Caring For Your Metal Roof

In addition to longevity and durability, one of the biggest advantages of metal roofing is its low maintenance in comparison to traditional roofing. However, your roof should still be inspected each spring and after any major storm. This will ensure your roof lasts as long as it should and looks good for its lifetime. Here are two things to keep in mind when caring for your metal roof.

Inspect For Scratches And Abrasions

If you live in an area of the country with heavy snow and ice loads, it's important to look at your metal roof once the snow melts carefully. A metal roof is the best kind of roof for these areas as their slick surface allows the snow and ice to slide right off with little resistance.

The sheer weight and power of a heavy block of snow or ice can gauge your metal, however. If the metal coating is abraded or scratched, the naked metal can quickly oxidize or corrode, opening the door to rust or corrosion. This could weaken the integrity of the metal.

Use binoculars to help you obtain a bird's-eye view of your roof if you don't feel comfortable getting on a ladder and onto the roof itself. If you are comfortable with doing the repair yourself, you can use a wire brush to remove any loose chips or small particles, such as gravel, embedded in the metal. Then, use a manufacturer-approved paint touchup for any areas that need it.  Most people prefer to have a metal roofing contractor come and do this job for them, though.

Keep Up With Your Yard Work

In late fall or early winter each year, prune your trees. You don't want to have any branches overhanging your roof. This will cut down on tree debris, but it will also lessen the chance of your metal roof being damaged by falling branches common during severe thunderstorms. Branches also frequently break from ice storms, and the weight of the ice can make them dangerous heavy.

It's also important to keep your gutters clean and free-flowing. Clogged gutters can cause the wooden fascia to rot, which can affect your roof supports. Gutters that are clogged in winter can create an ice dam, which will cause the water to build up on your roof and potentially leak into the attic. If you find any issues with your metal roof, call your metal roof manufacturers. They can come and check the fasteners, gaskets, sealant, and panels.