Metal roofs were once considered pieces of novelty once upon a time. Architect-designed homes with upscale interiors and exteriors sported metal roofs in all their glory. But call it increased demand or efficient manufacturing processes, metal roof installation can now be found in over 15% of all roofs — they are no longer a luxury but an asset many homeowners and commercial businesses seek.

Now although metal roofs are fairly resistant to rot, fire, and insect damage, making their longevity quite lucrative and worth the investment, a little care and caution can make them last even longer. Lucky for you, metal roof maintenance is one of the simplest tasks when it comes to home improvement.

So, we asked some roofers how to get the best bang for your buck without tiring yourself out when maintaining your own metal roof. This is what they said.

1) Before You Begin: Check Your Metal Roof for Safety

Check Your Metal Roof for Safety No matter if you’re even Spiderman, slinging yourself on a roof, especially a metal roof, without proper protection can only end up in two places – the workshop and the hospital. The smartest move is to always check for weather conditions and gearing up with the required equipment before climbing the metal roof to complete maintenance. Once you’re all set on the safety protocols, then and only then go ahead with the rest of the task. Remember:

Use OSHA-approved fall protection any time you are on a roof
Wear soft-soled shoes instead of black ones to maintain the color integrity of the metal roof
Avoid walking on any gutters, rake flashings, fiberglass panel, or skylight or else you risk needing to call in a professional team for more repairs

2) Remove Dirt and Debris from Your Metal Roof

the secrets to metal roof maintenance Yes, you must know this already, but here is how you can go a step further when removing debris and dirt from your metal roof. Sticks, branches, and leaves are prone to causing scratches on your roof; standing water can cause blockages, leaks, and be a home to insects. So, the first and foremost task here is not to take your gutters for granted when handling metal roof maintenance.

Set a schedule a few times each year to clean the roofline and its adjacent areas. Let me help you with a checklist:

Clean off dirt, mildew, stands, and other elements
Rinse out your drains and gutters so they don’t get clogged and work ineffectually
Remove the leaves stuck in valleys and other dead spots
Throw out any branches lying on the roof surface
Look for scratches, chipping, flaking, and fading issues while removing debris

3) Read the Weather Report to Prep for Proper Metal Roof Maintenance

metal roof installations and repairs with easy maintenance Heavy rainfall and storms are known to cause massive destruction to plants and trees, which can, in turn, damage your roof. While this is a natural cycle for the environment, your metal roof can be damaged, thanks to the falling branches and flying debris. Keeping a close check on any visible damage after such events can help cut down on the metal roofing repair costs.

Another great alternative to this is applying a protective coat to your roof in advance before any signs of corrosion appear. Should any dents or damages occur, you can simply search for “metal roof near me” to replace the specific panels. Companies that offer metal roof maintenance are always available to assist with any issues. Always stay one step ahead and set aside time to inspect your roof after inclement weather.

4) Create a Schedule for Structural Metal Roof Maintenance

maryland roofers provide tips on metal roof maintenance Now, you have done everything you could to keep your metal roof durable. The only thing that remains is checking for its integrity and structure every now and then (to avoid any bigger mishaps).

Stresses like wind, hail, moisture, and heat can cause inherent impairment to your shelter, which can multiply over time. Considering the technicalities involved, it is always prudent to hire a trained professional for this job, since early signs of issues will be minor or impossible to spot without the proper education. This includes:

Checking for screws, rivets, and fasteners
Fixing any loose seams or panels
Rectifying the damaged flashing materials
Replacing the sealant at key junctions
Looking around the penetration points for any degradation
Ensuring there aren’t any punctures on the panels

A common practice is making sure that the structural performance is checked every two years. And while you might not be doing all the work at hand, it is essential to pay attention to the contractor you’re hiring for the same. A metal roofing company like Southern Maryland Roofing is experienced at these maintenance checks and available to assist.

5) Check for Temperature Variances to Determine Metal Roofing Repairs

metal roof maintenance tips Heating and cooling costs, more often than not, are accredited to the changing weather. But, with a metal roof over your head, there can be something different at play when your energy bills begin to fluctuate.

For instance, any attic moisture due to roof leaks could easily ruin your insulation, leaving your prime protection in biting winters completely unavailable. Interestingly, the loss of insulation can also cause the cold air to escape in the summers. Either way, your thermostat would prove inefficient. And let’s not talk about the rocketing energy bills!

A good place to start would be deploying a roof maintenance cycle at the beginning and end of each major season to ensure you’re in safe hands — this ensures your metal roof is properly installed without any damages and other related materials are also secure.

What You Need to Hear About Metal Roofing Maintenance

Once you install quality metal roofs, there is not much to worry about. With a meager maintenance cost and effort required, it saves you the pain of going through recurring outlays that come with other roofing materials. A little care and your shelter shall stay in place for years to come, especially when you work with professionals. Just remember: