Do Metal Roofs Require Maintenance?

Can I Pressure Wash a Metal Roof?

Whether your metal roof is on a commercial structure or a house, looking into pressure washing a metal roof yourself can potentially save you time and maintenance costs in the long run. Although APEX Roofing recommends hiring an experienced roofing company to maintain your metal roof, for dedicated do-it-yourselfers, here are a few best practices we have learned over time:

1. Use a pressure washer set on light strength with hot water.

2. Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent or soap in your pressure washer for your roof.

3. Change your cleaning technique based on how your roofing system is laid out. Flat metal roofing with a slight slope is walkable with caution, while metal roofing with a moderate or high slope should be cleaned from a ladder.

4. Hire a professional roofing company to clean your metal roof if you have issues accessing your roofing system or have physical limitations preventing you from maintaining it. 

How is a Metal Roof Maintained?

Maintaining a metal roof is simple, and this makes it attractive for homeowners who are looking to reduce the amount of time or the expenses required to keep their building looking its best. Here are common hazards and dangers to the longevity of your roofing system that you’ll want to remove: 

• algae
• dirt
• mildew
• stains

Cleaning the above regularly, ideally with the help of a professional roof cleaning company, will make sure to extend the lifespan of your roofing system. 

Cleaning Metal Roofing Gutters and Drains

Gutters and drains on a metal roof collect debris, leaves, and sticks, as well as attract small critters and insects. Even birds can make their homes in your gutters if left unchecked. These nuisances clog the gutters, causing water pooling which can facilitate roofing corrosion. Annual cleaning with the help of a local roofing company will prevent this from happening.

Cleaning Metal Roofing Valleys 

When metal roofing “dead spots” and valleys are dirty or cluttered, your metal roofing looks aged and unappealing. Tree branches and leaves left on metal roofing will scratch and stain paint as they decompose, shortening the lifespan of your metal roofing and lowering its aesthetic value. 

How Often Do Metal Roofs Need to be Painted? 

On average, metal roofing should be repainted every ten years or so, but the material brand and type of paint may require more frequent servicing depending on the location of the roof. With each annual inspection, your roofing contractor should advise you if it is time for your metal roofing to be repainted. All metal roofing styles can be repainted, but it’s recommended that at least six months pass in between paintings. 

How Often Should Screws on a Metal Roof be Replaced?

Since metal roofing is exposed to so many temperature fluctuations and other elements throughout the year, it's only natural that its components will change over time. Metal roofing contracts and expands due to heating and cooling, which causes the metal panels to shift. This results in the screw holes stretching and the screws coming loose or popping out. Annual inspections by professional roofing contractors nearby like APEX will find any loose or missing screws. An experienced roofing company will know when it's time to replace the metal screws on your roofing system. Generally, they will last a minimum of 10 years before needing more detailed attention.

How to Prevent a Metal Roof from Leaking

The best way to fix a leak is to stop it before it happens. However, if you are metal roofing system is leaking already, here are some of the best practices to quickly remedy the situation:

• Locate the leaks; typically, they’re near puncture holes or seams.
• Remove any loose screws with a nail bar and replace them or any that are missing.
• Seal the gaps and remove the old caulk and clean areas where gaps are found, and then apply a single layer of metal roofing base coat. Next, apply a glass-membrane fabric in preparation for the next step.
• Once all the screws needing replacement are in place and you have located all the loose seams and cleaned the areas, it is time to apply urethane cement to permanently fix your leaking metal roof.

It is recommended that those with minimal professional roofing experience and knowledge utilize a metal roofing contractor nearby to make sure that their roof repairs aren’t making the situation worse. 

The Finest in Local Metal Roofing Maintenance 

To ensure a smoother metal roofing maintenance schedule, call or email APEX Roofing today to learn more about our services or to install a new metal roofing system for your home or building.