Blog Post

Tips for Metal Roof Maintenance

  • By Admin
  • •
  • 12 Feb, 2021
  • •
Metal Roofs — Nashville, TN — ABCO Roofing

Metal roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and relatively lightweight, which minimizes structural damage. Like other roofing material, however, you will only enjoy the benefits of your metal roof if you take good care of it. Fortunately, caring for a metal roof is relatively simple. Below are the major maintenance measures to take.

Trim Trees Around the House

Tree branches around the house can damage the roof. The branches can rub against the metal and erode the finish. The erosion will expose the metal to weather elements, such as moisture, which increases corrosion risk. Tree branches can also break and puncture the roof, especially during storms.

Trim the trees regularly so that they are always a safe distance from the roof. Cut down dangerous trees or tree branches, such as dry or leaning trees, before they fall on the roof.

Keep the Roof Clean

All roofs need to be clean, but debris has different effects on different roofing materials. For metal roofs, accumulated debris can trap moisture and encourage corrosion. The risk is especially high in old roofs or roofs with damaged finishing. Some of the debris, such as tree twigs, can also scratch the metal surface and damage the paint or finishing.

Clean the roof regularly to prevent such damages. The frequency of cleaning depends on the level of debris in your area. For example, frequent cleaning is necessary if you have many trees in the neighborhood that deposit leaves on the roof.

Minimize Foot Traffic

The profiles of metals used for roofing is relatively thin. A metal roof can deform if you subject it to excessive weight, such as by walking on it. For example, walking on the roof can create dents that can allow water to pool and damage the roof. Friction from foot traffic can also damage the finishing.

Minimize foot traffic on your metal roof to avoid such damages. If you have to walk on the roof, such as for repairs or inspections:

  • Wear soft-soled shoes to minimize friction
  • Walk close to the decking
  • Avoid the ribs or laps

Note that infrequent walks on the roof are acceptable — only frequent foot traffic should worry you.

Avoid Repairs With Dissimilar Metal

Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals touch, especially in the presence of moisture. The corrosion occurs when one metal loses some of its irons to the other.

Galvanic corrosion can weaken your roof and lead to damage. Therefore, don't let dissimilar metals touch on your metal roof. For example, if you want to replace the flashing or install something on the roof, ensure it is of the same metal as the roof or use a nonmetallic buffer between them.

Watch Out for Paint Overspray

Paint overspray can cause cosmetic damage to your roof. Ensure paint doesn't spread to the roof — especially when painting parts of the house that are close to the roof, such as the eaves. A practical precaution is to use rollers or brushes when painting close to the roof. The two techniques are less dangerous compared to sprayers.

Regularly Inspect the Roof

Your metal roof can still suffer damage despite your best precautions. Inspect your roof regularly to spot emerging problems before they worsen. Watch out for:

  • Corrosion
  • Dents
  • Deep scratches
  • Loose or missing fasteners
  • Metal holes or tears

Most roofs can benefit from semi-annual inspections. Get professional repairs for any problems the inspections might reveal.

Maintenance will prolong your metal roof's lifespan, but you will eventually have to replace it. When that time comes, choose an experienced, skilled, and professional roofing contractor. ABCO Roofing Company Inc. ticks all these boxes since we have been active in the roofing industry for decades. Contact us for a quote on any roofing service you need.

5 Common Types of Roof Shingles

By Admin • 06 Apr, 2021
Roof shingles keep the house warm and provide a defense against harsh weather. To help you pick the right shingles, learn about the five main types.

2 Roofing Terms Every Homeowner Needs to Know

By Admin • 11 Jan, 2021
Whether you perform periodic roof inspections yourself or employ an expert to advise you with regards to roofing problems, learn two roofing terms.

6 Warning Signs You Need Roof Repair

By Admin • 23 Dec, 2020
Harsh weather elements, flying objects, and dust can cause your roof to develop problems over time. Learn some signs that mean you need roof repair.

Three Common Roof Designs and Their Advantages

By Admin • 23 Nov, 2020
Roofs come in various designs or types. Read our blog to learn more about the most common design styles, and contact us today for roofing services.

3 Ways Your Roof Affects Your Home's Energy Efficiency

By Admin • 26 Oct, 2020
Did you know your roof can affect your home's energy bill? Read our blog to learn about three ways your roof impacts your home's energy efficiency.

4 Tips to Prevent Tree Damage to Your Roof

By Admin • 28 Sep, 2020
Learn to recognize when your trees pose a risk to your roof and act accordingly. See four tips that will help you prevent tree damage to your roof.

3 COSTLY AND CONFUSING ROOFING MYTHS

By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin) • 19 Sep, 2018
Home maintenance can be overwhelming. From landscaping and replacing dirty filters to repairing plumbing leaks, it's easy to see the challenges homeowners face. While most of these tasks are priorities, focusing on your home's roof is also important. Not only is the roof a key part of your home's structure, it also protects your family and belongings from the elements.

