Maintaining and Protecting Your Metal Roof

Metal roofing continues to gain popularity as a commercial and residential roofing option, with up to 30% of American homes currently incorporating metal roofs. Today, there are a variety of metal roofing materials and options available, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper; metal roofing can help to keep your home cooler in the summer and can even mimic the outward appearance of tile or shingles. With the right care and maintenance, your metal roof will last as long as the structure of your home, providing the water- and weatherproofing you need to remain safe and comfortable inside.

Inspect Your Roof Regularly

Just like any other roofing system, metal roofs require regular inspections to look for signs of trouble. You can inspect your roof on your own by walking around your home periodically to look at your roof from all angles. Make note of any areas that appear damaged, rusted, or corroded, and contact your roofing contractor with this information to discuss whether action should be taken. You should also look for loose panels or fastenings, which could lead to leaks if not repaired. Additionally, you should have your metal roof inspected professionally once a year; your roofing contractor knows how to spot even the smallest signs of trouble and address them before they grow, making the cost of a professional visit well worth it in terms of the longevity of your roof. A roofing contractor can also check your roof safely and thoroughly from above, which is especially important if you do not have the means to access your roof or don’t feel comfortable doing so. If your roof does need repairs, always go through your roofing contractor for service—any repairs made on your own may void your roofing warranty and cause further damage if not performed correctly.

Address Rust and Corrosion

Rust and corrosion are two of the most common problems homeowners encounter with metal roofing. These conditions occur when moisture or debris is trapped against your roof and damage can compound over time if not treated promptly. White rust can be cleaned away with a plastic brush; you can prevent further rust by painting your roof with a corrosion-resistant paint. Red rust, which is common on zinc, aluminum, and galvanized steel roofing, is a sign of runoff from other materials on your roof, such as wood, glass, or lead flashing. In some cases, positioning elements of your home made from one type of metal near your metal roofing can cause a reaction that leads to corrosion and rust. If your home has a swimming pool or is located near other potentially corrosive environmental factors, this may also cause your roof to rust as well. Red rust can be cleaned away, but will return if the source isn’t found and corrected. Rust-resistant coatings can be applied to prevent further corrosion from occurring, particularly on roofs situated near corrosive environments. You should also have your metal roof cleaned periodically to remove any sand, grit, grime, or other debris that could potentially cause rust or corrosion over time. Your roofing contractor can discuss the right cleaning schedule for your needs and provide you with tips you can use to clean your roof on your own between professional visits.

Taking care of your roof will protect this valuable investment, as well as the quality of your home and the belongings within. If you need help maintaining or repairing your roof in Alexandria, click over to our website to read through our full list of services or request a next-day estimate online.