A metal roof can simplify your home maintenance routine. While they are often more expensive to install, they save you money in the long run thanks to their long life span. Metal roofs can last for two or more decades with routine maintenance. Some have lasted as long as 50 years! We’ll help you learn the top tips for maintaining your roof and find out when to turn to our team at Quality Roofing for more help.
Are There Different Types of Metal Roofs?
There are many different types of metal roofs, including some with metal shingles designed to look like more conventional asphalt shingled roofs. Some homeowners prefer styles such as these. They don’t add a lot of weight to the roof and are available in many colors. Metal tiles are similar to shingles but have a 3D effect.
Copper roofs are among the more expensive options, and they look great on older and historic buildings. Some homeowners prefer standing seam roofing, which forms a tight seal to protect the underlayment from water damage. Corrugated designs have panels for a more striking appearance.
The Importance of Maintaining Your Roof?
Maintaining your roof helps you protect your investment and make it last longer. While your roof can’t tell you when it needs help, it can show some signs of distress such as dark or light spots on the surface. You might notice some metal shingles in your yard or see water spots on your ceiling.
By monitoring your roof regularly and maintaining it on a recommended schedule, you can achieve the following:
- Spot damage before it worsens
- Inspect for signs of leaks or stains
- Enjoy the maximum life span of the roof
- Keep your warranty in good standing
Clean the Gutters
We usually recommend that our clients clean their gutters in the spring. You want to get rid of any debris that found its way there during the cooler season. Everything from tree leaves to small branches can quickly take over the gutters and cause them to fail when you most need them most. If you have many trees or plants in your yard, you might need to clean the gutters more frequently. When you skip routine cleaning, there’s a greater risk of clogs. A clogged gutter will lead to rainwater overflowing the channel, which can compromise the structural integrity of the roofing system.
When cleaning the gutters, remember to check the downspouts and drains. Most systems have a downspout on every corner of the home. These are vertical pipes that run from the roof to the ground. The drains help any water and small debris from the gutters move into the downspouts and away from the rest of your home. Gutter cleaning can be risky because you can easily fall off a ladder and hurt yourself. To prevent injury and roof damage, let a professional clean the gutter system.
Trim Nearby Trees
Some of the trees that are native to the Pensacola area include pine, swamp cypress, and laurel oak. When these reach maturity, they can easily hang over your home and rub against the roof. While it’s not too dangerous in the short term, it can do major damage over time. That rubbing can damage the metal and leave behind thick scratches or dents. It can also cause discoloration as the metal breaks down. The trees can even damage the fasteners keeping the roof in place. Trimming and cutting back any nearby vegetation will reduce the risk of roof damage.
Get Rid of Mildew and Other Surface Stains
Mildew grows in wet and humid areas and is associated with both fungus and mold. The same mildew that you fight in your bathroom can develop on your roof and spread across it. To see if you have a problem, stand as far away from your home as possible and look for signs of discoloration. These spots can look lighter or darker than the rest of the surface. Both mold and mildew can stain the roof and ruin its overall appearance. You might also have issues with water or dirt stains.
While some attempt to clean metal roofs with a combination of bleach and other ingredients, professional cleaning is a much better option. DIY roof cleaning is not recommended. Not only can it be dangerous, but you also risk spreading the stains or damaging the panels and fasteners. If you see any discolorations on your roof, hire a roofing or cleaning company to take care of them.
Stick with One Type of Metal
When it comes to repairs, you might think that all types of metal are the same. There are risks to mixing and matching metals, however, especially if you have a copper roof. Copper roofs cannot function properly with parts made from steel or aluminum. These metals can scratch it and create marks that stand out. Deeper scratches can even reach through the surface and into the underlayment, which allows water to get inside your ceiling and home. When you need repairs, make sure the roofer you hire has access to the same metal your roof is composed of and that the professionals assigned are experienced in performing metal roof repairs.
Arrange for an Inspection
Many homeowners who live in and around Pensacola only pay for a roof inspection after a storm, but hurricanes aren’t the only things that can cause structural damage. Here are some other factors that can affect the metal:
- High humidity
- Long bouts of high temperatures
- Lots of rain
- Hail storms
- Sharp temperature changes
During an inspection, a roofer will climb on top of the building and look for any signs of damage. They will check the tiles, shingles, or panels as well as the fasteners, gutters, and any other visible parts. Your roofer will let you know what they find. This might mean that you need a repair as soon as possible or that you need a new roof. Try to aim for at least one inspection every two years, more often if you have an older metal roof.
Take Care of Leaks Quickly
A leak not only damages your roof, but it can also cause significant damage inside your home. Two of the common causes of roof leaks are corrosion and scratches. With corrosion, any exposure to water, like rain can cause the metal to rust. While the top roofing brands offer materials that are resistant to water damage, you can still develop a problem. This might happen when tree branches scratch the roof and rub off the water-resistant coating.
Once a leak breaks through the roof and into the underlayment, it can damage the drywall in your home and find a way through the ceiling. Before it gets too bad, you might see some dark brown or orange spots in the corners of a room or on the ceiling. The excess water can also cause the ceiling to bow. If you keep ignoring the problem, the leak will eventually cause the ceiling to collapse. Hire a roofer to take care of any leaks as soon as you see them.
Proper maintenance can maximize your roof’s life span and protect your home. At Quality Roofing, we handle inspections, installations, and repairs for any type of roof in the Pensacola area. If you have any questions or concerns about your metal roof, call us today.
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