Unfortunately, you probably do not fully understand the importance of your roof and the maintenance that is required. By debunking these common roofing myths, you will learn the truth about your roof's durability, construction and maintenance.

4 Tips for Maintaining Your New Cedar Shake Roof

By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin) • 20 Nov, 2017
Cedar shake roofs are popular with homeowners because they offer clear benefits. Cedar shake roofs are known for their beauty, durability, and resistance to damage from everything  whether it's from insects to the elements.

While cedar shake roofs are also relatively low maintenance, it is still a good idea to follow these maintenance tips to keep your roof looking and functioning its best.


1. Have Your Roof Inspected Annually

The best way to protect and maintain your roof is to have it inspected once a year. You can start by inspecting it yourself, both from the ground and by climbing up on a ladder. Look for shingles that are curled, missing, cracked, or otherwise damaged by any wind storms you have experienced.


If you notice any issues, then have your roof inspected by professionals. Professional roofers can spot repair any issues and prevent further damage, which protects the life span of your cedar shake roof. By inspecting your roof regularly, you will notice issues early, before they become more serious.


2. Have a New Gutter System Installed

High-quality gutters and downspouts are key to protecting your roof. When having a new cedar roof installed, it makes sense to have a new gutter system installed at the same time.


High-quality gutters and downspouts in good repair will redirect rainwater, dead leaves, and snowmelt away from your roof, siding, and foundation. This will prevent unnecessary water damage, mold, mildew, and rot. It will also help you save money because you will avoid costly repairs down the road.


3. Have Your Trees Trimmed Regularly

If your trees are left untrimmed and overgrown, then you have an increased risk of your roof being damaged by branches. Dead branches that aren't removed are likely to fall off and inflict damage on your new roof. During storms, an overgrown tree that's precariously close to your roof is a recipe for disaster.

In addition, if your trees aren't trimmed regularly, the branches that are closest to your roof offer easy access to pests including squirrels and raccoons. These pests may damage your roof and try to get into your attic, where they can truly wreak havoc. Keeping your trees trimmed prevents a lot of unnecessary issues and keeps your trees healthier as well.


4. Keep Your Cedar Roof Free of Debris

Once or twice a year especially after heavy storms it's wise to remove dead leaves, branches, and other debris from your cedar roof. If these materials are allowed to accumulate, then they will add too much moisture to your cedar shingles, which can potentially lead to mold, rot, or growth of fungus. Piles of dead leaves and branches also make it harder for rain and snow to melt off of your roof.

If you are not comfortable climbing up on your roof to clean it yourself, then it's a good idea to have the professionals tackle this maintenance task for you. This also allows you to combine your annual inspection with a roof cleaning for maximum impact.

If your roof needs a more thorough cleaning, then you should definitely leave this task to the experts. Attempting to clean your cedar roof yourself with a pressure washer can lead to damaged shingles. Professional roofers know the right settings to use to get a clean roof without causing any damage.

Following these preventative maintenance tips will ensure your new cedar shake roof remains beautiful and in good repair for many years to come. When it's time to have a new roof installed or your current roof repaired, contact us at ABCO Roofing Company Inc.

WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR ROOF

By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin) • 18 Jul, 2017
A failing roof is no joke. Not only is it unsightly and your roofline does comprise a large portion of your house's facade but it can lead to long-term damage. Water leakage can warp the underlying structures of the roof and top floor of your house. What's more, drafts in the roof mean your house's envelope isn't airtight, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.

Take a walk around the perimeter of your house, and view the roof from different angles. Also inspect the rooms directly below the roof. While some minor issues can be spot-repaired, the following signs signify you should replace your roof in its entirety. 

Why Commercial Roofing Is Unique

By Jamie@abcoroofingtn.com (Admin) • 31 May, 2017

ABCO Roofing Company Inc. serves Middle Tennessee residences and business for roofing, siding, and gutter installation, maintenance, and repair.


Commercial roofing requires different considerations to be taken than residential roofing. Usually commercial roofing will be applied to a building or structure that is taller and bigger than a residence, which will require special ladders, a bucket truck, or some manner of lift system for materials to reach the roof.

The material used for roofing of commercial structures is not the same as homes. Residences use mainly asphalt shingles, but can also use slate, tile, or cedar shakes. However, commercial roofing utilizes metal roofing, thermoplastic, EPDM, or modified bitumen. The most prevalent type is EPDM roofing, which is a single layer of rubber roofing material found to be highly resistant to weather, damage, and abrasion. EPDM affixes to the roof by fasteners or by gluing the layer to the room.

Often, we are called out to repair a section of roofing for a business and find many other areas that need attention. In those cases, we suggested employing a coated roof system, which coats the existing roof system, substantially extending the life of the roof. Call us for an estimate and assessment today!
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