Hello World! Welcome Friends! One of the challenges homeowners get when buying a roof is choosing the roofing material. However, metal roofs are becoming popular because of their durability and longevity, replacing other roofing materials.
Unfortunately, metal is prone to rust. The material corrodes when exposed to moisture. When metal rusts, the shingles turn brown, reducing the home’s curb appeal. The good news is that after thorough cleaning with Blasting Abrasives, you can coat or paint the metal sheets or shingles to protect them from rust.
Consider buying a rust-resistant metal roof. Alternatively, you can buy standing seam metal roofs. These have a smooth surface to allow water to drain after rains, reducing the chances of rusting. If you want to know more about standing seam metal roofs, click here. Also, stick along to know the effects and methods to prevent rusting.
Effects of Rust on Metal Roofs
Rust mainly affects metals with iron content. When it affects a part of the roof, you will notice a brown patch that spreads over time. While rust on roofs reduces their aesthetics, it can cause more severe problems. Check them out.
1. Holes on the Metal Sheets and Shingles
Failure to coat the metal sheets with paint or scrape off the rusted parts can result in holes in the roof. Water begins to pass through the holes hence roof leaks. With time, the moisture affects the seams and rafters, which rot and weaken the entire roof.
Holes can also be an entry for rodents and other insects. These small animals cause discomforts to the family members and could also spread infections.
2. Stuck Nails and Nuts
When the metal roofs rust, the corrosion spreads to other parts of the shingles. The nails around the area become harder to turn and remove. Worst of all, removing the nails could ultimately damage the rusted parts.
3. Reduce Aesthetics
Rust changes the original color of objects. The sheets get brown or orange patches, while other parts retain the original color. Besides, the corroded roof also reduces the home’s value, and you can also hardly get homebuyers.
How to Prevent Your Metal Roof from Rust
Rusting affects the roof, but you can protect your metal shingles. To do so, inspect the roof frequently to identify any signs of corrosion. The other ways to prevent rusting on your roof and maintain its aesthetics are;
1. Coat Your Steel Roof with Anti-Rust or Anticorrosive Coatings
When roofing the house, ensure that the base of the steel roof has an anti-rust or anticorrosive coating. The coat is rust-resistant and could increase your roof’s longevity by 30-35 years.
Some popular steel coatings are;
a. Weathering Steel
Weathering steel is one of the best options for steel roofs. The coat is made of copper, phosphorus, and silicon, which rust when exposed to moisture and air. Once the coating is gone, the steel is ionized, so it cannot rust. Therefore, the weathering steel maintains the metal sheet’s original look.
b. Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is made from carbon covered with a layer of zinc. The zinc coating protects the sheets from rust and keeps them intact for an extended period. Besides, this coating is finished with a resin coating for a smooth final look. The shiny finish prevents rust from occurring.
c. Galvalume Steel
Galvalume steel consists of aluminum, zinc, and silicon, which are corrosion resistant. This coating is ideal if you live in an area that experiences high temperatures, high precipitation, or along the sea. Galvalume provides a shiny look on your sheets like galvanized steel, making your roof look beautiful.
2. Ensure Proper Installation of Your Roof
Your roof’s installation method can affect how fast it rusts. Professional metal roofers ensure that the edge cuts are clean, and they also paint or coat any scratches on the metal. Leaving the edge cuts uncleaned fastens rusting.
Also, during installation, roofers ensure the roof’s slope and gutters are correctly installed to allow rainwater drainage. When the metal shingles take longer to dry, they could start rusting.
Besides, regular inspection of the roof is essential. During the examination, the roofer will notice any signs of rusting and treat them before spreading. These professionals can also advise homeowners on keeping their metal roofs free from rust.
3. Keep Routine Maintenance
Although metal roofing does not need continuous checks like other types of roofs, it doesn’t mean they aren’t at risk of rusting. Homeowners should invest in the annual maintenance of the roof from a roofing contractor. Treating any signs of rust, such as small brown patches in the early stages, ensures that the corrosion does not cause havoc.
Thankfully, if you are located in North Port, maintaining your roof is even more manageable. There are many reliable and skilled roofing contractors in North Port FL, who can offer you services such as regular maintenance and rust treatment. You can choose to contact them yearly or twice a year, depending on your roof’s location and condition.
4. Paint Your Roof
Painting the roof reduces its exposure to moisture and air, lowering the chances of rusting. For maximum benefit, use paint rich in zinc. Also, ensure your roof is clean before painting. Zinc paint protects your roof’s surface from rusting, extending its longevity.
5. Remove Any Rust on Your Roof
First, keeping a regular check on your roof to ensure that there is no spot of rust on it is essential. However, if you spot any sign of rust, don’t panic. Wash your roof and apply some paint depending on the extent of the rust.
If the corrosion is widespread, you need to replace the entire roof because brushing off the rust can cause more damage. Ensure you hire a roofing contractor and ask them to inspect the roof. Also, ensure safety in how you dispose of the roof remains because rusty metal can cause tetanus to your family members.
Now that you know how to care for a metal roof to prevent rust, you can install new shingles and follow our guide. Besides, you can also get rust-resistant shingles, but they are costly.
Final Words
Rusting of metal roofs is an everyday roofing problem homeowners deal with. Some buy metal-resistant metal sheets to maintain their shingle’s original look. However, if you have the standard metal roofing material, this guide will help you keep it healthy. Besides, it is easier working with a professional roofer.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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6 Steps Towards Better Health and Wellness
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