Homeowner’s Guide to Metal Roofing

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the kind of roof for your home is the duration of the material’s lifespan. Over the last couple of decades, metal roofing has emerged as the clear favourite for a long-lasting roof. When properly installed, a metal roof will last for generations with minimal repair and maintenance.

What Factors Can Affect the Lifespan of a Metal Roof

Several factors can affect how long your roof lasts, including:

1. Quality of Roof Installation

The quality of roof installation has a huge impact on how long a roof lasts. Even the highest quality roofing systems can fail if not properly installed. Metal roofs call for a strict installation process that requires strict adherence to certain techniques. Improper installation can result in leaks, loss of insulation, rapid corrosion, and high repair costs. You can avoid this by working with a top metal roofing company with the necessary accreditation and experience.

2. Regular Roof Maintenance

Although metal roofs require relatively minimal maintenance, maintaining a regular schedule can extend the lifespan of your roof by 10 to 20 years. Routinely inspect the panels and coating and remove any debris from the roof and gutters. This will also save you expensive repairs down the road.

3. Climate and Weather

Your location, and consequently your climate and weather, will have an impact on how long your roof lasts. You can work with your metal roof supplier to customize the roof specification to your location’s requirements.

4. Moss on the Roof

One particular advantage of metal roofs is that they are not susceptible to biological organisms. However, the accumulation of moss or fungus on the roof can lead to roof damage over time. You can avoid this by routinely clearing the roof.

5. Roof Pitch

The roof pitch affects how fast or slow water slides off the roof. A low slope allows rainwater to accumulate on the roof for longer than on a steeper slope, which can lead to damage if left on the surface.

Metal Roofing Maintenance that Increases the Lifespan

Metal roofs are built to be incredibly durable. However, they are still prone to damage, particularly if not properly maintained. Calling a metal roofer to perform some simple maintenance tasks over time can significantly increase the service life of the roof. Some of these steps include:

Replacing Damaged Mounting Bolts

The weakest and most susceptible places on a metal roof system are the areas where metal roof panels are joined. Over time, and as a result of the natural expansion and contraction of the roof, the clamping bolts can be lost. Replacing the damaged or lost bolts will keep your roof structurally sound and prevent any leaks.

Replacing Sealants

Over time, the sealant strips used for the insulation of the metal coating can dry out and create gaps that allow rainwater to leak inside. Replacing the sealant materials can greatly lengthen your roof’s lifespan.

Repair of Punctures & Minor Damage on Metal Sheets

Accidents happen, and although metal roofs are strong, they can still sustain damage. The fall of a tree, for example, can leave cracks or punctures that need to be repaired.

Replacing Damaged Metal Roof

In cases where the metal roof has sustained severe damage, the damaged panels can be replaced. This can be a complex process and will require a trained professional since the fasteners and insulation need to be also replaced. Inspections can help catch problems before they get out of hand.

How Does Sun Affect Your Metal Roofing?

Although metal roofs are built to be durable and sturdy, over time, the sun can cause some negative side effects. Below are some of the ways the sun might damage your roof.

Coating Damage

The sun’s strong UV rays can cause the roof coating to break down and deteriorate. You can avoid this through routine inspections and replacing damaged tiles immediately.

Bleaching

The UV rays can also cause the metal itself to fade. You can have your roof repainted or coated with a UV-resistant material if you notice that the roof is starting to fade.

Thermal Shock

This occurs when the roof expands and contracts unevenly as a result of being heated more in one area than another. You can prevent this by ensuring that your metal roof is properly ventilated or by having a heat reflective coating applied to the roof.

Warping & Cracking

The sun can also cause your metal roof to warp and crack as a result of the extreme expansion and contraction of the metal over time. This puts extreme pressure on the roofing materials and causes them to break down over time. Have any cracked, warped, or broken tiles repaired immediately.

How to Avoid Sun Damage on Metal Roofing

Evidently, the sun can do a lot of damage to a metal roof if the roof is not well looked after. However, you can take steps to help prevent it. Below are some steps you can take to avoid sun damage on your metal roof.

• Make sure the roof is properly ventilated.
• Consider having a heat reflective coating applied to the roof to keep it cooler
• Be on the lookout for cracking and warping and repair the damage as soon as possible
• Address condensation issues as soon as possible

With these simple precautions, you can minimize sun damage to your roof and keep it looking good for decades.

Get High-Quality Metal Roofing Supplies & Maintenance

It is no surprise that metal roofs are so popular today, given the incredible benefits they offer. However, it is important to remember that your metal roof is only as good as the metal roofing supplier you choose. At Ironclad Roofing, we have spent 25 years delivering thousands of top-quality roofing projects.

We offer a 50-year, fully transferrable warranty for all projects we complete. We only use the best quality materials and work with experienced metal roofers who take personal pride and ownership in their work. Get in touch with us today to learn more, or get a quote for your next project.