Metal roof is an excellent investment for every Australian house. It’s long-lasting, durable, and designed to withstand our harsh weather. But even the most robust roof will benefit from a bit of TLC to look its absolute best and stand for decades. Regular maintenance can prevent minor issues to spiral into costly repairs. Try these easy DIY measures to help you keep your metal roof happy and protect your home.
How to Safely Clean a Roof
A healthy roof is a clean roof. Over a period of time, dirt, pollen, etc. can build up and retain moisture that can lead to corrosion. To maintain your roof in good condition, a good annual to biannual clean is enough.
For an easy and effective cleaner, combine a quarter cup of soft household detergent with approximately four litres of water. Don’t use caustic chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or wire brushes to scrub your roof because they can scratch off the protective finish and make things worse. To finish the job, a soft brush or a sponge is sufficient. When you’re good to go, softly scrub off the area in panels and then rinse off with good water from a garden hose. Always start from the top to ensure dirt is not being rinsed down onto cleaned panels.
Before Damage Even Becomes a Problem
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a roof. Simple precautionary steps can avoid a lot of hassle down the road.
Cut Overhanging Limbs
Trees near your house can provide good shading, but branches that overhang pose a threat. Branches detaching themselves in a storm can dent or puncture your roof. They also drop their leaves and branches that become entrapped with your gutters and hold water against the face of a roof. Prune any branches that are contacting or overhanging your roof periodically to minimise such threats.
Clear Debris Regularly
Leaves, branches, and other debris can collect within your gutters as well as on the roof itself. It causes water to be trapped where it can be a contributor to accelerate corrosion as well as make water flow back behind the roof sheets. Adopt a routine to have your gutters cleaned out and sweep off any debris off your roof, particularly after poor weather or autumn when your trees drop their leaves.
Mend Small Problems
Early detection of minor problems is one good step to contribute to the longevity of your metal roof. Regular inspection from professionals such as ELR Roofing will allow you to recognise minor issues early enough to prevent huge problems.
Patch Small Rust Spots
When you notice even slight specks of rust, take care to treat them early. Sand lightly where you notice rust to eliminate it completely, then wipe off. Treat rust with a metal primer, then a topcoat with a touch-up paint to match your roof’s colour. It will seal off the area so that the rust will never spread.
Seal Small Leaks
Most slight leaks can be repaired with a touch of roofing sealant. In most cases, where you discover a loose screw or a slight crack in a seam, a high-end metal roofing sealant should be applied to the spot. Be sure to prepare the area to be dry and clean prior to application to achieve a durable, waterproof seal.
Know When to Call a Professional
While these DIY instructions are ideal for everyday maintenance, you should be aware if an issue is too large or too hazardous to take care of yourself. For extensive repairs, rusting, or leaking, it’s best to call for a professional roofer. They have the knowledge and protective gear to take care of troublesome problems and get your roof adequately repaired.
Guard Your Capital
With these easy maintenance steps, you will be able to greatly increase the lifespan of your metal roof and be assured that it will safeguard your home for years to come. A few minutes of work now can avoid a huge sum of money and hassles later.