Metal roofs are among the most long-lived roofs out there. Roofs made of copper and zinc can last as long as a century before they need to be replaced. If you’re worried that your roof will make your home look like a barn or tobacco shed, don’t. Metal roofs are now quite attractive as well as long-lived. There are maintenance tasks your roofing contractor can do to make your roof last even longer. Here are some of them.
Add a Protective Coating
One way your roofing contractor can extend your roof’s life is to add a protective coating. These coatings can be elastomeric, which is a waterproof material that’s able to stretch and form a tight seal to prevent leakage. It goes on like paint, but it’s much thicker. Elastomeric coatings are usually white, the better to bounce the sunlight off your roof and keep it cooler in the summer. You might not be crazy about a white roof, but this coating can add as many as 30 years to your roof’s working life.
The good news is not all protective coatings have to be white. You can also choose coatings that are more complementary to the rest of your house, such as shades of terracotta, tan, gray, or another more traditional roof color. They don’t reflect sunlight as well as white, but they protect your roof very nicely.
Keep Fasteners and Seals Tight
Another thing your roofer can do to make your roof last longer is to make sure that all seals and fasteners are tight and secure. They might do this anyway if you have your roof inspected on the regular. Resealing and tightening up ensures that water doesn’t find cracks to seep into and damage your roof.
Keep the Roof Clean and Clear
This is probably something you can do yourself if you have a long-handled broom. Make sure that your roof stays free of debris such as fallen leaves, twigs, seeds, nuts, and flowers. Scrub off the lichen if you can reach it. Trim your tree branches that are so close to your roof that leaves, needles, or bark makes contact with it. Some materials can corrode your roof tiles, and others simply trap water and cause problems that way.
Have Your Metal Roof Inspected
Your roofing contractor should inspect your roof once a year. If there’s been a bad storm, such as a hurricane, in your area, the roofer should do an inspection afterwards. You should always spare a thought for your roof when you go outside and do a seasonal visual check. That just means going out with a pair of binoculars to see what’s up. You should also check for damage after a storm.
Metal roofs don’t have to have that cold, agribusiness look in exchange for longevity. There are services that can both keep them beautiful and extend their already long life. When you need metal roofing services in Wilmington, NC, contact RoofVantage.
