Standing seam metal roofing offers many benefits, including low maintenance requirements that make it easy to perform certain maintenance tasks. In today’s post, the local roofing contractors at TEO Construction share tips on standing seam metal roofing maintenance.
Tips on Standing Seam Metal Roofing Maintenance
1. Don’t walk on the roof – This applies to all kinds of roofing systems, but walking on the roof is especially dangerous on standing seam metal roofs. Its smooth surface increases the risk of slipping and subsequent injury if you’re not wearing proper safety gear. Certain types of footwear may also puncture the roofing surface, particularly at the seams.
2. Hose the roof down – A metal roof’s smooth surface may not be the best surface to walk on, but it does make it a lot easier to clean. All it takes to remove leaves and debris from the roof is some water. Roofers recommend using a garden hose with an extension sprayer – never a pressure washer – to simulate rain on the roof. The water will push the leaves and debris towards the roof’s edge.
3. Don’t forget the gutters – All the leaves and debris you’ve cleaned off the roof will make their way into the gutters, so make it a point to clean them as part of your roof’s maintenance routine. Also, consider investing in gutter guards. They help keep the gutters clear and free from solid matter, which helps prevent clogging and overflowing gutters. Some types of gutter guards work like a sieve while others are like hoods that allow leaves and debris to fall straight to the ground.
4. Don’t let dissimilar metals touch the roof – Galvanic corrosion is a type of corrosive reaction that happens when two different types of metal come into contact under an electrolyte like water. The most common type of galvanic corrosion on a metal roof happens when the installer uses fasteners made of a different metal than the roof itself. If your roof is made of bare metal like aluminum or copper, avoid using steel brush or wool to clean it. It can leave particles on the surface that, over time, can corrode and result in small holes.
TEO Construction is one of the trusted roofing companies serving communities throughout Maryland. Give us a call at (301) 466-3630, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
