Tips For Proper Metal Roof Maintenance That You Can't Afford To Ignore
A roof of any material is a significant investment, and with proper maintenance, it can last many years. Metal roofs are one of the most durable materials available for a roof today, but they still need to be maintained for them to last. A metal roof will require much less maintenance than asphalt or clay tiles, but there are some things you can do to help keep your metal roof strong and looking new. With our easy tips, you can keep your metal roof in tip-top shape!
Kinds of Metal Roofs Are Available
The two primary metals used for roofing today are metal and asphalt. The majority of residential buildings utilize asphalt, but you'll find that metal roofs are increasing in demand for a longer lifespan. In most cases, you'll want to stay away from aluminum and expandable metal. In some cases, you can use these and do an excellent job of maintaining them. The best way to distinguish between metal roofs is by looking at the type of metal and the make. Most roofs are steel, but aluminum is another popular material. The other thing to look for in a metal roof is the material's thickness. High-quality metal roofs are installed with a thicker gauge of metal. It's important to choose the correct thickness for your roof and climate because it will impact the longevity of your roof. A roof made with a thinner gauge will need more maintenance and be replaced quicker, leading to problems like leaks.
A Few Reasons Why Metal Roofs Are More Durable
Many people believe that because metal roofs are cold-weather safe, they aren't as durable as asphalt shingles. The only downfall is that they are more expensive in the short term but add more value in the long term. Many people use metal roofing for winter resistance or to keep their property safe during snowstorms. There are also a few more advantages to metal roofs, so read up and find out more.
Metal roofing material is manufactured in a wide variety of types, which is often a significant factor in the cost of the metal roofing system. Typical metals used for roofing material are aluminum, steel, zinc, copper, and iron. Additionally, several engineered metal roofing materials have been developed in recent years. Metal roofs are fire-resistant in addition to be water-resistant ( and thus mould resistant). If installed properly, metal roofing systems can stand up against the elements and harsh climates better than other roofing types.
Maintaining Your Metal Roof
When installing your metal roof, you will need to ensure that it is level with the rest of your roof. Otherwise, there is a good chance that you will need to repair your roof soon. When doing this type of roofing work, it's also a good idea to get an opinion on whether or not you need to take advantage of the services of an experienced roofer in your area. You should make sure that you check for mould, as this is a major cause of roof leaks. Metal roofs can breathe in humid environments, so this mould will not be a problem if you have a traditional metal roof. However, if your roof is made of clay tiles, there's a good chance that it will be a significant problem. Clay tiles are porous and allow the water to seep in through the joints and between them. Some potential problems with metal roofing are leaking, denting, scuffing, scratching, degradation, or galvanic corrosion. Regular maintenance can help you identify and fix minor problems before they become major ones. It's much easier and cheaper to fix a problem earlier than to wait for it to escalate into something more expensive. The bonus is the potential problems with metal roofing are usually cosmetic and don't compromise function. However, this is not to discredit annual maintenance because the cosmetic can indicate more extensive issues.
Cleaning your metal roof is a necessary task to extend the life and look of the roof. There are strict procedures on cleaning your metal roof safely and correctly, so no harm is done to the panels, building, or yourself. This easy step can save you time and money in the long run.
Start by cleaning out your gutters and drains, removing dirt, stains, mildew, and debris, removing all leaves and dead branches and anything touching your roof so that moisture has nowhere to stay. Also, make sure no other metals are touching the roofs' surface. Next, look for penetrations, scratches, chips, scuffs, flaking, and areas of discolouration, as these are areas of high wear and are areas to keep a close eye on.
Once cleaned, we want to check the structural integrity of the roof. Start by just checking that all the screws, rivets, fasteners and hardware are tight and secure.
Next, make sure there are no gaps between the metal roof and the fixtures such as chimneys, air vents, skylights, or solar panels. When reviewing hardware, also keep an eye out for loose panels or separating seams, as well as loose or damaged flashing. During this maintenance and review of your roof, it is a great time to add sealant to areas that need to be touched up to maintain a weather-tight roof.
