5 Ways to Make Your Metal Roof Last

With the range of extreme weather conditions, we can come to expect, naturally, you want to know that when you’re installing a roof, it’s going to last.

Metal roofing is a supreme option thanks to its hardiness and ability to withstand the elements — but not all metal roofs are made (or installed) equally. To ensure your metal roof lasts, you’ve got to pay attention to every detail, so here are some things to do to help your metal roof last for as long as possible. 

1. Choose the right roof pitch 

When designing and installing a roof, you have to consider what details will benefit it. The roof pitch is an essential component to ensuring a long-lasting roof. When we talk about the pitch of a roof, we refer to how steep the roof is. 

Some types of metal panels are not recommended for certain roofs with a low pitch. That’s because the result could be a never-ending list of repairs due to leaks. Why? Flatter roofs tend to accumulate water and have nowhere for it to drain. This compromises the performance of the panel system. Therefore, you can see why it’s necessary to choose the right pitch for the right metal panelling.  

2. Choose the right metal roof for your region

Along with choosing the right pitch, another important factor is choosing the correct metal roof. The truth is that while you can choose where you build and have a good idea of the climate, you can’t choose what the weather will do in your area and extreme winds, rain and snow can take their toll on any roof. So, you need to be prepared and choose the right type of metal roofing for the particular conditions your area tends to experience. 

In areas that experience mild weather conditions, you will have a lot more flexibility in the type of metal you can use for your roof, but if your region experiences heavy rainfall or snowfall, you need to opt for a heavy gauge. Colorbond roofing is specifically designed to withstand some of Australia’s harshest conditions and is a wonderful option for roof installations. You can learn more about Colorbond roofing installation, here!

3. Ensure proper installation 

Choosing the right metal for your roof is as important as ensuring that it is installed correctly. Even the smallest mistakes, like using the wrong sealant or not tightening screws during installation, can have big ramifications on the durability of your roofing and can lead to premature degradation. Therefore, hiring a professional who will handle every part of the installation with care and attention to detail is pivotal. When looking for the right professional to install your roof, you need to:

• Look for specialised experience
• Ensure they have a valid license and insurance
• Look at customer reviews on their services
• Ask for personal recommendations from people who have had good experiences

4. Choose the correct metal panel gauge

The metal gauge of your roof refers to the thickness of the panel, and it’s important to choose a metal roof with the right gauge as this will impact its durability and longevity. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the metal will be. In the parts of  Australia that experience harsher weather conditions, a metal roof with a higher gauge is not advisable, as you’d need to use a thicker metal for your roof to withstand heavy winds, rain, and other elements. In these conditions, a 24-gauge metal roof would have a better chance of lasting than, say, a 29-gauge metal roof. 

5. Be religious about roof maintenance

The best way to make your metal roof last is to stay on top of your roof maintenance. When you’re consistently monitoring your roof for issues, you’ll be able to pick up on small problems before they turn into big ones. Routine inspections and maintenance are especially important after you’ve experienced extreme weather. Things to keep an eye on when performing a routine inspection of your metal roof include:

• Checking the foam closures for wear and tear
• Looking for leaf and debris buildup as this can clog gutters and lead to water accumulation
• Checking the fasteners to ensure they’re not loose or broken
• Checking the sealant  to ensure it’s not cracked (especially near valleys, skylights and chimneys) and replacing it according to the manufacturer guidelines on the container

Final Thoughts

Look, there’s no guarantee how long your metal roof will last because various factors play a role in its durability. Anything from the roof’s pitch to the quality of materials to how close your home is to the ocean can affect its longevity. However, when you pay attention to everything from installation to maintenance, you can do much to help it last as long as possible.