7 TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A METAL ROOF

7 TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A METAL ROOF Created by Jacqui Orlando

TIP #1 – AVOID WALKING ON THE ROOF Metal roofs are thinner than other roofing materials and prone to getting bent or even punctured when you walk or stand on them. Not only that, but foot traffic can cause low spots and water ponding on near eave and at panel endlaps which will encourage leakage.

TIP #2 – LIMIT DEBRIS BUILD-UP This advice is the same for every roof. Don’t let debris build-up, either on the surfaces or the valleys. Not only does it affect the immediate appearance of your roof, but the breakdown of the materials can stain the roof or under some conditions, actually damage the metal. Also, organic matter retains water. We want the water to leave as quickly as possible to avoid encouraging leaks.

TIP #3- CLEAN THE GUTTERS Well, if they don’t drain properly, they back up and can damage your fascia system. Worse, in winter, the ice from the gutter will form and, glacier-like, try to invade the spaces under the metal. If you have mature trees, clean those gutters annually (at least.)

TIP #4 – DO NOT LET DISSIMILAR METALS CONTACT THE METAL ROOF Certain metals, when they come in contact with each other, react through a process called electrolysis. If you’ve ever seen ‘green corrosion’ on your copper plumbing, that is an example and almost always piping that was attached to galvanized steel without a dialectic washer.

TIP #5-CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS There are two techniques for securing the roof metal to the framing of the house. The first, and most common, is to use exposed fasteners. Nowadays, these are screws with neoprene washers to protect against water intrusion.

TIP #6 – CHECK YOUR SEALANTS AND BOOTS Weather exposure degrades silicon sealants and the boots used for plumbing vents. Annually check these for routine wear. Pay particular attention at chimneys, skylights, and valleys – all are prime candidates for leakage. Replace or re-seal as needed.

TIP #7 – SNOW REMOVAL Just as we don’t let the organic debris from trees stay on the roof, I encourage you to remove ice and snow – when safe! - if it begins to pile up to depths sufficient to damage the framing. Another reason to remove the snow is that metal roofs shed it in avalanche- type clearances. You do not want to be under that when it happens.

THANK YOU