Safeguard your roof

By Central States Manufacturing. 

Expert tips to maintain and prolong the life of your metal roof. 

A metal roof is one of the best investments you can make for your home — offering unmatched durability, energy efficiency and visual appeal. But like any major asset, it requires a bit of care to ensure it continues performing at its best. Taking the right maintenance steps today will safeguard your investment and help you avoid costly repairs down the line. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your metal roof in top shape from us here at Central States Manufacturing. 

Regular inspections 

Perform a regular inspection twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. Look for signs of damage such as dents, scratches or loose screws or panels. Addressing these issues promptly prevents further damage and maintains your roof’s integrity. If damage has occurred, be sure to consult with a professional metal roofing contractor to determine the next best steps to take. 

Clear debris 

Remove leaves, branches and any other debris that accumulates on your roof. Debris can trap moisture and cause corrosion, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall or humidity. Use a soft-bristle broom or leaf blower to gently clear off debris. Pay special attention to valleys, sidewalls and other “bends” in the roof where debris may cause the most damage. Larger debris should be removed immediately 

Clean gutters and downspouts 

Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water backup on any roof structure, which can damage your roof, underlayment and more. Regularly clean out debris from gutters and ensure downspouts are clear to allow proper drainage. This is especially important if you live in an area with many trees that lose their leaves in the fall and seeds in the spring. 

Trim overhanging branches 

Overhanging branches can cause multiple issues to your roof structure. First, a fallen limb could damage the roof excessively in which case panels or entire sections of roof may need to be replaced. Secondly, tree limbs that sway in windy conditions can scratch the surface of your roof and cause unsightly damage or even ruin the coating on the metal panels causing potential rust or uneven paint fading. Third, a tree that drops leaves, seeds or sap, over your home can cause similar issues to the paint and coating layers on the metal roof. To prevent this, trim back branches that come into contact with your roof or hang over your roof to prevent damage to the metal finish. Depending on your roof height and pitch and the size of the tree, please consider reaching out to a professional to ensure your safety. 

Check for rust or corrosion 

While Central States metal roofing is very resistant to rust (see CentralGuard page for details), it’s important to check for any signs of corrosion, especially around fasteners, bends in the metal and seams. If you notice rust spots, use a wire brush to remove the rust, then apply a primer and paint specifically formulated for metal roofs to prevent further corrosion. If you need touch-up paint, please contact your Central States representative for our color selections in touch-up bottles/pens. 

Maintain proper insulation and ventilation 

Proper underlayment, insulation and ventilation help regulate temperature and moisture levels in your attic space, which can affect the longevity of your metal roof. Check the attic space for any signs of insulation falling, wet insulation (could be a sign of a leak somewhere) or anything else that would cause concern. Be sure to enter your attic safely (through an attic ladder or stairs) and be mindful that attic temperatures can vary drastically in hot and cold climates. Additionally, check roof vents to ensure they are clear of debris and obstructions. If you are not sure what to look for, you should consider hiring a contractor to inspect the attic space and vents at least once per year. 

Snow and ice removal 

If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall, ensure your roof is equipped to handle the weight of snow and ice buildup. Some roofs are designed and built with snow guards and you should understand how they work and what to look for as prevention of any issues. If safe to do so, from the ground, you might consider using a roof rake with a long handle to safely remove excess snow, but please avoid using sharp tools that could damage the roof surface. In general, metal roofs with a good pitch and design allow the snow to fall off naturally – it’s best to speak to the contractor when they quote or install your metal roof to evaluate any potential steps you may need to take during winter weather. 

Repairing damage or loose panels and trim 

Very rarely, but in some climates (tornado zones, heavy snowfall areas, etc.), you may notice some panels and trim become damaged or loosen over time. If you see that a seam is broken between panels or connections, we recommend you call a metal roof contractor to check for damage and determine if repair is possible or replacement is necessary. If the loose panel is caused by a screw that has backed out, the screw should be removed completely and replaced. Please be sure to use screws intended for metal panel/roofing. These screws are tightened to a specific pressure (as they have a seal on the head of the screw that can’t be crushed when tightening) – as noted before, we always recommend contacting a professional contractor to perform roof repairs. 

Professional inspections and maintenance 

Every few years, consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance check. They can identify any potential issues early and perform tasks such as re-sealing seams or replacing damaged panels. A well designed and installed metal roof from Central States would likely never need to be re-sealed. Consider reviewing the FAQ section on our website for more details on installation processes. 

Safety considerations 

Walking on the roof 

While metal roofs are durable, walking on them can still cause damage, especially if not done correctly. If you need to access the roof for any reason, we recommend you contact a roofing contractor who understands proper fall prevention and how to walk on a metal roof without damaging it. Anyone walking on the roof should use a properly secured ladder and walk only on the flat portions of the panels to ensure they do not bend the ribs or the trim (valleys, ridge cap, etc.). Be sure to wear rubber-soled shoes with a good tread pattern and keep a low center of gravity to balance yourself. If your roof is a high slope (steep roof), we strongly recommend only having a metal roof contractor attempt to walk on the roof while using appropriate fall protection. 

Protective gear 

In addition to fall protection, anyone working with metal roofs should consider using other PPE (personal protective equipment) like gloves and safety glasses, especially if performing any fixes on the roof, clearing debris or removing / installing screws/panels/trim as needed. 

Weather and roof structure 

Consider current and recent weather conditions to ensure no one is attempting to walk on a wet or slippery metal roof. Close attention should be paid to look for any dips or damage in the structure that could break when applying weight. 

A final word 

By following these maintenance and care tips, you’ll help preserve the beauty and functionality of your metal roof for many years. Metal roofing typically requires less maintenance than many other roofing materials, but proper maintenance is still vitally important. Remember, a well-maintained roof not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also provides peace of mind knowing your investment is protected against the elements for many more years of use. As noted, many times in this article, we strongly encourage property owners to consult a professional metal roofing contractor to perform needed inspections, maintenance and repairs to the roof for the safety of everyone involved and the protection of your roofing investment. 

With more than 35 years in business, Central States has strong relationships with many experienced metal roofing contractors. Need help connecting with a professional contractor in your area? Send us a message using the contact us form and mention you would like to find a professional contractor in your area and we can put you in touch with someone who can help. 

Original article and photo source: Central State Manufacturing