Taking Care of Your Metal Roof

Metal roofs are great in every way. Not only do they give your home a unique look, but they also last twice as long as other types of roofing. Unfortunately, metal roofs don’t take care of themselves–they need to be cleaned and maintained just like a standard roof. If you’re considering installing metal roofing, this guide will show you how to take care of your metal roof for years to come.

Avoid Acidic Cleaning Solutions

It is essential to follow specific instructions when using any acidic cleaning solution for aluminium roofing. Contact times should never exceed 10 minutes. Do not apply cleaning solutions directly to the aluminium surface; instead, use a spot cleaner only for difficult stains.

Always follow cleaning solution directions and test a small area before applying it to the entire roof. If the paint on the roof is still under warranty, it is essential to follow the instructions and protect the paint.

Use a solution made from mild laundry detergent or dish soap. You can also use cold or hot commercial/industrial detergent. You should use about 5% detergent solution and apply it to the roof.

Leave the solution on for five to ten minutes before rinsing with plain water. This solution is effective and environmentally friendly. If you’re not sure about the solution, you can buy a pre-mixed solution from a hardware store.

 

Avoid Allowing Dissimilar Metals to Come into Contact

The best way to protect your home’s aluminium roofing from corrosion is to avoid exposing it to copper plumbing or HVAC equipment. These materials have copper salts that can corrode aluminium.

By keeping these metals separated, you can ensure that your roof will last longer. But if you can’t prevent it, you should be aware of some things you should do to avoid damaging your aluminium roof.

You should also avoid using other metals on the roof of your home, including copper and aluminium fasteners. The two metals are incompatible and may cause rust or corrosion. To prevent corrosion, you should use aluminium roofing on your home.

But it would help if you were careful not to use other metals on top of it. Copper fasteners should only be used on copper roofing. Copper and aluminium don’t mix well, and a metal roof made of either of them could be susceptible to galvanic corrosion.

 

Clean the Gutters

Many homeowners neglect their roofs and gutters and put routine maintenance on the back burner. Unfortunately, busy lives often make it challenging to make time to clean gutters, which can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to help you clean your gutters efficiently and safely. You can also use a garden hose to flush out excess debris and check the downspouts for problems. Generally, gutter cleaning should occur twice a year. Spring cleaning and fall cleaning are best.

If you live in a climate with overhanging trees, cleaning your gutters more often may be necessary. Also, clean out your gutters after large storms. Pine tree needles are also known to clog gutters. Fortunately, there are easy ways to keep your gutters free of pine tree leaves and other debris.

You can use a garden hose to flush the gutter. This will help clear any clogs you may have missed during the cleaning process and ensure that the gutter is functioning correctly. Alternatively, you can purchase a hose with a gutter cleaning attachment.

After flushing the gutter, check the downspout as it may need to be adjusted. If it needs to be reattached, you can affix gutter support hangers. A gutter cleaning can be a hazardous process, so use safety equipment, and don’t be afraid to get on a ladder if you’re not used to working at heights. Use a sturdy extension ladder and gloves to protect your arms.

 

Check Sealants after A Storm or Snow Buildup

If you live where heavy snowfalls can damage your roof, it’s essential to check sealants after a storm. While they can be hard to notice, cracks and deterioration can occur over time. The best way to determine if your sealant has failed is to schedule a professional inspection.

Fortunately, most roofs don’t need to be replaced – but they should be inspected periodically after heavy snowfalls. You can determine the durability of sealants by looking at the adhesion of a joint.

Some tests may show that the sealant adheres well to a surface, but other tests can indicate that the sealant isn’t strong enough to withstand harsh conditions. In some cases, the adhesion test can show a sealant’s quality by detecting a 25 per cent failure rate in the adhesive.

The adhesion force you need to check your sealants after a storm or snow buildup is a function of their modulus. For example, a stiffer sealant will require more adhesion, whereas a softer one will require less.

Roofing manufacturers produce sealants for aluminium and other metal roofs in various standard sizes and shapes. While most of these products come in tubes, tape-type formulations are more common.

The differences between the two types can make it challenging to determine which one is best for your application. However, there are certain benefits to using a sealant made for aluminium and other metals.

A rubber seal consists of a rubber-type liquid that forms a protective barrier against rain and sunlight. Unlike silicone-based sealants, rubber sealants are relatively easy to apply with a paint roller.

Additionally, their thin consistency makes them easy to apply to small leaks or cracks. They are also easy to clean and are environmentally friendly.

 

Preventing Rust

There are many tips for preventing rust on aluminium roofing. First of all, you need to understand what rust is. Rusting on metal roofs is caused by the materials’ buildup of moisture and iron. Unlike steel, aluminium does not suffer from this problem.

Steel roofing components are usually coated with zinc oxide, which creates a protective barrier against rust. Although zinc oxide will not last forever, it can be an effective barrier for some rust-prone metals, such as aluminium.

You can use a pressure washer to remove the rust, but it is unnecessary to remove it all. It’s best to apply water pressure to clean the rusty area. This is especially effective for removing the giant flakes of rust. A pressure washer will also help remove mildew and other dirt. Using a pressure washer is another way to remove stubborn rust from your aluminium roof.

 

Clear out Any Trees that Might Destroy the Integrity of Your Roof

Trees near your home should be cut back to prevent their limbs from touching the roof. If a limb falls and scratches the protective finish, it can break off and damage your roof.

Metal roofing should be kept free of bricks, treated lumber, concrete, and other similar materials, as these materials can accelerate the process of galvanic corrosion. A professional roofer can provide more details regarding the maintenance of metal panels.

 

Conclusions

Depending on where you live in Australia, your metal roof could be exposed to some of the harshest conditions. However, with a little care and knowledge, you can prolong its life and keep it looking great. Should you ever be in doubt, contact a roofing professional. Their knowledge and expertise will save you both your time and energy in the end.