Did You Choose A Metal Roof? 4 Tips To Keep It In Good Shape
Posted on: 16 May 2016
A metal roof is beautiful and is a good investment, as this type of roof can last up to 80 years. To ensure your new metal roof lasts this long, you have to take care of it properly. Before you do anything, you need to know what type of metal was used for your roof. It could be copper, tin, aluminum, or steel. The type of metal you have determines the way you take care of it. If you have questions, you can call your roofing contractor to make sure the things below will not damage your roof. Once you find this information, follow these four tips to keep your roof in good condition.
Keep it Clean
Debris will get on your metal roof, such as leaves, sticks, and even small tree branches. Once these things collect on your roof, they can hold water. When this happens, your roof will start to rust. Even if you have a coating on your roof, these things can scratch the coating and then rust in these uncoated areas. You can use a power washer to clean debris off your roof, or you can use a brush. Keep an eye on your roof so you can get the debris off before it has time to do any damage.
Check the Roof Coating
Your metal roof likely has a roof coating on it. This coating is important as it helps to reflect heat, which keeps your home cooler. It also protects your roof from rusting. Hire a contractor to inspect your roof coating and reapply it, if needed. The roofing contractor will know the type of coating that should be put on the roof.
Clean the Gutters
Water drains from your roof into the gutters and away from your home. If your gutters are clogged, water will back up. When this happens, the metal panels stay wet, which can cause rust. You should also make sure your gutters are in good condition and there are no loose or bent sections. If so, you should replace them.
Check the Fastener Gaskets
If you have any missing fastener gaskets, they leave a hole. If this happens, water will get under the metal panels and rust will develop on the panels. It can also cause the wood ceiling rafters to rot if they become wet. Check the gaskets periodically to make sure they are not loose. If so, they need to be tightened immediately. If you notice any nails missing or have backed out of the roof, hammer them back down.
You need to be aware of how much you walk on your roof. This is because if you walk on a metal roof too much, it can damage it. Contact a business, such as Stetson Painting, for more information.
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