You've got yourself a shiny new metal roof for your home. Whether you had a metal roof contractor install a metal shake, standing seam, corrugated, or another type of metal roofing, you've made a good choice. Metal roofs are extremely durable and long-lasting when properly maintained. However, it's important to not simply assume your roof requires no care at all. You still need to keep an eye on it and provide occasional service to keep it in top condition for decades to come. Read on to learn all about keeping your metal roof humming along.

Inspecting Your Metal Roof

The number one most important service for your metal roof is regular inspection. You should visually examine your roof a few times a year. If you experience any particularly extreme weather such as huge storms, heavy snow, strong wind gusts from a hurricane in the area, or a major heatwave, you'll also want to check for damage after those events as well. During your inspection, look carefully over every inch of the roof for any missing, loose, or damaged fasteners or connection points, bent metal panels, evidence of water leaking like dampness or staining, debris that could lead to clogs or rust, and any other abnormalities. If you spot an issue, call your local metal roof contractor right away to assess and remedy it before further damage or leaks occur.

Cleaning Your Metal Roof

In addition to inspection, regular cleaning is important for metal roof maintenance. While metal itself does not support mold, mildew, or moss growth, particles that collect on the roof from trees and other environmental factors provide material for those unsightly growths to thrive. Not only are they unpleasant to look at, but they can eat away at a protective finish and even damage panels if left for too long. Our experts recommend you clean your metal roof two times per year to prevent buildup. Carefully sweep or vacuum away debris like leaves and pine needles. Then wash off any lingering dirt and grime with water and a mild detergent, scrubbing gently with a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals or rough scrubbing which could scratch the finish. Finally, thoroughly rinse all soap residue. Windex attached to a hose makes rinsing metal roofs easy.

Replacing Gaskets, Sealants, and More

Metal itself is incredibly long-lasting, but other elements of your roof still wear out eventually. Replacing old gaskets, flashing, and sealants is an important part of metal roof maintenance. These parts tend to degrade faster than the actual metal due to weather and exposure. As you do your biannual inspection, check these roofing components closely for any gaps, cracks, rust, and similar damage. Schedule to have your metal roof contractor replace any questionable items to ensure your roof stays perfectly protected against water intrusion, one of the biggest threats to your home. Preventative replacement provides an extra buffer against leaks. The older your roof gets, the more crucial swapping these parts out becomes.

Restoring Your Metal Roof's Finish

What originally drew your eye to the beautiful new metal roofing was most likely its glossy, vibrant finish. But years of harsh UV rays, pollution, acid rain, and more take their toll on that coating. That pristine sheen fades to a duller, almost chalky appearance that just doesn't look as nice. You might notice some visible corrosion starting as well. Restore that brand-new metal roof by reapplying finish sealant. Our team recommends tackling this project just once a decade, depending on your environmental conditions and personal preference. Clean the entire roof first to remove as much existing deterioration as possible, so the new sealer adheres properly. Then carefully apply the product following all manufacturer's instructions. Choose a sealant specifically formulated for metal surfaces for best performance and longevity. Restoring your metal roof's finish protects it plus makes your home gorgeous again.

Calling a Professional

According to The Spruce, over the last few years, the market share for metal roofing has been increasing at about 3% yearly. Currently, about 15% of all roofing installations use metal roofing materials. If you've made the leap to metal, let a metal roof contractor care for your roof. They know exactly what potential problems or damage to look for that you might overlook.

We strongly advise you have a roofing pro come check things over at least once every few years or so for their valuable input, even if you handle basic cleaning yourself. They can also access tricky parts of the roof more safely than a typical homeowner attempting to traverse steep pitches and heights themselves. If your roof needs to be serviced, let us handle it for you. Schedule an appointment with Peak Construction Roofing today.