Learning how to maintain a metal roof is
important to ensure that the roofing will last as long as possible. With proper
care, this type of roofing material outlasts many others. It is not unusual to
see the roofs last for 50 years or even longer.
New roofs often come with manufacturer’s
care instructions for the material. If you don’t have the care instructions,
you may be able to evaluate the material on your own to determine the
composition.
It is important to use compatible materials
when doing any repairs. Otherwise, corrosion can occur. If you have difficulty
making this evaluation, a good roofing contractor can help.
For most roofs, maintenance and RV roof repair is relatively simple.
You will need a sturdy ladder. Ideally you should have someone on the ground to
hold the ladder as you are climbing up and down.
You should only attempt this if you are
comfortable with the height and you feel that the maintenance or repair work
can be done safely. Otherwise, you should contact a roofing contractor.
Once you are at a point where you can
evaluate the area, you should start by looking for loose nails, rusty patches,
holes or other signs of damage. If you are aware of an existing leak, you will
need to take steps to repair the leak.
In general, how to maintain a metal roof
involves removing debris, such as leaves and branches. Any loose nails should
be pulled and replaced. Hammering the nail back down may not be a good idea.
Nails are not always used for installation.
Some roofs are installed using screws. Screws tend to stay in place as the
years go by while nails work their way loose over time.
Urethane roofing cement is usually used for
caulking around seams, edges and flashing. Learning how to maintain a metal
roof involves learning how to use the urethane cement because it provides
better protection from UV damage than plastic or asphalt type cements.
Occasionally, re-caulking will be necessary
as a part of regular maintenance. Look for cracked or damaged caulk seams and
peel the old caulking away as necessary. Cracks in caulking caused by hail or
flying debris are sometimes the causes of roof leaks.
Existing leaks may be due to a small hole
which can be patched relatively easily using compatible materials. If you learn
how to maintain a metal roof properly and you take the necessary steps on a
regular basis, you may never have to worry about learning how to patch holes.
