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Metal roofing is an attractive option because of its durability, longevity, and energy efficiency. Metal roofing is again an environmentally friendly product; Hence, it is 100% recyclable material.  Metal roofing includes the application of tin, zinc, and galvanised or copper.

A metal roof will occasionally require repair works because of storm damage, rust, and thermal contraction of expansion of the metal. Poor installation and aging of the metal roof may also be a factor in metal roof failure.

Maintaining your metal roof.

1.      Inspect your metal roof: Depending on the metal roof you have, inspect your roof on a scheduled regular basis either yearly or 6 monthly. It is advisable to pay closer attention to rust and around the end and side laps, transitions, penetrations and seams, and sealant. Also, check for worn-out or rusted washer areas or loose fasteners areas.

2.      Cleaning your metal roof: A roof is an investment to your property especially when you have paid a relatively large sum of money for metal roof installation. Maintaining a clean roof will improve the overall aesthetics of a metal roof and prolong the life of the metal roof.

3.      Avoid walking on your roof: Metal roofs are thinner compared to other roofing materials. Thus, walking and standing on the thinner metal roof sheet is prone to get punctured or bent.  Also, the build-up of foot traffic easily causes water ponding and low spots on the near eave and at panel end laps, which will again encourage roof leaks. It is advisable only to let an experienced contractor onto your roof understand all components of a metal roof.

4.      Clean debris from the roof: Do not allow the build of leaves or other debris on your roof. Not only does it affect the overall beauty of your roof, but the build-up of rotten debris will keep water, stain and damage the metal roof. All such a build-up will decay your metal roof that will eventually result in a roof leak. Whilst cleaning your metal roof be gentle, use blower or broom to sweep away the debris.

5.      Cleaning gutters: when gutters do not drain properly, they clog up causing major damage to fascia and other roof systems. During every scheduled roof inspection, get your gutters checked and cleaned as well by an experienced contractor.

6.      Use of unsuitable metals on the roof: Some metals react when they come in contact with each other because they share different metal properties. Therefore, as a roof installer, it is paramount to understand metal roof materials before putting on the roof so other roof metals do not react with each other. The use of dissimilar metals on the roof without understanding material components will cause roof corrosion.

7. Repair loose fasteners and holes on the roof: The metal roof is most commonly fastened together, bonded or sealed depending on contractors method of metal roof installation. Any presence of a gap between the metal roof sheets where they meet will allow water to enter through the gap in the metal roof. A metal roof is vulnerable to thermal contraction and expansion with temperature fluctuations, in turn, causing roofing screws/washers to lose and create spaces between the metal roof sheets.

Also read: Unskilled Handyman Roofers and Award Winning Claim within the Roofing Sector

Helpful Note:  Products that should not be used on metal roofs

• Paint thinners
• paint removers
• water pressure
• sandpapers
• steel wool

Contact Architectural Leadwork on 02 9550 0498 for property inspection today and to get more information on your metal roof.