Metal roofs have plenty of advantages over shingles, including durability and energy inefficiency. Another key aspect of metal roofs for institutional and commercial facilities is the reduced need for maintenance.
Jeff Henry, executive director of the Metal Construction Association (MCA), says the maintenance benefits are real, though metal roofs do require regular inspections to ensure things are functioning as designed.
“Most maintenance needs for a metal roof are not because of normal wear and tear,” he says. “It’s because something is happening that is not as intended or designed.”
MCA recommends a regular inspection at least once a year to avoid kicking problems down the road. These inspections should look for debris build up and examine whether fasteners are loose, or seams need sealing, Henry says.
Metal roofs with coating systems require periodic re-coating to maintain their protective barrier against underlying metal corrosion, according to Richard Off, senior architect for Hoffmann Architects + Engineers. Periodic washing also may be necessary, he adds.
However, in places with moderate rainfall, the rain acts as a natural cleaner for the roof, removing accumulated debris. When debris builds up, Henry says it’s normally because of a unique situation, such as a pine tree near the roof that is dropping needles that are piling up in a specific area.
An inspection identifies these needs and enables facility managers to clean up the problem before it causes any problems.
Other than that, there is no real set maintenance for a metal roof. “It will outlast the expected life of the building,” Henry says. “If it has to be replaced before that time, it’s because someone didn’t do the inspections, and something built up over time or wasn’t installed correctly.”
Off agrees, saying, “Minor repairs of seams and fasteners may be necessary, but for the most part if the roof is well installed and designed, it won’t require much maintenance at all.”
Ronnie Wendt is a freelance writer based in Minocqua, Wisconsin.
