Whether you already have metal roofing installed, or you are thinking about having one installed, you may be wondering about roof maintenance – how do you take care of it? The good news is, not only does metal roofing last up to 60 years, it also requires less upkeep than other roofs. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you need to do nothing at all.

Here are tips on how to maintain or care for your metal roof

Maintain your gutters regularly – most of the time rainwater will rinse away the dirt and debris that falls onto your roof, but, there will come a time when excess debris starts to trap moisture and gradually decompose, this can lead to rot which creates a good environment for mould and moss to grow. Metal roofing is designed to shed water and then dry, but if you have a lot of debris in your gutters it can stop your roof drying out. This is why it is extremely important to keep your guttering free from debris. To clean your gutters, wear a pair of gloves and a long sleeve shirt, using a ladder (properly tied off), tarp, small scoop and a soft bristle brush. Lay the tarp across the garden where you are working, use the scoop and brush to remove all debris and toss them onto the tarp below, avoid hosing your gutters as it can force water under your roofing materials causing rot. Then simply dispose of the debris in your recycling wheelie bin. Gutters should be cleaned after storms or at least twice a year.
Avoid metal clashes if replacing roof flashings – when you had your metal roofing installed you would probably be aware of galvanic corrosion (metal clashes) this occurs when incompatible metals meet. For example, copper pipes and lead flashing should NEVER come in contact with a metal roof as they will cause rusting and deterioration of the roof. Flashings should always be replaced with the same metal that is on your roof.
Have your roof professionally inspected regularly – while you can care for your roof as part of your routine D.I.Y, however if you are serous about caring for your roof you should call out the professionals – a routine inspection will be able to pinpoint issues early.

This inspection will check for –

Exposed fasteners – these should be checked each year, if they have become too tight they can cause the fastener to split, if they are too loose they will create a gap between the metal flashing and the fastener.
Sealant failures or weather damage – while most sealants last around 20 years, these should be checked and replaced as required.
Seam Separation – while metal roofs are durable they can still shrink and expand from extreme weather which can cause seam separation.
Rust Stains – Metal roofs have come a long way, but they are still metal and are susceptible to rust. If your roof hasn’t been covered with a non-corrosive sealant then you may run into problems if it rains.

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