Metal Roof Maintenance for Fall

Metal is the longest lasting type of roofing material, and your new roof can last up to fifty years with proper care. While metal roofs require far less maintenance than those made with other materials, you will need to do metal roof maintenance to make sure it stays in top condition. As you prepare your home for fall, be sure to add these items to your to-do list. These metal roof maintenance tips will ensure your roof is ready for the cooler, wetter weather.

Metal Roof Maintenance Tips

Maintenance is an important part in any roof. After summer, every homeowner will want to utilize these metal roof maintenance tips to ensure your roof stays protective all year long.

Trim Back Tree Branches

The landscaping around your home plays a big role in how long your metal roof lasts. While metal is durable, heavy branches resting on it will weaken its structural integrity. Limbs blowing in the breeze can leave deep scratches. At the end of summer, make sure to trim all of your tree branches back at least three feet from your property. This will also ensure that rodents cannot gain access to any wooden areas around your metal roof.

Inspect Your Snow Guards

Roof snow guard systems are one of those things you rarely think about, but they save you from property damage and personal injuries that can occur if snow slides off your roof. Before winter storms arrive, take the time to make sure your snow guards are still in place and intact. This way, you can avoid a snow avalanche the first time heavy snow falls.

Check the Paint

The paint on your metal roof helps protect it from the elements. A quality paint job adds to its aesthetic appeal. Over time, however, exposure to sunshine, hail and foot traffic can all damage the paint and leave your roof vulnerable to the elements. Ideally, metal roofs should be painted before the weather turns frigid. During this annual metal roof maintenance, you should do an inspection. Doing an inspection now will allow you enough time to get it painted before the colder months.

Remove Accumulated Debris

Over time, fallen branches and leaves can build up on your roof. It is important to remove this before it gets wet or begins to rot since this can damage the materials used on your roof. Reaching the debris is the biggest challenge property owner’s face; especially since it is important to minimize foot traffic on your roof’s metal. Therefore, using a long brush to cover more distance is the best way to remove debris. If you choose to use a water sprayer, make sure to aim the hose away from the bottom of your roof since that can also lead to damage.

Clean Out the Gutters

Metal roofs are designed to allow the water to run off and into your gutters. When those gutters get clogged, your roof can no longer drain properly. Wet, soggy leaves and standing water can rest against the sides of your metal roof and lead to pooling. When this occurs, your metal roof will become susceptible to corrosion that destroys its ability to protect the rest of your home.

Metal roof maintenance requires far less work than other types of roofing materials. When it comes to protecting your roof, focus on removing anything that may rest against it and cause scrapes or corrosion. By trimming branches, clearing out fallen leaves and checking for minor damage that needs prompt repair, you can avoid major roofing work and protect your home’s value.