keep an Eye on the Paint
Whether you have a standing seam metal roof or a corrugated metal roof, it can be painted to match the rest of your home’s aesthetic. As mentioned earlier, however, your metal roof paint can easily be affected by the elements and other objects.
If you notice scratches or dulling paint due to long-term UV exposure, you’ll want to consult with your roofing contractor for a touch-up — and see if they offer a protective UV coating to seal the deal.
6. Always Remove Snow
If your area sees heavy snowfall during the winter months, you’ll need to do a little extra upkeep on your metal roof. The weight of snow alone can add stress to your metal roofing structure, causing unnecessary wear and tear.
What’s more, as snow melts, ice dams can form and the excess water can seep into the interior of your roofing system and home if there are weak points.
Whatever you do, don’t use hot water to melt the snow. Instead, grab a plastic rake (never metal) to brush the snow off your roof. You can also call your local roofer to help out if needed.
7. Always Perform Post-Storm Inspections
Regular inspections are important for ensuring your metal roof is in good working condition. Of course, you also want to conduct an inspection on your metal roofing system after severe weather events such as hail, high winds, snow, and lightning can wreak havoc on a perfectly good metal roof.
Depending on the kind of weather event that rolls through, there are certain things you’ll want to pay close attention to. For example:
- After a hail storm: Check for trim and flashing damages, loose fasteners, and impact marks such as dents on your metal panels and other roofing components.
- After high winds: Check for any damages caused by fallen branches, loose or missing flashing and trim, and damage to any foam closures.
- After a snowstorm: Check your gutters, trim, flashing, and snow guards (if you have them) for any signs of damage.
Metal roofs are easy to maintain throughout the course of the year. However, if you neglect to do any kind of roof maintenance, you can expect your metal roof’s lifespan to be cut short — and a whole bunch of other costly issues to occur.
Your Local Minnesota Metal Roofing Pros
Leave the metal roof maintenance to the pros by booking a free inspection with Level Edge Construction. We’ll make sure your metal roof (or any other type of roof you have) is in good condition and ready to take on the next season!