Deal with Snow and Ice
We live in Canada, where our winters are unforgiving and can significantly impact the lifespan of your roof. Metal roofing systems offer durability against these elements in comparison to traditional roofs. Also, consider installing ice dams or gems for when the ice and snow come to protect your roof, gutters, and home from snow and ice buildup.
Preparing for the Changing Seasons
There is one big reason to do it every year when maintaining a metal roof. The most crucial time to take action is during the spring months. Roof maintenance is best when the weather is warming up, the sun is shining, and the roof needs some TLC. Wipe the salt and water off of the roof and then blow it off with a blower. However, if you prefer a more thorough process, you can check out our article for more information. A common mistake that many people make is using thin plastic material for their roofs. They are amazed at how light it is and love how great it looks, but it offers very little insulating value and doesn't last in the cold seasons.
Taking Care of Your Gutters and Downspouts
Please don't make the common mistake of assuming that gutters on your house are waterproof, even though they're attached to the roof. If you don't take care of them regularly, downspouts can flow improperly, leaving some buildup near your foundation or water pooling in certain areas. If you don't do anything to fix the issue, you could eventually lead to damage to your home, your fence or your neighbour's house. Inspect Your Roof for Rust Your roof will have small peeling spots that make the building look run-down. Large, unsightly rust stains, if present, will also make your roof look old. Inspect your roof for signs of rust and add any necessary reinforcement.
Preventing Hail Damage
Hail, even small hail, can do a lot of damage to metal roofs. While metal roofs are designed to hold up to extreme heat, ice, and even high winds, the elements can still find their way in there to wreak havoc on your roof. Check your roof regularly for any signs of damaged roofing materials, and make sure the holes are patched or patched properly before storm season hits again. Water Damage If you don't take care of your metal roof, it will eventually rust, so you'll want to clean it regularly. If you find that there is water damage under your roof, there are several reasons for this. One could be a leak in your pipes. Another could be that you've overlooked a rusty joint and allowed it to expand. A third could be that you've been getting mildew.
Tempura Coating or Hot Dipping Galvanizing
Steel and aluminum roofing are the most popular materials for covering buildings because they're durable, lightweight, and painted in various colours. However, there are some disadvantages to these types of roofs. For example, galvanized steel is prone to rust and aluminum can oxidize over time and develop a dark colour. Galvanized roofs use zinc-coated steel sheets with either hot-dipped or electro-galvanized coatings. These coatings are applied by sending an electric current through the metal to produce a galvanic reaction, strengthening the metal in contact with molten zinc. Galvanized metal roofs are popular because they can be repaired or replaced easier than other types of roofs, offers excellent resistance against corrosion and requires little maintenance to keep looking new for as long as possible. They're durable but also low-maintenance and come in many different colours to match any architecture style. There are two main methods used to install galvanized metal roofs: tempura coating, which is less expensive but only lasts 10 to 12 years, and hot dipping, which dips a steel object in molten zinc, which forms an invisible, protective coating. In addition to being cost-effective, galvanizing is also an environmentally friendly way to protect a steel roof from rust and paint failure.
Painting Your Metal Roof
When considering metal roofs, think about the available time and how you want your roofing system and home to look overall. If you have children or pets that will likely get on the roof, consider painting your metal roof instead of replacing it. If you want to make sure you can keep your metal roof long-term, consider installing a protective coat, such as UV coating or flashing, to avoid having the metal get scratched or chipped. Remember to keep the flashing and paint any screw holes that you may have drilled. Roofing professionals will help you get an idea of what you need or may need. The material of your roof will determine the size and shape of your flashing. Check around your roof to see if anything will provide a good match for your flashing and screw holes.
If you want to invest in a metal roof, you must pay close attention to its maintenance. If your roof begins to leak, you will need to find a professional roofer immediately to have the problem fixed. Also, if your roof begins to rust, you must replace it quickly. So always ensure that you pay attention to your roof's maintenance to ensure a roof that will keep you and your family safe.