How To Make Your Metal Roof Last Longer
As metal roofing becomes more popular, the demand for roofing installation increases. This is because metal roofs are cost-effective and very durable compared to other types of roofs available on the market.
However, they do require some level of maintenance in order to last longer. Metal does not age gracefully like man-made materials; it corrodes over time. Here are five tips that will help keep your metal roof looking new for many years to come:
1) Keep it Clean
Give your metal roof proper cleaning regularly so as to avoid grime build-up caused by dirt, dust, and debris. Dirt buildup causes corrosion which leads to leaks earlier than expected, thus reducing the life span of metal roofs significantly. To clean dirty roofs use mild soap and water, or water mixed with bleach to kill algae. Avoid using scrapers as they damage the metal. Scrapers are more suitable for clay-type of roofing materials that can be easily scratched during cleaning. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean metal roofs; metal bristles do not leave any scratches on metal surfaces, unlike hard bristle brushes.
2) Seal your metal roof
They need to be sealed periodically to protect them from corrosion and leaks. To seal the metal pores use quality coatings like zinc-rich paints or elastomeric paint available in different colors at home improvement stores near you. Zinc coats prevent moisture penetration into the metal thus creating an ideal environment for rust formation which deteriorates metal surfaces resulting in metal roofs that do not last very long. Elastomeric coatings are a bit expensive but they provide the best solution to metal roofing problems. These paints expand and contract with metal surfaces due to temperature variations thus tightly filling metal pores preventing water from penetrating the metal surface.
3) Cover your metal roof with insulation
They are designed for hot climates; therefore, if you install this roof type in colder regions, it will not last as long as metal roofs were expected to work under specific wind, rain, and sun conditions. They should be covered with insulation during the winter months to prevent damage caused by ice formation due to freezing temperatures during the winter months. Also, metal roofs need to be insulated during summer for metal roofs are designed to work under extreme hot climate conditions. You can opt for foam roofing Arizona to prevent damage in your metal roof.
4) Install roof vents
They require proper ventilation too. Metal roofs include metal decking, sheeting, and fasteners, all of which produce heat while the building is in use. To avoid temperature excess inside metal buildings install roof vents at the lowest point of your roof or skylights if you don’t have attic space. This will enable better air circulation inside the building thus reducing temperature build-up inside the structure sheltering people and equipment from high temperatures that can damage them eventually.
5) Periodically inspect your roof
Period walks on top of your metal roof to inspect fasteners, sheeting, and decking for any signs of leakage, rust formation, or damage due to heavy winds. If you notice chipped metal edges covering the roof vents, or metal surfaces are starting to peel off it’s time to repair damaged metal roofs before they collapse on people sheltering below them.
To prevent unnecessary headaches consider using these tips for maintaining your metal roof. Consistently following maintenance tips will enable metal roofs to last longer thus saving you money on repairs that are inevitable with metal roofing systems.