Owing to their beauty and strength, metals such as steel and aluminum are considered the best roofing materials. They can resist heat, rain, wind, and snow around the year. However, they will face harmful elements once you have installed them on top of your commercial building. You need to hire a metal roof repair company for roof maintenance to keep the structure’s longevity and performance. Here is how you can take care of the roof.
Don’t walk on the metal roof
It would be pleasant to stay for a while and enjoy the sun on concrete terrace. This practice won’t be applicable if your roof is made of metal that is thinner than roofing materials. Although metals have high flexibility, they are prone to getting bent when you walk or stand on them. The weight of your body can also create dents and low spots that are vulnerable to water ponding during rainy days. If you want to fix a small leak on the roof, you should consult a metal roof repair company. Professional roofers know how to walk on the metal roof while repairing its parts.
Clean the gutter
The gutter holds the entire downpour of water and debris that can cause damage to the house during the rainy season. It redirects the running water away from your surroundings and transfers to a draining system on the ground. A clogging or leakage in the gutter along the eaves on the roof can lead to a disaster. The water can run into the basement and cause flooding. That is why regular cleaning of the gutter is crucial for buildings with metal roofs. A clean gutter will reduce the risk of infections caused by pests and mosquitoes.
Avoid electrolysis
When two different metals touch against each other, they can lead to metallic reactions through a process called electrolysis. If you fasten a metal screw on a roof made of steel, a decomposition reaction can occur in a few days. Sometimes it appears in the form of green buildups on the area. You have to invest in accessories that don’t interact well with roofing materials such as copper, aluminum, and galvanized steel. In case of roof maintenance, leave the job to experienced roofers of a metal roof repair company.
Tighten loose screws
When exposing to rain and storm, some fixings and joints on the roof may loosen due to constant friction. Such small flaws can lead to catastrophic events if you don’t fix them in time. Poor quality material and improper installation may shift the roofing panels gradually. When the roof loses a screw, the adjoining panels may move to another place. The loose screw can be a factor for large holes and sagging following a downpour. A routine roof inspection is a must for commercial buildings with metal roofs.
Avoid planting trees near the roof
It is nice to have a building adorn with beautiful trees in the surroundings when you need natural shades that keep you cool from scorching sunlight in summer. At the same time, trees are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions like storms and lightning. When tree branches rub against your metal roof continuously, they can damage the edges and eaves of the structure. If you want to decorate your landscape with vegetation, make sure you grow big trees away from the building.
Now that you have learned basic knowledge of roof maintenance, you can start checking your roof regularly. Be sure you wear safety gear and use a ladder to climb up on the roof.