Even a durable metal roof needs routine cleaning and maintenance. When a metal roof is regularly maintained, you can prolong its life and ensure its optimal performance. We recommend a thorough roof inspection twice a year – once in late spring, and once during the fall.
Before the cold winter months kick in, take some time to tackle some roof maintenance tasks. So, we’ve gathered our best tips and tricks for metal roof maintenance this fall season.
Inspect the Metal Roof
Metal roof inspections are necessary to ensure that everything is working properly. Even if you think your roof is the most durable in the neighborhood, there’s no way to know for sure that it’s damage-free. A professional metal roofer can spot issues that you might not be aware of. Roof flashings, metal panels, and screws should be checked for signs of damage. Make sure to take note of common metal roof problems like corrosion, scuffing, and leaking.
It’s always a good idea to perform a roof inspection in the fall season before the extreme cold weather arrives. Check for signs of loose parts, wear and tear, or potential structural damage. By doing regular roof inspections, you can detect the problems and fix them as soon as you can. Fall is the best season for metal roof repairs. It’s better for you to address the roof issues now than to wait until the middle of the winter.
Have the Gutters Cleaned
When leaves fall from trees, there are high chances they end up in your gutters. They might clog your gutters and downspouts, causing water to overflow. Clogged gutters are bad news for the roof. When left unaddressed, they will lead to ice dams, mold problems, and potential water damage.
The best way to prepare for winter is to clean your gutter system in the fall season. It’s recommended to clear all the debris and foliage that would invade the gutters throughout the fall.
Clear Off the Debris
Aside from the gutters, it’s important to clear off debris on the roof surface itself. Leaves, branches, and gunk on the roof may begin to rot. The debris buildup may cause mold that can cause green and black streaks on the roof. If you see any mold growth, make sure to kill it with a bleach and water solution.
An annual fall cleaning can help keep your metal roof looking great and functioning well. Regularly cleaning your roof is recommended especially if the property is surrounded by trees. This way, you can prevent all those debris from making a terrible mess out of your metal roof and gutters.
Trim Tree Branches
If branches are growing too close to the roofline, trim them back. That’s because the branches might scrape against the surface over time. To prevent this from happening, it’s advisable to cut back branches during the fall and before winter hits. Branches could break and snap during a winter storm, which might cause damage to your metal roof.
Ideally, the tip of the branch should be at least 6-10 feet away from the roof. This ensures that no part of a tree could touch your home.
Call in the Professionals
Working on metal roofs is a hazardous activity due to fall accidents. Not everyone is trained to do some roof work. Proper precautions are needed to mitigate these falling hazards. If you’re not familiar with working at heights, refrain from inspecting your metal roof yourself.
It’s better to leave the roof work to the professionals. The fall season is the time to hire a roofer. In your roof inspection, the roofing team will point out any areas that need to be repaired before the winter storm season blows. They are properly trained to work safely at heights throughout the entire process. Moreover, most professional roofers are insured so that you won’t be held liable if an injury occurs.
Work With Our Metal Roofing Experts
If you’re concerned about your metal roof’s maintenance, count on none other than Pittsburgh Metal Roofing. Our entire team stands ready to provide metal roof installation and repair services. You can trust that our roofers are trained and highly experienced in all aspects of roof work.
To schedule an appointment, feel free to contact us today! We’re happy to answer any questions about your metal roof.