How to Protect Your Metal Roof from Rust

Essential Tips for Protecting Your Metal Roof from Rust Damage

Until a few years ago, metal roofs in Texas were mostly seen covering warehouses, barns, and rural structures. These days, more homeowners across the Lone Star State are choosing metal over other roofing materials. This trend is supported by the superior durability and long-term savings delivered by metal roofs; plus, modern fabrication techniques provide design variety and aesthetics.

Preventing rust is the key to ensuring metal roofs protect your property for many decades. The following tips can help you avoid expensive repairs and replacements down the line:

Choose the Right Coating from the Start

Silicone and polyvinylidene fluoride are advanced coatings that provide superior protection against UV rays, corrosion, and fading. The right coating for your regional climate conditions can significantly extend the lifespan of metal roofing materials.

Keep It Clean

Regularly removing leaves, branches, and other plant debris prevents moisture accumulation. You also want to ensure proper drainage with an annual cleaning of gutters.

Inspect Regularly for Damage

Annual inspections are crucial. Professional roofers use special tools and apply their expertise to check for dents, scratches, pinholes, and signs of coating degradation. Many homeowners in Texas wisely schedule annual inspections after the hurricane season. Another recommendation is to schedule roof inspections after a major hailstorm.

Touch Up Scratches Promptly

What may seem like a minor scratch on the roof coating could become more severe later if the roofing material is compromised. During annual inspections, roofers assess all scratches to ensure they don't create a risk of rusting. In many situations, cracks and scratches can be easily mended with touch-up fixes.

Seal All Seams and Screws Properly

Reputable roofing contractors double and triple-check that the seams, screws, and fasteners are properly sealed during installation. The goal is to make fasteners, seams, soffits, corners, and features last as long as the rest of the roof structure. Deteriorated sealants can allow moisture to penetrate, thus inviting corrosion to form around the fasteners and panel edges. During annual inspections, roofers check the condition of all elements above the deck because one rusting screw can compromise entire sections.

Prevent Water Traps

Some roof design elements can make it easier for debris to accumulate in some areas where water pools. Roofers call these situations "water traps" that increase the risk of rusting. You don't have to settle for boring metal roofs with large standing-seam panels to avoid water traps; you can choose from various architectural designs with special features, but the design must minimize structural water traps. Efficient roof design promotes efficient drainage and runoff systems. Annual inspections include maintenance services that clear any spots where water and debris might collect, thus avoiding moisture exposure.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

As mentioned above, annual inspections and maintenance are crucial for ensuring your metal roof can last more than four decades. Roofers check everything during inspections, and they pay careful attention to any issues that may cause rusting. Compromised coatings or failing sealants can escalate into significant corrosion issues. Professional maintenance can uphold your roof warranty and promote roof longevity.