Maintaining a Metal Roof System

by | Mar 6, 2014 | Roofing

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Metal roofs are a very popular option for homes and commercial properties. Each different type of roof; asphalt, cedar, slate, tile and metal all have their own unique requirements when it comes to roof repairs in Fort Washington as well as routine maintenance.

Metal roofs have been used for many years, they have a very long life expectancy and they provide a very sound roofing system if they are properly installed and then roof repairs in Fort Washington are carried out as required. The key to a long life roof, regardless of the type is periodic maintenance and repair. Without these two essential elements, any roof system will eventually deteriorate until it reaches the point where leaks appear.

Metal roof systems are broken down into two basic types; architectural and structural. It is important to understand the differences so that a comprehensive program of maintenance and repair can be developed and that the repairs that are required are done correctly.

* An architectural metal roof is used to provide the waterproof layer to the system. In addition to this, an architectural metal roof adds the aesthetic appearance as well. This type of metal roof is installed over the structure.

* A structural metal roof is all together different. This type of roof is often used in industrial applications where aesthetics are not all that important. These roofs provide both the waterproofing layer and the deck material. When installed, the underside of the metal roof is exposed inside the structure; you can often see this on barns and similar outbuildings.

As a structural metal roof acts as the structure as well as the waterproof layer, in the event of deterioration the maintenance and repair methods employed will be different than an architectural roof design because of the safety aspects. Any excessive deterioration to the roof can easily lead to a roof that is compromised and becomes hazardous.

Not only are there different types of metal roofs, there is a variety of different metals that can be used. The most common is rolled steel but aluminum and copper are also used.

The type of metal used plays a big part in how roof repairs in Fort Washington will be carried out. If, for example, the roof is copper, then the proper repair method will be soldering.