Maintaining metal roofing

By Sheffield Metals International. 

Proper care and routine inspections can maximize the lifespan of your metal roofing system.  

Editor’s note: Share this informative article about metal roofing with customers interested in learning how to care for their roofs.  

Metal roofs offer home and business owners an impressive level of durability against harsh climates and weather conditions. It’s important to regularly maintain your metal roof to make sure all facets of the system are functioning at full capacity.  

How often you clean a metal roof will depend on unique factors, including the region you live in and the design of your roof.  

Sheffield Metals International is an industry-leading metal roofing supplier that provides metal coils, sheets and accessories to contractors and fabricators. With over two decades in business and six branches spread out across the United States, we understand the ins and outs of metal roofing and what it takes to produce a product that lasts.   

In this article, we’ll look at the different factors affecting how often you clean a metal roof and how to know when it is time to clean.   

Schedule regular inspections  

One of the best ways to determine whether you need to clean your metal roof is to inspect it. Looking at your roof from a distance may enable you to see any large debris such as branches or leaves, but a professional inspection will provide more clarity.   

Metal roofs can be tricky to navigate, especially those with steeper slopes, so it’s best to enlist a professional inspection company to do it for you. Reliable inspection companies can typically be provided by the contractor you work with to install your roof.   

Inspectors will be able to look for common surface-level problems on the roof, such as standing water, mildew, or scratches. These inspections can also unearth any structural issues of the roof, such as loose fasteners or damaged flashing, which is essential to catch before it causes further issues on your metal roof.   

You’ll find varying answers for how often to have a metal roof inspected — many recommend twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This too will be dictated by other factors, such as the region you live in and whether your area receives snow or extreme weather.     

Keep regional weather in mind 

Metal roofs in milder climates may not need to be cleaned as often as those in coastal areas which can receive extreme weather like hurricanes. Still, every region has its unique characteristics that could make annual or bi-annual cleanings needed.   

Be aware of severe weather such as heavy rains, winds and excessive snowfall. Storms can down branches, sticks and leaves, which can accumulate and cause problems for your roof.   

After an extreme weather event, it’s a good idea to get an inspection and have your roof cleaned if needed to prevent any potential issues. Your specific location is crucial, too — if your home or building is located near or underneath trees, it may make your roof more prone to debris accumulation.   

Also, speak with your contractor and check your warranty for guidance on how to often to clean your metal roof. Some warranties, particularly coastal warranties, may require metal roofs to be sprayed with freshwater twice a year to deter saltwater corrosion and keep your warranty valid.   

Understand your roofing design   

The design of a metal roof — especially the slope — can also impact how often you’ll need to clean a metal roof. Flatter roofs with a lower slope will likely hold more debris and can collect standing water easier, so consider scheduling regular inspections and cleanings for these types of designs.   

The color you choose may also play a role. A white metal roof, for example, will show more imperfections like dirt and marks than a black roof, so it may demand more care to retain its appearance.   

Often, some simple touch-ups with a paint pen can restore a metal roof to its original look. Premium paint systems like PVDF will also help defend your roof and keep it looking new.   

Note additions added to your home 

Any new additions added to your home or building that interferes with your metal roof could also be cause for a fresh cleaning. Metal roofing is a specialty type of roofing, after all, and it needs the right care to remain untarnished.   

Other trades working on your home could have unexpected effects on your metal roof, such as scratches, scuffing or more serious issues like galvanic reaction, which occurs when dissimilar metals come into contact and create corrosion.   

Materials such as copper, brick, concrete and certain types of lumber that encounter galvalume or aluminum and water can cause potential problems, so be sure you’re confirming materials with your installer beforehand and consulting a professional metal roofing contractor before any additions are made to the roof or siding.   

Consult with a metal roofing contractor  

How often you clean your metal roof will come down to your unique situation or your particular warranty requirements, including the region you live in, the design of your roof and any problems that are found during an inspection.   

It’s best to rely on the judgment of a professional metal roofing expert or the manufacturer of the materials who understands the materials. With proper maintenance, you can remain confident in the longevity of your metal roof and retain its functional stability.  

Looking for expert advice on metal roofing maintenance?   

With metal roofing becoming increasingly popular, there’s more information than ever telling you how to care for metal roofs and best practices for maintenance. It can be challenging to navigate this advice and figure out the best approach. Speaking with a knowledgeable metal roofing expert can be very helpful in alleviating your fears and coming to a reasonable solution.   

Original article and image source: Sheffield Metals