Roof maintenance tips

Metal roofing will last for the life-time of your home around 60 years. Unlike tile roofs that require re-roofing every 10-20 years, a metal roof won’t disintegrate, crack, peel or fade. Metal roofs require less maintenance because they are built to withstand extreme weather conditions.

To keep your metal roofing in tip-top condition there are three simple rules to follow for stress free maintenance.

The best and safest way to keep your metal roofing looking good is to ask a professional to do it for you.

  • Have regular inspections – treat your roof to a regular, once a year inspection. You can regularly check that your gutters are free from debris and leaves that can clog your downpipes and gutters. A lack of proper drainage is a big problem in roofs, even metal ones as it leads to pooling of water in gutters and inclines – usually due to incorrect installation in the first place. As well as blockages your professional roof technician will look at other areas including –
  • Weather damage and sealant failures – most sealants last about 20 years before they need to be replaced, your technician can look at your sealants and quote to replace them if necessary.
  • Exposed fasteners – if there are any exposed fasteners they should be looked at regularly and if split, cut or loose be replaced.
  • Seam separation – while metal roofs are durable they still shrink and expand over time, while this is natural it can cause seam separation which can create a build-up of water. This is usually the result of incorrect installation initially.
  • Rust stains – metal roofs have come a long way since corrugated steel, but they are metal and still susceptible to rust. If your roof doesn’t have a non-corrosive sealant you can run into problems during rainy weather. That is why we recommend Colorbond roofing rather than other cheaper products.
  • Damaged washers – when metal sheets expand or contract from exposure to the sun the neoprene sealing washers can crack, a technician can replace those during his inspection.
  • Look after gutters – it’s a good idea to clean out your gutters at least once a year (depending on the number of trees you have around your house), just like roof maintenance gutter maintenance is something you can have a professional look at for you and do. If you do want to clean the gutters yourself, follow these tips –
  • Wear a long sleeve shirt and gloves.
  • Get everything you need together first – ladder, a scoop and bucket or tarp.
  • Spread the tarp under where you are working.
  • Climb your ladder and use the plastic scoop to remove rubbish, dirt and leaves from your gutters.
  • Fill up a bucket with water, or use a hose to flush the gutters out.
  • Avoid any incompatible metals – copper pipes (or water from them) and lead flashing should never come in direct contact with metal roofing. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals contact and either oxidise or corrode, being vigilant about other metals at the beginning is an important way to care for your metal roof.

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