A metal roof is a sound, long-term financial investment for your property. High winds, hail storms, and other elements can take a serious toll on the appearance of many roofs. Some materials are more durable against weathering than others, but metal is perhaps one of the most notable for its ability to maintain its structural integrity despite harsh conditions. The lifespan of a metal roof can range anywhere from 25 to 50 years or more, depending on what sort of metal it is made out of.
According to commercial roofing Sydney owner Kevin King, one element that will affect the durability of your metal roof is how well it is cared for. Should these maintenance tasks be neglected, they can cause serious damage to your home and cost you quite a bit of money in repairs down the road.
If you intend to increase the life expectancy of your metal roof, use the following tips to maintain it properly.
1) Make sure you clean off any dirt or other particles before you clean your metal roof. An effective way to prevent rust is to use a mild soap and water mixture. This will also help remove dirt and grime as well as any moss that has formed on the surface of it.
2) Be careful when pressure washing your roof. The wrong kind of pressure can cause damage or warp panels. This should only be done by professionals unless you feel confident in your abilities. If this happens, make sure you take care not to stand too close and do not apply too much pressure at once. Also, keep an eye out for loose nails/fasteners which may result from being blasted by the power washer.
3) You must seal any exposed nails from the outside of your roof. It is possible to use a metal-friendly silicon product, which will help prevent rust and protect the sealant around these nails.
4)Â If you have just had some work done on your home, let it dry out fully before you clean the roof or else water might reach areas that have been fixed and cause further damage. When it is dry, give it one last sweep with a broom.
5) If you want to add an extra layer of protection for your metal roof, consider using a primer first before painting it with oil-based paint. This will help ensure that any rain or moisture will not seep in and cause rusting or decay.
6) If you do not want to invest in a new metal roof, consider primer wikiaving your current one power-coated. This will not only protect it from rust and corrosion, but will also increase its lifespan even further by sealing the surface of the metal.
7) Make sure that you are taking measures to enhance the durability of your metal roof and prolong its use. Communicate with your neighbours and any local authorities who might be responsible for its upkeep. This is especially important if you live within an HOA community as some restrictions may limit what you can do with it.
8) Always keep on top of repairs as soon as they happen to avoid any bigger problems later on such as dents or leaks which can cause great damage.
9) It is a good idea to regularly prevent dirt and leaves from accumulating at the edges of your roof, as this will help keep water away from any areas where rust might occur. For metal roofs, moss growth is also a factor that can contribute to rust, so make sure you clear off all moss on your roof (especially shaded areas). Moss can be removed with either sandpaper or bleach depending on what kind of metal you currently have installed.
If you are not sure whether or not you are doing more harm than good while cleaning your metal roof, double-check that you are using the right cleaning products for it. Contact an expert if this is necessary. Always take care when working around its edges so as not to slip, as there is nothing worse than injuring yourself when working on your roof.
