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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT METAL ROOFS
A metal roof has many advantages. It’s lightweight, so it’s easy to install, and it’s durable. It also has a very long lifespan as compared to other roofing materials.
Is a metal roof difficult to maintain? The most important thing is to ensure your metal roof is installed properly as that will make its future maintenance much easier.
Why Is It Important to Maintain Your Metal Roof?
To Prevent Potential Problems
It’s a fear of every home or building owner: A problem originating on the roof. Not only can problems with a roof cause damage to the property and the items inside of a home or building, but it also results in unwanted and potentially high repair costs. Some of the potential problems with metal roofing are:
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Leaking
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Denting
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Scuffing
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Scratching
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Degradation
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Galvanic corrosion
Regular maintenance performed at least once a year, either by a roof maintenance service or the home/building owner, can help identify potential problem spots. These areas can then be fixed to prevent the issue from becoming serious or creating a failure in the system.
How Long Does A Metal Roof Last?
A metal roof is beloved for its durability. It can last for between 40 and 70 years, which is pretty amazing when compared to other roofing materials. For example, asphalt roofing can last for about 12 to 20 years. To ensure that your metal roof lasts for a long time, you have to ensure that you look after it.
Metal Roof Maintenance
If you want to install a metal roof on your home, you’ll be glad to know that it requires less maintenance than other types of roofs, such as asphalt shingles.
Metal roofs provide the best resistance against factors like fires and hailstorms. Here are some important maintenance tips for metal roofs, as well as DIY repair when required. However, your best bet is to hire a professional.
Use a solvent to remove stains
If your metal roof has stubborn stains that you can’t clean off easily, you can use a solvent such as rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits on them. But be careful – this is not solvent that you should use on the entire roof. Only apply it to the stains so that you don’t remove the metal’s coating or paint.
Clean the metal panels
Wash your metal roof regularly with water and dish soap. You can also use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the metal panels. A good tip when cleaning your metal roof is to do so on an overcast, dry day. You should not clean your metal roof on hot or very sunny days. This will cause the metal panels to become too hot to handle, which can burn you. Avoid harsh products, such as sandpaper and wire brushes, when cleaning your metal roof as this will scratch the metal.
Clean your gutters
As with any type of roof, you have to clean the gutters so that you remove debris, sticks, and leaves that can cause blockages. If you have trees surrounding your home, you should ensure that you clean your gutters more regularly to prevent issues.
Trim back branches of surrounding trees
Branches that are close to your roof can sway in the wind and scratch it. They can also cause areas of shade where moss and mold can grow. This is why they should be trimmed regularly. The additional benefit of cutting back tree branches so that they’re not hanging over the metal roof is that they ensure your roof can absorb lots of UV light, which is essential if you want to install solar panels on your roof.
Clean the valleys
There are some areas on your metal roof panels where debris can become stuck, such as the valleys. Check these regularly and clean them. A buildup of debris traps moisture and causes shade, two factors that can cause moss and algae to form.
Check for corrosion
There are four types of corrosion you should look for in your metal roof. Here’s a rundown of them.
Underside corrosion
This is when a defective coating underneath the metal roof panels deteriorates. Water can become trapped between the panels and the roof’s underlayment. This is why ensuring the proper installation of your metal roof is so crucial.
Saltwater corrosion
Saltwater can corrode metal very quickly, so if you live in a coastal region you have to ensure that your metal roof is made out of zinc and aluminum, both of which are resistant to corrosion.
Edge creep
This is when rust starts to form at the cut edges of your steel roof. To deal with this problem, roofing professionals can install flashing lap and hemming.
Apply a coating to protect your metal roof
You want to coat your metal roof to prevent air and moisture from damaging it. This also prevents the metal from rusting. When it comes to roof coating, there are different types, with silicone often being praised as the best. This is because it protects structures from water much more effectively than acrylic coatings.
Check your metal roof for any damage
You should regularly inspect your metal roof for any scratches, fading, or rusting. You can repair scratches and scuffing with mineral spirits on a clean cloth.
As for rust, you can repair it by gently sanding the rust spot before applying a metal primer to protect the roof against future rust. Don’t use a wire brush as this will corrode the material.
Check the roof for any holes
Metal is resilient and strong, but if you have any gaps and holes in the metal this will cause it to deteriorate. If you notice gaps or loose seams, sealant will help you to seal them up. It’s a good idea to invest in a waterproof coating for your metal roof as this will protect the metal from rust and corrosion. If the gaps are very large and this is causing rain to enter your home, you will have to call a professional roofer who will be able to repair your roof.
Corrosion can lead to holes forming in your roof. You can fix these yourself, as long as they’re not too large. You will need roof cement and a mesh patch. A primer that tackles rust will also help to bring your metal roof back to its original condition. After applying one layer of primer and it’s dried, apply urethane cement to the patch. Then apply the mesh. Make sure you cut the patch so that it’s an inch bigger than the hole it has to cover, then apply two layers of mesh and cement. End with another application of cement so that you ensure you get a waterproof seal.
Inspect any penetration points on the roof
These are areas where water can seep into the roof, such as around skylights, chimneys, and air vents. Flashing is required in these places to keep the roof watertight. Check it regularly for any cracks or holes that can lead to leaks.
Can You Power Wash Your Metal Roof?
Although you can power wash your metal roof, this isn’t usually recommended because it can cause dents. If you have to use a power washer, make sure you use it on a low setting and that you don’t get too close to the roof.
You should also make use of hot water instead of cold water when power washing your metal roof. This is because the hot water will soften up the grime much better and reduce the amount of time that you spend washing your metal roof.
What To Know About Painting A Metal Roof
Painting your metal roof can help to keep it in good condition. However, if your metal roof is new and hasn’t been painted before, it’s a good idea to allow it to be weathered for six months before you apply paint. This will remove any oils and remnants from it.
Prepare the surface of the metal by using a primer to ensure that the paint will go on evenly and stick to the metal surface.
During the painting process, you will have to ensure you avoid the following mistakes:
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Not using a sealant. You have to apply a paint sealer before you go ahead and paint your roof. This prevents the paint from peeling off.
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Not using energy-efficient paint. When buying paint, opt for the one that’s energy efficient. This will ensure your metal roof will reflect heat away from your home, making your living space much more comfortable.
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Not choosing acrylic latex paint. A big no-no when painting your metal roof is using paint that’s been sitting around in its tin, such as paint that you used for other purposes around the home. Paint that’s suitable for metal roofs is acrylic latex paint. This can be used on already-painted or bare metal roofs.