Metal roofs are excellent alternatives to shingle, slate, and tile roofs. A high-quality metal roof can withstand Florida’s harsh seasonal weather and last over 30 years with proper maintenance and care. Here, our experienced professionals cover some basic dos and don’ts of metal roof maintenance to help your roof stay in tip-top condition all year long.
Dos of Metal Roof Maintenance
Over time, your metal roof will wear out with age and regular use. However, you can do several things to care for it and ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
Do Inspect the Roof Regularly
The best way to maintain your metal roof’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal is by inspecting it regularly. With annual roof inspections from Longwood, FL metal roof experts, you can identify issues early and implement effective solutions before they worsen. You can also use a ladder or pair of binoculars to check the roof yourself between annual inspections by the professionals.
How often you should inspect your roof depends on several factors, including the type of metal roof and weather conditions. For example, hurricane weather can pummel your roof and cause serious damage. You’ll want to make a thorough inspection after every severe storm.
Do Clean the Gutters
Your gutters divert water off the roof and away from your home’s foundation. However, the system can’t work properly when you have clogged gutters. By keeping your gutters clear of dirt, moss, twigs, leaves, and other debris, you can prevent the following concerns:
- Roof leaks due to drainage backups
- Structural damage due to rot and corrosion
- Mold growth
Do Trim Nearby Branches
One of the best metal roof maintenance practices involves landscaping. Specifically, you’ll want to trim any trees or shrubs growing near your roof. Why? Because branches can scrape off your roof’s protective coatings, dent the material, create holes, and lead to early replacement.
Overhanging tree limbs can fall on your metal roof amid high winds, heavy rainfall, and other storms, causing significant damage. If you don’t trim your trees, you’ll also have to deal with leaves and twigs clogging your gutters.
Do Touch Up Minor Damage
Did you notice scratch marks or abrasions the last time you inspected your roof? These types of minor damage may occur for various reasons, but they’re easy to fix.
Some damage requires the attention of a licensed roofing technician, but some you can handle yourself. Using manufacturer-approved products like sealant for touch-ups can keep your metal roof in excellent condition throughout the year. In addition, you’ll improve your home’s appearance and extend your metal roof’s lifespan.
Don’ts of Metal Roof Maintenance
Metal roof maintenance has two parts: things you should do and things you shouldn’t do. Let’s look at a few practices you should avoid to boost your roof’s longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Don’t Install the Roof Yourself
When it comes to metal roof installation, leave it to a team of highly trained professionals. Turning this job into a DIY project can lead to numerous problems down the road, costing you a fortune in roof repairs or replacement. A well-established roofing company like PRS Roofing has state-of-the-art equipment and certified personnel to ensure that the job goes right the first time.
Improper or incomplete installation is one of the leading causes of long-term roof damage. Homeowners who attempt to install a metal roof themselves put their property and family at risk.
Don’t Use Harsh Cleaning Products
Cleaning is an important part of metal roof maintenance. However, you’ll want to use safe cleaning products and recommended practices to avoid damaging the roofing material. Never use harsh cleaning solvents or harmful chemicals to clean your metal roof.
Heavy-duty cleaning solutions can strip away your roof’s protective layer and leave it vulnerable during storms. Some chemicals can even eat into the metal material and create holes that lead to leaks. If in doubt, reach out to a trusted roofing professional in the Orlando, FL, area.
Don’t Walk on the Roof Unnecessarily
Detailed roof inspections require getting on the roof and walking around. Walking on your metal roof can weaken the roofing material and wear it out faster, though. You should never walk on your roof more than necessary.
The more you walk on your roof, the more likely it is to acquire dents and scratches. These might not seem like a big deal at first. However, seemingly minor issues can worsen over time and lead to costly repairs and even total roof replacement.
Don’t Spray Paint the Roof
Are you planning to paint the porch, a nearby fence, or your home’s entire exterior? Make sure you don’t get any paint on your metal roof. Paint can easily blow onto the roof and ruin it if the wind picks up while you’re spray painting.
It’s nearly impossible to remove paint once it gets on your metal roof. Unless you repaint it, you’ll just have to live with the splattered look. Wayward paint can do more than just hurt your home’s appearance — some types of paint can harm your roofing material.
Don’t Neglect Roof Care
Many homeowners take their metal roofs for granted, hardly thinking about them after the installation process. Unfortunately, this means neglecting basic maintenance practices like regular inspections and cleaning the gutters. If you don’t take steps to care for your roof, you’ll face more roofing issues sooner than expected.
Leave Metal Roof Maintenance to the Experts at PRS Roofing
Installing a metal roof is just the beginning — you must take care of it properly to keep it functioning well and looking fantastic. The last thing you want is a leaky, damaged roof in the middle of Florida’s hurricane season. These dos and don’ts of metal roof maintenance can help you stay safe and protect your biggest investment.
Do you need help with metal roof maintenance or installation in Orlando, FL, and the surrounding area? At PRS Roofing, we’re here to help with top-quality roofing solutions for all your preferences and needs. Learn more about metal roofing pros and cons, or call us today at (800) 750-9198 to get a free quote!
