Jennifer Jung 
Metal roofing offers multiple advantages, including durable performance with a lifespan of up to 60 years and the ability to withstand high wind speeds during windy seasons. However, despite being a promising roofing material, metal roofs can suffer significant setbacks in extreme weather. To enjoy their full potential, you need to optimize your metal roofing for each season of the year through effective maintenance practices. Below, we’ll examine a few tips on how to maintain a metal roof throughout different seasons for optimal performance.
Maintain Routine Roof Inspections
As a homeowner, you should maintain routine roof inspection at least monthly to catch any potential problems your roof may be hiding or developing. These frequent inspections don’t have to be done by a professional roofer. You can simply walk around your home and inspect the roof from the ground, checking for any signs of deterioration or damage.
In instances where you suspect there has been significant damage after a storm or extreme weather occurrence, you can climb up safely to check for visible damage. You can call in professional roofing contractors to conduct in-depth inspections periodically or when you suspect your roof has sustained a more significant impact. Successful routine inspections can take about 15 minutes to complete, and you can generally check for the following issues:
- Loose panels
- Corrosion or rust
- Loose hardware
- Large debris
- Signs of animal nests
Trim Trees and Branches
Metal roofs can face numerous challenges from low-hanging tree branches if these branches are not properly maintained or managed. For instance, these branches can drop leaves onto the roof, which can clog the gutters and cause water to accumulate on the roof. Additionally, dead branches can also fall off and damage the roof, compromising its structural integrity, leading to costly repairs.
You can trim the trees yourself using sharp, clean tools while wearing protective gear, such as eye protection and gloves. Focus on the dead, damaged, diseased branches first before trimming low-hanging ones that might cause problems during a storm. If this seems like too much or risky work to face alone, you can hire professional providers of safe tree trimming in your area. Only don’t let the tree hang too close to your roof for far too long before finding a relevant solution.
Clean Your Roof
Keeping your metal roof clean helps protect it from the buildup of algae, dirt, and moss, which can cause discoloration or rust over time. Since rust is a metal roof’s worst enemy, you don’t want to let anything encouraging its buildup to linger on your roof. Cleaning your roof also helps maintain its overall curb appeal, which can come in handy when it’s time to list your home for sale.
If you’re doing the cleaning yourself, remember to use a gentle approach to avoid damaging the roof surface. Use a sponge, soft brush, or cloth to scrub away dirt and debris without harming the metal surface. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can strip away the protective coatings and harm the metals. You can make a mixture of water and a mild biodegradable cleaner to achieve a safer cleaning solution for your roof.
Attend to Repairs Promptly
Ignoring a repair on your metal roof for far too long can lead to more significant, costly challenges that could have been easily avoided. While metal roofs are strong, they can be easily affected by the spreading damage sustained in a small area of the shingles. Some common metal roofing repairs you should attend to quickly are:
- Missing or loose shingles or hardware: If shingles or fasteners are loose, rusty, or missing, consider replacing them as soon as you notice the problem.
- Leaks: If water starts seeping through your roof, it’s crucial that you seal the loophole faster to prevent further water damage.
- Dents: Metal roofing rarely sustains dents, so if they do, you should act swiftly to protect underlying materials and structure from damage.
Taking intentional care of your metal roof will ensure it performs its best throughout the year, regardless of the season. By implementing these tips, you can have the peace of mind knowing your roof will be there for you through different weather challenges.
