Years ago, standing seam metal roofs were most common on commercial and agricultural buildings. However, in the fast few years, they have become more prevalent in homes. There are various reasons for this increase in demand. Many people are more concerned about the environment; many landlords want to reduce maintenance cost on their homes and care about their roofs’ durability. This is the reason people are choosing seam metal roofing.
Standing-seam panels move vertically, from the roof rim to the eaves, and are interconnected with advanced, coinciding seams or “legs” mounted above the flat surfaces.
These legs intertwine in a variety of different configurations. One of these systems’ benefits is that the locking systems are covered and protected from the infiltration of fog, wind, and other harsh elements.
The most commonly used metals for standing metal roofs are steel (because it is the most cost-efficient) and aluminium, which is best in coastal areas, with high salt concentrations in the atmosphere. Aluminium is less inclined to rust or corrode in this type of place. Copper and zinc are other metal alternatives that can last for hundreds of years; however, they are also expensive. Metal is one of the most environmentally friendly metals used for metal roofing. A significant proportion of the raw materials have recycled content, varying from 35% to 95%. This is unlike pavement, which generally ends up in a landfill.
Unlike asphalt roofing, which usually ends up in the landfill, metal is recyclable over and over again. It is one of the most recyclable and durable metals in the world. Metal also requires minimum maintenance and can last for more than 50 decades.
Standing seam roofs are not only low-maintenance and long-lasting; they are also fire-resistant and cost-effective. The metal roofing installation can be done over the existing roofing, which reduces the amount of trash going into landfills.
If suitably coated with a zinc-aluminium alloy, metal roofs resist corrosion and last almost endlessly. For example, Galvalume has a 55% of aluminium and 45% zinc alloy secured to its steel corner. Highly reflective paints, factory-applied to the surface, reflect sunlight and decrease heat transmission into the house in summer. The benefit of metal roofing is the heat-reflective coatings that reflect radiant heat away in the summer, reducing the loft temperature, which reduces the air conditioning load inside the living room.
How to maintain a metal roofing installation
Although metal roofing is known for its durability and endurance, it still requires maintenance to keep it peaked. Below, the Southern Maryland Roofing experts explain what you need to do to maintain a metal roof properly.
Keep Debris Accumulation to a Minimum
Although metal roofing is quite resilient, it’s not totally immune to deterioration. If you allow debris to sit on your roof, it can cause staining or even minor degradation over time. Of course, this purely depends on the quality of the materials you choose, but to stay on the safe side, it’s best to shed debris as soon as you notice it accumulating.
You can take the help of a push broom, a leaf blower, or even a garden hose to clear debris from metal roofing, but make sure you shield your gutters first, or you’ll create extra stress for yourself.
Keep Gutters Clean
Maintaining clean gutters needs out-and-out water drainage from your roof. But when your gutters become jammed with debris, water can cause rust inside them and damage the fascia along the edge of your roof. Ideally, you should probe your gutters for debris after every severe storm and brush them at least once per year, preferably twice.
Scrutinize Loose Fasteners
A fastener or fastening is a hardware device that plays an essential role in metal roofing installation. It firmly joins the metal roofing to the frame of your house. If the fasteners become loose over time, they can pass wind and water to enter beneath the roof, resulting in significant structural deterioration. To keep your roof in good condition, you should inspect for fastener corrosion at least twice per year and after days of high winds. If you find any loose nuts, replace them promptly.
Regularly Check Boots and Sealants
In the roofing industry, a boot is a drain pipe cover, which refers to the rubber cover around your drain pipe. It helps seal the roof section around the pipe from water and debris.
Every roof has duct pipes that run from a kitchen or bathroom up to the roof to help circulate the air in your plumbing system. If your metal roof has silicone sealants and boots around the pipe, you’ll need to check them on an annual basis. Wind and moisture exposure can depreciate silicone over time, which makes regular inspections essential to avoiding roof leakages. If you’re doubtful about what to do in terms of damage, it’s best to search metal roofing near me on Google to schedule an inspection.
Remember that the architectural style of your roof may need a different support system. So before taking any decision on your roof construction, it’s best to have a professional consultation on its design and structure.
