Metal Roof Maintenance Tips For Homeowners

Published on Friday June 12, 2020

Metal roofing is a rewarding investment that comes with a slew of benefits. Maintaining a metal roof is remarkably simple compared to maintaining other roof types, like asphalt shingles, but that doesn’t mean regular maintenance isn’t required.

Here are some ways you can care for your metal roof to help it last a lifetime:

Safety Tips for Maintaining a Metal Roof

If you are uncomfortable scaling your ladder or walking on your roof, don’t attempt a roof inspection. Your safety is of the utmost importance, so you’re better off calling a roofing professional you can trust to handle the job for you. Don’t put yourself at risk unnecessarily.

If you are an experienced handyman and feel you’re ready to tackle the job, be sure to review and abide by this checklist of safety requirements when attempting any metal roof maintenance, especially standing seam metal roof maintenance:

Use OSHA-approved fall protection.
Wear soft-soled shoes. Avoid wearing black-soled shoes since the marks they leave on your metal roof’s surface can be difficult to remove, making maintenance on a metal roof even more challenging.
Minimize foot traffic. Don’t walk on the rake flashings, gutters, any skylight or fiberglass panel, or hip or ridge flashings. Only walk on flat areas of the metal roof panel and near supports to prevent slips.

Once all safety requirements have been addressed, here are tips for proper maintenance of your metal roof:

6 Metal Roof Maintenance Tasks

1. Thoroughly Clean the Gutters

This includes downspouts and drain boxes. Leaves, dirt, twigs and other debris can build up and clog your gutter system, leading it to overflow, leak, and result in other damage to your home’s roof, siding, and foundation. It’s recommended to clean out your gutters at least twice per year—more frequently if you live in a windy area where leaves and debris can accumulate at a faster rate.

2. Trim Away Tree Branches

Any branches that extend over or touch your roof should be trimmed. Stormy weather can cause heavy tree limbs to fall and scratch or dent your roof. If you notice any signs of roof damage upon inspecting your roof, contact a roofing professional right away to ensure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed.

3. Look for Roof Penetration

Cracks, seams or penetrations in your metal roof allow water to leak through into your roofing system, creating an environment for water damage to spread. Metal roof leaks are rare, but can occur around air vents and skylights. Aging and severe weather events can cause silicone seals to crack and warp, which can lead to leaks over time. Be sure to fill any identifiable cracks with a flexible metal roofing sealant.

4. Check for Loose or Damaged Roof Parts

This includes loose flashings, roof sheets, fasteners, ridge caps, closures or venting materials, and more. If you’re unsure what you need to look out for, call in a roofing professional you trust to help you identify any issues.

5. Inspect for Corrosion

Check around the chimney, heating and air vents, air conditioners and any oil condensers above cooking areas. All of these areas commonly release steam, heat and chemicals that can break down the paint on your metal roof and lead to corrosion.

6. Clear Waterways

Any flat area on your roof can become a pooling area. As eaves, sticks and other debris collect on your roof, water is unable to properly run off and drain from the roof. This can cause mold, rust or other rot to eat through your roof and ruin it.

Work With Experts You Can Trust

For more information on how to maintain your metal roof, reach out to the experts at Long Roofing. Our qualified metal roofers have experience installing and repairing a variety of types of metal roofs. If you’re interested in scheduling a roofing consultation, visit us online today!