Roof maintenance - why and how often should it be done?
The roof of every building is exposed to different weather conditions, which can adversely affect its performance and durability.
In this article you will learn:
- What is roof maintenance?
- What are the tasks involved in tin roof maintenance?
- What is involved in repairing a tin roof
- Fixing a tin roof
- Cleaning a tin roof
- Roof snow removal
- Maintenance of a tin roof - how often should I do it?
- Roof maintenance - do it yourself or have a professional do it?
Whatever type of roofing you use, you should take care of its condition. Regular roof maintenance will be the key to success - check what it is; what it involves and how often it should be carried out!
What is roof maintenance?
Roof maintenance means regularly checking and carrying out a number of necessary tasks, e.g. cleaning off dirt, defects or snow on the roof. It is not complicated, but it is important. Thanks to it, you can avoid major repairs and thus significant costs.
Many factors influence the condition of a roof. Rain, snow, hail and even twigs or pine cones falling from trees can cause minor defects that need to be repaired as soon as possible.
What work is involved in maintaining a tin roof?
Maintaining a tin roof is not a complicated process, but there are a number of tasks that need to be carried out to help restore the aesthetics of the building and enjoy a quality roof. This includes repairing damage, cleaning and snow removal.
Repair of tin roofs
Although tin roofs are very durable and functional, they can be prone to minor defects. If you don't repair them quickly and effectively enough, they can become more serious and lead to the need to replace the metal roof tiles. Therefore, when inspecting your roof, first look out for cracks, scratches and discolouration. The sooner you fix these types of defects, the better.
How can I fix minor scratches, streaks or discolouration? In most cases, a special paint will suffice. Remember to clean the coating area thoroughly before applying it. It is best to leave the repair of larger defects to specialists.
Fixing a tin roof
To reduce the risk of defects and to protect the sheeting against the weather, it is a good idea to use an appropriate impregnation after repairs. There are many different types of roof sheet treatments on the market that also protect against moss, algae and lichens and prolong the cleanliness of the surface.
In addition, quality roof maintenance will strengthen the roof tile structure, provide an effective barrier against UV radiation and preserve the original colour of the roofing.
Cleaning a tin roof
If you regularly take care of your roof sheets, you will avoid defects and your only task will be to clean the roof of various types of dirt or leaves falling from trees. Simply use a soft brush and water or an appropriate detergent for coated surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals and do not use sharp tools as these can damage the roof.
Remember! Washing tin roofs should be done from the ridge down and side to side - this will prevent water from penetrating under the roof covering.
Removing snow from the roof
Metal roofing maintenance also includes snow removal. This is especially necessary if the precipitation is very heavy and a lot of snow has accumulated, which can cause the roof to deform. This problem should therefore not be underestimated.
Fortunately, clearing snow from the roof itself is not difficult. Simply use a special shovel, snow scraper or icebreaker. Remember to take all precautions - using a rope or a harness will minimise the risk of an accident.
Tin roof maintenance - how often should I do it?
Roof maintenance should be carried out regularly - at least once a year. However, we recommend more frequent inspections, for example in autumn when you are preparing your roof for the winter season, and in spring when winter defects can be quickly repaired.
Remember, the more often you carry out maintenance work, the easier it will be to avoid roofing damage and enjoy a beautiful and functional roof for many years.
Roof maintenance - do it yourself or have a professional help?
You can carry out simple maintenance tasks yourself, such as cleaning, painting or clearing snow. However, if you do not have the right equipment or you are worried about your safety, it is better to seek help from professionals. Roofing specialists will also be needed for larger defects that cannot be covered with paint.
How much does specialist roof maintenance cost? It all depends on the type of work to be carried out and the surface area.