With proper care, a metal roof can stay in good shape for four to seven decades. That’s an impressive lifespan, and it should motivate you to perform essential roof maintenance on a regular basis.
Cut Back Trees
You don’t want tree branches to rest against your metal roof. They can scratch the finish, put dents in the material, or pry up the panels. Fortunately, this type of damage is preventable if you trim your tree limbs as needed. In fact, you may want to trim all overhanging branches. Otherwise, they can drop leaves, sticks, and sap onto the surface.
Empty Gutters
To keep your roof dry, rainwater needs to be able to flow through the gutters. If the path is blocked by leaves, sticks, and other debris, the rain may pool along the edges of the roof. Extended exposure to moisture can cause the metal to corrode. To prevent this type of damage to your metal roof, clean the gutters regularly. Depending on the type of trees you have, you may need to do this job two to four times a year.
Wash Away Dirt
Your roof is exposed to the elements all day long, so it’s not surprising that it gets dirty with pollen, dust, mildew, plant spores, and other debris. Washing away this dirt on a regular basis will help your roof look nicer, and it can also protect your paint coat.
To wash your roof, dilute detergent in warm water. Sponge this mixture onto your roof with a wet rag. Rub gently to loosen dirt as needed. Finally, rinse the roof with clear water.
Replace Sealant
The longevity of your metal roof depends on the quality of its sealants. These components aren’t made of metal, so they can’t be expected to last as long as the roof itself. In general, sealants may be good for about 20 years. Sealant failure can lead to corrosion or other damage.
Get into the habit of inspecting the sealants regularly so that you can stay on top of their condition. When you see signs of damage, replace the sealants right away. As an added measure of protection, it’s a good idea to have professional roof inspections performed.
Even if you take care to clean and inspect your roof on a regular basis, there may be times when metal roof repair is required. When that happens, it’s time to call in the experts, who can assess the damage and perform the necessary fixes. Attending to repairs right away will help keep your metal roof in good shape for years to come.
