Metal roofing has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike. Its durability, energy efficiency, and style make it an attractive option. However, like any roofing material, metal roofs require proper maintenance to ensure they continue looking great and protecting your property for decades to come. As experienced metal roofing and shingle roofers, Steadfast Roofing Group is here to provide expert tips on metal roof maintenance. We’ll also touch on flat roof repair, as this is another common roofing service we provide.
The Benefits of Metal Roofing Before diving into maintenance, let’s review some of the key benefits of choosing a metal roof:
- Longevity: Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, far outlasting traditional asphalt shingles.
- Durability: Metal is highly resistant to wind, hail, fire, and pests.
- Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, reducing cooling costs by 10-25%.
- Environmentally Friendly: Metal roofing is often made from recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of its life.
- Style: Metal roofs come in a wide range of colors, finishes, and styles to complement any architectural design.
Now that we’ve covered the advantages of metal roofing, let’s get into our top maintenance tips.
Tip 1: Conduct Regular Inspections – The foundation of proper metal roof maintenance is conducting regular inspections, at least once a year and after any major storms. Look for signs of damage, loose or missing fasteners, sealant failures, corrosion, or debris buildup. Check both the roof surface and the underside in the attic if accessible.
As professional metal roofing and shingle roofers, Steadfast Roofing Group offers comprehensive roof inspection services. We know the early warning signs of metal roof issues to look out for. Catching problems early through inspections is key to extending your roof’s lifespan and preventing leaks.
Tip 2: Keep Your Roof Clean – Over time, leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris can accumulate on your metal roof, especially in valleys or around protrusions like chimneys. This debris holds moisture against the roof surface, which can lead to corrosion and shorten the life of protective coatings or paint finishes. Buildup also makes it harder to spot any damage.
We recommend gently cleaning your metal roof at least once a year. Use a soft brush or plastic leaf rake to carefully remove debris, being cautious not to abrade or scratch the surface. For a deeper clean, use a mild detergent solution and a soft bristle brush or sponge, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose, not a pressure washer which can force water under laps and flashings.
If roof cleaning isn’t a DIY task you feel equipped to handle, call on professional metal roofing contractors like Steadfast Roofing Group. In addition to installation and flat roof repair, we offer cleaning and maintenance services to keep your roof in top shape.
Tip 3: Trim Overhanging Branches – Tree branches that overhang your metal roof are a triple threat – they drop debris that pile up and hold moisture, they can dam up rain runoff channels causing ponding, and falling limbs can dent or puncture the roof surface. Prevent these problems by trimming back branches to at least 5-10 feet from the roof line if possible.
If tree limbs have already damaged your metal roof, Steadfast Roofing Group can help with expert repair services. Our skilled metal roofing pros can remove dents, patch punctures, and replace damaged panels to restore your roof’s integrity and appearance.
Tip 4: Keep Gutters Flowing – Clogged gutters and downspouts spell trouble for any kind of roof, including metal. Trapped water can overflow onto the roof surface, leading to moisture damage, corrosion, leaks, and even interior water stains. Water pouring over the gutters rather than being directed away from the foundation can also cause erosion and basement flooding.
Clean your gutters at least twice a year, in spring and fall, and check that downspouts are clear. Consider installing gutter guards to minimize debris buildup. Ensure gutters are properly pitched toward downspouts to prevent ponding.
If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder, don’t risk it – call gutter cleaning pros. Steadfast Roofing Group provides full-service gutter maintenance along with our metal roofing and flat roof repair expertise.
Tip 5: Inspect and Repair Flashing – The weak points in any roof system are the transitions and protrusions, such as the boundaries with chimneys, vents, skylights and walls. These areas are sealed with flashing, typically made of thin metal. Flashings can work loose over time, and sealants can deteriorate, creating entry points for water.
Inspect flashing for signs of lifting, separation or sealant failure. Refasten loose flashing with additional fasteners and re-seal joints with a high quality sealant suitable for metal roofing. Replace damaged flashing to ensure a watertight roof.
Steadfast Roofing Group’s experienced metal roofing team can handle any flashing repairs needed to prevent leaks and restore your roof’s weathertight integrity. Our roofers have the specialized skills to work with all types of metal roof flashings.
Tip 6: Touch Up Paint Nicks – Premium metal roofing is coated with durable paint finishes, often using a multi-step factory process for baked-on performance. Still, the paint surface can be cut, scratched or nicked by tree branches, hail, or foot traffic, exposing the raw metal which then becomes a corrosion site.
Inspect your metal roof for chips in the paint layer and touch them up promptly with the manufacturer-supplied paint pen or brush kit made for your roof. This prevents corrosion spots from forming and maintains your roof’s attractive appearance.
If paint damage is extensive, it may be better to call a professional metal roofing contractor to restore the surface. Steadfast Roofing Group can provide expert paint touch-ups or full recoats to renew your metal roof’s protection and enhance its curb appeal.
Tip 7: Ensure Proper Attic Ventilation and Insulation – What’s happening under your metal roof is just as important as maintenance on top for peak performance and longevity. Your attic space should be properly ventilated and insulated to prevent heat and moisture buildup that can damage roof sheathing and metal panels from the underside.
Ensure your attic has sufficient ventilation, both intake vents at the eaves and exhaust vents at the ridge, to allow hot air and humidity to escape. Check that insulation is installed to the recommended R-value and isn’t blocking vents.
Steadfast Roofing Group can evaluate your attic ventilation and insulation as part of our professional metal roofing and flat roof repair services. We’ll make sure your roof substrate has the breathability and thermal performance to support a long-lasting metal roof.
Tip 8: Work with Professional Metal Roofing Contractors – While some metal roof maintenance tasks are suitable for DIY, it’s important to know when to call in the pros. Working on a roof always carries safety risks, and metal roofing requires specialized knowledge and tools for proper repair. Trying to fix issues yourself can inadvertently void warranties or cause further damage.
For any metal roof concerns beyond basic cleaning and inspection, trust the experienced metal roofing contractors at Steadfast Roofing Group. In addition to metal roofing installation and maintenance, we’re also expert shingle roofers and provide flat roof repair. Our team can handle all your roofing needs with top-quality workmanship and customer care.
A metal roof is a smart investment that delivers unsurpassed durability, energy efficiency, and style. With proper maintenance, your metal roof can protect and beautify your property for decades. Remember to follow our expert tips:
- Conduct regular inspections
- Keep your roof clean
- Trim overhanging branches
- Keep gutters flowing
- Inspect and repair flashing
- Touch up paint nicks
- Ensure proper attic ventilation and insulation
- Work with professional metal roofing contractors
Steadfast Roofing Group is your trusted local metal roofing and shingle roofers. We provide expert metal roof installation, repair, and maintenance, as well as flat roof repair and more. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you get the most from your metal roof investment through our professional roofing services. Let us show you why our commitment to quality and service has made us the top choice for metal roofing.
