Metal roofs are not only a beautiful component of a home or business, but they are also sturdy and can stand up to the elements. A metal roof reflects UV rays, reducing the need for (and cost of) air-conditioning. And who does not love the sound of rain falling on a metal roof? Metal roofs are a fantastic investment for a home or business (especially when compared to other roofing materials like asphalt shingles), and when well maintained, they can last 40+ years.
While it’s always recommended to have an inspector check a metal roof annually (and sometimes this is a warranty requirement), there are simple things a roof owner can do to not only help keep a metal roof looking its best but also keep it operating in tip-top shape.
Metal Roof Maintenance
Metal roofs come in all sorts of styles, sizes, and materials (aluminum, copper, multiple types of steel, tin, etc.). Regardless of the type, we have some across-the-board recommendations for maintaining a metal roof. When done consistently, roof maintenance can help ensure the good working condition of the roof for years to come and help prevent damages that require costly repairs or replacements.
Below are some of our top recommendations for metal roof maintenance:
- Keep the roof free of leaves and other debris by sweeping or using a water hose and spraying things off a roof, keeping your roof free of things that accumulate and cause blockage
- Remove snow and/or ice build-up by sweeping or using a snow shovel, keeping your roof free of an unnecessarily heavy load
- Clean your gutters and drainage spouts at minimum each season using a gutter scoop or gloves and flush with a hose, keeping water flowing off your roof running smoothly and preventing water from accumulating/pooling, which causes leaks and weaknesses
- Maintain your gutters as well and fill holes or cracks with standard gutter caulk (found at most local hardware stores), supporting the point above
- Replace your gutter or drainage spouts if you notice significant leaking or corrosion
- Trim branches from trees and bushes around your roof, preventing leaves and branches from falling on your roof
- Even if your roof is not accumulating leaves or debris, regular cleaning is also recommended to prevent mold and algae build-up (metal roof cleaning solutions can be found at most local hardware stores)
- We know metal roofs are tough, but if there is a hurricane or bad storm is approaching, many owners invest in a roof tarp to protect their metal roof from things like hail and other wind-blown objects that cause dents
- Visually inspect a metal roof throughout the year for scratches, dents, dings, or leaks and address them immediately before they have the chance to cause larger issues (some scratches, for example, can be fixed by an owner using a sealing paint from a local hardware store)
Please note that if you are not personally comfortable performing any of the above maintenance recommendations or think you have a larger issue, we recommend hiring a professional service. Especially if you are nervous about or uncomfortable with operating a ladder, climbing a ladder, or standing/working on a roof, let the experts do it for you and do not risk injuring yourself.
Have a Maintenance Plan
If you have just completed a new metal roof project or bought a property with a metal roof, and you want to ensure its ongoing maintenance, many companies and contractors offer something called a roof maintenance plan. This plan is designed around your specific roof type, size, and specifications and can include not only an annual inspection but also regularly scheduled roof and gutter cleaning, along with the ability to handle repairs in-house. However, some customers will say that the real value of a maintenance plan is that it is automatically in place, and they do not have to worry about remembering or physically completing any maintenance themselves.
We’re Here to Help
When you’re looking for experts in the field, turn to Alpine Sheet Metal Systems. We also specialize in metal roofing components like chimney caps, gutters, and drainage systems that help control water runoff, which protects your metal roof from water pooling or leakage.We’ve been in the metal fabrication and installation business for over two decades, know what it takes to maintain your metal roof, and are here to help support you in protecting your investment. If you live in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, or Arkansas, we can also support you in the event of a roof replacement or new installation, so please give us a call for a free quote or to talk to one of our skilled representatives about your project needs.
