Metal has always been the go-to roof choice for Australian residential spaces. Some of the more common reasons for this include a sleek contemporary aesthetic, remarkable thermal performance, and, of course, highly exceptional durability.
Despite using durable materials such as Colorbond and Zincalume steel for the metal roofing Melbourne locals prefer, it’s still essential for homeowners to maintain their roofs. This post takes a look at a few basic tips to help you keep your roof in tip-top shape for as long as possible.
Defining Metal Roofing
At first glance, most Australian roofs may look very similar, especially in areas where the homes generally follow a specific style. However, if you’re browsing for a roof upgrade or a new addition for planned build, you’ll quickly see that both new and experienced homeowners prefer metal roofing.
Essentially, metal roofing can be defined as a solution that’s typically made from Zincalume, corrugated steel, aluminium, or Colorbond steel. These durable materials are used to construct large panels that are well-known to withstand all types of extreme weather conditions as well as harsh UV radiation and winds. In addition to this, these panels are also lightweight, heat-resistant, and offer superior corrosion resistance.
A huge benefit here is that these panels are easily customisable, making them ideal to fit any shape and size roof. This makes metal roofing the ideal option for the following applications:
- Residential houses
- Commercial buildings
- Garages
- Sheds
- Carport coverings
- Water tanks
Maintenance Doesn’t Have to be Overwhelming
No matter what material your roof is made of, at some point it’s going to need some maintenance to keep it in good condition. The good news here is that metal roofing is easier to maintain than their tiled counterparts. Our team of expert installers have compiled a few simple tips that will help keep your roof in good condition.
- Perform Regular Cleaning
Any roofer will tell you that the easiest way to maintain your metal roof is to keep it clean and free from organic matter. Your roof may look clean, but over time, airborne pollen, dust, pollution, and salt spray accumulate on the roof’s surface.
While it’s true that rain will wash the bulk of this away, areas such as overhangs, spaces under or behind eaves, or angles in your architectural designs can become an easy place for dirt and debris to build up. This means that manual cleaning is crucial.
Follow these simple tips to keep your roof clean and free of dust, twigs, and even sand build-up:
- Always use clean, fresh water with a mild detergent.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to loosen stubborn dirt behind angles and eaves.
- Avoid wire brushes and abrasive detergents as these can strip paint and coatings.
- You can also use a low-pressure garden hose to spray off dirt during the drier months
- Keep Leaf Litter and Organic Debris
Most Australian homes boast luscious gardens that include plenty of native trees and flora. A common example of this is the ever-popular eucalyptus tree, which sheds leaves, twigs, and bark all year-round. Taller trees will see this organic matter accumulating in gutters and behind roof accessories such as chimney flashings and skylights.
When this happens, this accumulation of plant debris traps water, preventing the steel panels from drying out. This then leads to the organic material decomposing, which causes organic acids to break down the anti-corrosive coatings and finishes on your metal roof.
Experts recommend the following tips to avoid this:
- Clean all your gutters at least twice a year, usually at the start of autumn and spring, to reduce leaf litter build-up.
- Consider trimming trees that hang over the roof.
- Speak to your roof installer about adding gutter guards to prevent leaf litter from building up in the gutters and downpipes.
- Invest in Preventative Roof Maintenance
Another key tip to keeping your metal roof in good shape is to invest in preventative roof maintenance on offer from local roofers. This process involves having roofers routinely clean and assess your roof for any small issues that could potentially hamper the health of your roof.
Benefits of using a professional roofing company include the following:
- Roofers are experts at maintaining roofing materials to sustain longevity.
- They will be able to spot issues such as failing sealants, micro-fissures, and internal dampness that can lead to leaks and weakened components.
- Experts will be able to recommend ongoing maintenance tips to reduce long-term damage and costs. This can include repainting, sealing, moss removal, and gutter guard installation.
Final Thoughts
The secret to maintaining your metal roof is simple. All you have to do is commit to planned and structured maintenance, which you can easily outsource to your local roofing team. This will not only go a long way to protecting your roof’s structural integrity but will also safeguard overall market value. Whether you’re dealing with Australian storms, rain, or scorching temperatures, you’ll have peace of mind that your home is well sheltered!
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.