Metal roofs are engineered to be robust and long-lasting. If installed and maintained properly, a metal roof can potentially last an excess of 50 years.
This durability, combined with lower insurance premiums and energy bills are perhaps the top reason behind most commercial property owners choosing metal roofs for their properties.
Despite their durability, metals roofs need some maintenance efforts to maintain their longevity.
Even when the question is not one related to durability and longevity, small efforts invested into the maintenance of your metal roof can go a long way in preserving its aesthetic value and performance.
To help you perform maintenance tasks with efficiency, we’ve put together a list of tips that you can utilize to keep your metal roof in prime condition.
Let’s look at these tips in a bit more detail:
Routine Cleanup
Cleaning is perhaps the first step in maintaining the aesthetic value of anything, and metal roofs are no exception. A thorough cleaning of your metal roof can do wonders when it comes to maintaining its quality and aesthetic value.
With that said, cleaning a metal roof can be a difficult and more importantly, dangerous task. For this reason, it is wise to contact your local commercial metal roofing contractors to take care of the routine cleaning of your metal roof.
Keep Drains And Gutters Clean
The drains and gutters of your roof play an important role in protecting it from prolonged exposure to water and other liquids.
While most metal roofs are immune to water damage, many property owners forget that the drainpipes and gutters are also used to drain the various liquids discharged by the building’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. A metal roof is not designed to withstand the damage caused by such liquids.
Hence, it is important to make sure your drains and gutters are always unclogged to ensure the smooth flow of these liquids from off your roof.
Depending on the kind of climatic conditions of your area, you may have to inspect and unclog your drains and gutters quite often. If that is the case, you can consider options like gutter covers that will prevent your gutters from clogging.
Ensure Different Metal Parts Remain Separated
Many roofs are made up of different metals in different parts. For instance, one part may be made up of steel while another may be made up of galvanized copper.
For such roofs, it is important for property owners to ensure two different metals don’t come in contact. If they do, they can chemically react with each other and such a reaction may lead to early degradation or staining.
Even if your roof is made with a single metal, it is important to make sure other metal objects don’t end up on your roof. Even a slight contact with a different metal, with natural elements acting as catalysts, can turn into a big problem for your entire roof.
Pay Attention To Tree Branches Touching Your Roof
Tree branches or other objects may scrape the paint and other protective material on your roof. The worst part is, such damage is usually not covered under insurance.
If the protective layer of your roof is scraped off, it may become susceptible to rusting and corrosion.
For this reason, it is important for property owners to be vigilant about tree branches touching their roofs. If you find one, cut it off immediately.
Conclusion
Maintenance of your roof is an important part of protecting the investment you made in installing a brand new metal roof. Small investments of time and sometimes money in maintaining the health of your building’s roofing system will save you from the expense of replacing it too soon.