As the holidays approach and the leaves start to change on the trees, the last thing on most people’s minds is roof maintenance. But with autumn comes cooler weather, falling leaves and other debris, increased chance of storms, and heavier rainfall. This harsher weather can be hard on your roof – even on hyper-durable metal roofs. So we’ve gathered our best tips and tricks for metal roofs maintenance to help you weather-proof your home’s biggest investment.
Metal Roofs: Maintenance Tips
Clean Out Your Gutters
Fall leaves can be very beautiful, but they can also make a terrible mess out of your gutters as they fall from the trees and gather. You want to make sure that you are regularly cleaning out your gutters throughout the fall season – and definitely before winter fully arrives. Clogged gutters lead to poor drainage and standing water that can gather on your roof and cause mildew, mold, algae, and water stains. It can eat away at protective finishes and cause rust if it’s left against your metal roof for too long.
If you leave your gutters clogged for winter, the leaves and water can freeze over and form solid lumps of ice that expand and crack your gutters, cause damage to your roof, and block drainage.
Have Your Roof Inspected
Metal roofs are very durable, but it’s still wise to have them inspected regularly – especially after a particularly harsh storm or cold front. Check for signs of wear and tear, and pay special attention to the areas around the chimney and skylights to make sure you don’t have any slow leaks that may cause structural damage to your roof.
Cut Back Any Branches Touching Your Roof
This is good advice to follow throughout the year, but it’s especially important to cut back branches during the fall, before winter hits. Branches that bend low or reach out over your roof could break during a winter storm or snap under the pressure of ice and cause major damage to your roof and the rest of your home.
Branches and sticks that move and sway against your roof can also create scratches in your roofs finish, leaving it vulnerable to rust, algae, and rot. To protect your roof and elongate it’s life, remove anything that could abrade or scratch your roof’s surface.
Watch for Scratches, Chips, Flaking, Scuffs, and Excessive or Uneven Fading and Chalking
Like anything else that’s been painted, your metal roof can become vulnerable to scratches, scuffs, and fading. Branches, falling debris, and installer error can all leave behind discolorations and scratches.
If you catch it early, you can usually fix the issue very easily with a paint pen in the same color as your roof (just be sure to follow manufacturer instructions!). Remember, if you attempt to fix your roof against manufacturer recommendation, you risk voiding your roof’s warranty! That’s why it’s usually best to have a professional inspect and repair it for you.
If the damage is left too long, scratches and flaking finish can lead to rusting and discoloration that’s much more difficult – and expensive – to repair. Have your roof checked at least once a year or every other year so small problems don’t morph into major ones.
Contact Metal Roof Pros
If you are concerned about your metal roof’s maintenance, contact Metal Roof Pros. We’re happy to answer any question, or perform a free inspection of you metal roof. All quotes are cost- and obligation-free.
At Metal Roof Pros, we pride ourselves on our expertise. We only deal in premium metal roof systems and all of are technicians are specially trained and highly experienced in the installation and care of metal roofs.