The sound of the rain hitting the roofing can be a massive concern for those who have ignored the maintenance part of their metal roofing. However, there is not too much to worry about as metal roofs are durable, energy efficient and low maintenance. But still, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the roof, and for this, experts have recommended several steps. We look at these steps in this blog post, but let us first understand why metal roofing suffers from damage.
WHAT CAUSES DAMAGE TO A METAL ROOF?
The metal roof protects your family and your home from harsh weather, and it is your responsibility to protect it from the same, but we often fail to do so. Long-term exposure to severe conditions takes a toll on the roofing material, and as a result, even the most robust roofing solution, like corrugated roofing, gets damaged. So many factors are responsible for this, and a small list is presented below.
High winds
Sunlight
Saltwater corrosion
Rain, snow, hail, or ice
Tree branches and organic debris build up
Poor installation
Inadequate space for thermal expansion
Oil canning
Dissimilar metals and materials
Inconsistent maintenance
Improper ventilation
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR METAL ROOFING INSTALLATION?
As mentioned above, metal roofing installation professionals offer numerous tips, and the first step is inspecting the roof.
THOROUGH INSPECTION IS MANDATORY
Remember, timely and in-depth inspection is the key to maintenance and can save a considerable amount of money in the long term. Vendors of colorbond and corrugated roofing installations recommend metal roofing inspection at least four times every year, and regular instructions should be carried out almost every week. This inspection should cover the metal for scuffs, scratches, fading, flaking, cracks, rusting, etc. Remember, several factors apart from nature can damage the roof, and the most prominent are tree branches, salt water, moisture, UV rays, etc.
REGULAR ROOF CLEANING
Even the most robust roofing solutions like corrugated roofing and colorbond roofing require timely cleaning to stay perfect for years and years. Professionals should do In-depth cleaning bi-annually, and general day-to-day cleaning should never be ignored. This cleaning should remove dirt, mould, mildew, debris and other waste materials from the roof, as they can damage the paint and substrate.
This cleaning is a simple process that you can complete, and just three steps are listed below.
Mix a quarter cup of mild detergents like dish soap or car washing soap into a bucket of water.
Gently wipe the surface of your roof with the solution using a microfiber cloth, soft-bristle brush, or a sponge.
Rinse your roof with a light-pressure spray from your garden hose.
CLEANING GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Dead leaves, small branches and other dirt and debris can get trapped in gutters and downspouts to block them and weaken the structure. The blockage present there will become a reason behind puddles that will generate rusting and other similar issues and damages. It is essential to remove all the dirt and waste materials from gutters and downspouts to ensure that they function correctly in the rainy season. You can also consider investing in gutter guards to free gutters from leaves, dead branches and debris.
