Regular Inspections Are a Key Part of Steel Roof Maintenance

One of the most frequently quoted benefits of steel roofing is the fact that it requires very little maintenance. Basic galvanized steel roofs can last 20 years or more with proper maintenance, but what does that mean? In this post, we’ll take a look at what kind of maintenance is required of these metal roofs.

All Maintenance Starts With An Inspection

All roof maintenance plans start with regular inspections. Physical examinations are the best way to make sure the roof is watertight, safe, and capable of performing its job. While you may look for damaged or missing shingles or tiles on other types of roofs, steel roofing inspections will have you looking for other things. Conditions that are cause for concern with regards to metal roofs include:

• Panel and fastener movement
• Sealant failure
• Fastener gasket failure
• Damage from hail or wind
• Failure of the surface coating
• Shifting of panels
• Drainage problems
• Gutter problems

Maintenance Needs

The biggest maintenance demands on steel roofs come at points of contact. The actual surface area of the steel roof is extremely durable and rarely needs maintenance, but those points where the panels are joined or the roof meets the edge of a wall, eave, or gutter deserve special attention. These are the areas most likely to require maintenance.

• Fastener Gaskets: Inspectors always check the fastener gaskets and points where the panels meet one another. Fastener gaskets should be replaced at the end of their anticipated life span, even if they don’t appear to need replacement at the time. They usually don’t last as long as the steel roof itself.
• Sealants: Sealants should be replaced at penetrations and perimeters as needed. Anything that is pulling away or eroding should be replaced. It is rare for sealants to last more than 20 years, but some may last longer, others far shorter.
• Scratches, Dents and Dings: Scratches and dents can occur through the normal installation of metal roofing. The majority of the corrosion protection of a metal roof is provided by the galvalume coating beneath the paint so unless the dent punctures the roof it’s best to leave the roof as is. Field applied touch up paint is discouraged as it will chalk and fade at a much greater rate than factory finish and affords no extra protection against corrosion. Debris such as uninstalled fasteners or other metal objects, leaves, etc… should be removed carefully, and as soon as possible.

Contact Kloeckner Metals For All Of Your Steel Roofing Needs

If you are interested in metal roofing, hot dip galvanizing, or a steel service center in Hawaii, call (678) 259-8800. Kloeckner Metals Hawaii is Hawaii’s most trusted metal roofing manufacturer. We have more than 50 years of experience in delivering high-quality products and top-notch customer support.