Your metal roof can be an incredible asset to your home’s design, but like any other part of your home, it requires continuous care and inspection to keep it working at its best.
Check out these metal roof maintenance tips from the expert technicians at Nelson Contracting in Lincoln, NE. If you still need help or have any questions for us, please reach out today at (402) 464-2418, and we will be happy to walk you through the process!
Metal Roof Maintenance Is Very Important
No matter what type of metal roof you have, regular maintenance preserves its integrity and protects your home’s value. Even if you do not see any immediate problems, you should have a maintenance plan in place ahead of time.
Prevent Problems
It is always much easier to prevent damage than to repair it! Regular metal roof maintenance helps you catch minor problems, like cracks, early and mitigate future concerns, such as drooping tree branches. Regular inspections and maintenance help you find these issues before they have the chance to grow and cause even greater damage.
Improve Your Roof’s Lifespan
Regular maintenance ensures that your metal roof remains structurally sound over the years. By replacing damaged panels, repairing loose sealants, and clearing unwanted debris, you preserve your roof’s integrity, which helps it perform at its best for as long as possible.
Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
A well-maintained metal roof not only works better, but it looks better too. Your roof stays clear, clean, and intact, elevating the overall look of your home.
What Kind of Maintenance Does a Metal Roof Need?
You may be wondering: what does this regular maintenance actually look like in real life? Below, we have included the basics of how to maintain a metal roof.
Clean Stains and Debris
Surface-level maintenance doesn’t require a contractor but keeping your metal roof looking its best is still important. We suggest conducting this surface-level maintenance at least once a year.
You should clear any dirt, mildew, dead leaves, branches, and other debris off the surface of your metal roof to keep it clean and functional.
You should also look for any metal-to-metal contact (for example, a loose wire or copper pipe). Metal-to-metal contact leads to corrosion and damage over time for your panels, so you want to catch this early as possible.
Clear Gutters and Drains
You should clear your gutters and drains regularly to ensure that they are not holding moisture that can lead to water damage. They are often clogged by leaves, twigs, and other debris. Any water accumulation can corrode your metal panels at an accelerated rate. This is a relatively easy—yet extremely important—step of your maintenance plan.
Inspect for Surface Damage
As you are removing stains and clearing debris from your roof, be sure to keep an eye out for any surface damage. These may include:
- Cracks
- Chips
- Dents
- Scratches
- Flaking
- Excessive fading
These can happen to any roof and are not always a major cause for concern. However, you should maintain regular touch-ups on these “small” defects to ensure they won’t worsen during the next storm.
Some of these you may even be able to do yourself via a touch-up pen. Still, if you suspect the damage is actually from installer error, a professional can help you correct this properly.
Inspect Structural Elements
Your metal roof structure can weaken over time without proper maintenance. These inspections are best done by a professional to ensure that they cover and address all problem points, especially if the issues require specialized equipment.
These inspections should occur about once every two years. Your contractor will inspect the key elements of your roof structure, including:
- Fasteners, rivets, and screws
- Loose panels and seams
- Unsecured flashing
- Sealant integrity
- Penetration points
- Any punctures or vulnerable panels
Your maintenance plan helps protect your home while ensuring that your roof stays as polished and functional as ever. If you are overdue for metal roof maintenance, contact our team at Nelson Contracting for a consultation. We have served Lincoln, NE, for over 25 years and would love to help with your next roofing project. Call us at (402) 464-2418 for your free estimate today!
