METAL ROOF
MAINTENANCE
Standing seam metal roofing is one of the lowest-maintenance roofing systems available. With basic annual care, your roof will perform flawlessly for 40–60 years (or 100+ years for copper). Here is everything you need to know.
ANNUAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Perform a visual inspection once per year, ideally in spring after the winter weather has passed. You do not need to walk on the roof — most items can be checked from the ground or a ladder at the eave.
PANEL CONDITION
- Look for scratches, scuffs, or areas where the finish has worn
- Check for dents from fallen branches or hail
- Inspect panel edges for any lifting or separation
- Verify panels are sitting flat without oil-canning distortion
SEAMS & FASTENERS
- Inspect standing seams for any separation or gaps
- Check that hidden clips are not visible or protruding
- Look for any exposed fasteners that may have backed out
- Verify ridge cap is seated properly with no gaps
FLASHING & SEALANT
- Inspect all flashing at walls, chimneys, and penetrations
- Check pipe boot flashings for cracking or deterioration
- Look for sealant that has dried, cracked, or pulled away
- Verify valley flashing is secure and directing water properly
GUTTERS & DRAINAGE
- Clean gutters and downspouts of debris and leaves
- Check that water flows freely through the drainage system
- Inspect gutter hangers and brackets for looseness
- Verify downspouts are directing water away from the foundation
SEASONAL CARE
SPRING
- Full annual inspection
- Clean gutters after winter
- Check for ice-dam damage
- Touch up any scratches
SUMMER
- Trim overhanging branches
- Check for bird nesting near vents
- Rinse panels if dusty
- Inspect sealant in heat
FALL
- Clear leaves from valleys
- Clean gutters before winter
- Check snow guard brackets
- Verify flashing before rain season
WINTER
- Monitor snow load (rare issue)
- Check for ice dams at eaves
- Do NOT chip ice off panels
- Verify attic ventilation
CLEANING YOUR METAL ROOF
RECOMMENDED METHOD
Most standing seam metal roofs self-clean with rain. In areas with heavy tree cover or low slope, occasional cleaning may be needed. Use a garden hose with moderate pressure — never a pressure washer, which can damage the finish and force water under seams.
For stubborn dirt, moss, or algae, mix a mild dish soap (non-abrasive, no bleach) with water and apply with a soft bristle brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly. Work from the ridge down to avoid pushing water under panel laps.
For PVDF/Kynar finishes, the factory coating is highly resistant to dirt accumulation. A simple rinse once or twice a year is usually sufficient.
WHAT TO AVOID
SEALANT & TOUCH-UP
SEALANT MAINTENANCE
Butyl tape sealant used during installation typically lasts 15–20 years. Check sealant at pipe boots, flashing transitions, and endwall/sidewall junctions during your annual inspection.
If sealant has dried, cracked, or pulled away, remove the old sealant completely and apply a new bead of high-quality butyl or silicone sealant rated for metal roofing. Do not layer new sealant over old.
SCRATCH & CHIP TOUCH-UP
Minor scratches that expose bare metal should be touched up promptly to prevent rust. Use the manufacturer's touch-up paint matched to your panel colour.
Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol, apply a thin coat of touch-up paint with a small brush, and allow to dry. For Galvalume panels, a clear zinc-rich primer is recommended for bare metal exposure.
MAINTENANCE COMPARISON
How does standing seam metal compare to other roofing materials when it comes to ongoing maintenance?
| TASK | STANDING SEAM | ASPHALT SHINGLES | CEDAR SHAKES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual cleaning | Rinse with hose | Moss/algae treatment | Pressure wash + treat |
| Sealant check | Every 5–10 years | N/A (nailed) | N/A |
| Replacement frequency | 40–60+ years | 15–25 years | 20–30 years |
| Storm damage repair | Rare — dent repair | Frequent — shingle replacement | Frequent — shake replacement |
| Moss/algae risk | Very low | High | Very high |
| Fire maintenance | None (non-combustible) | None | Annual fire retardant treatment |
| Painting/staining | Never (factory finish) | N/A | Every 3–5 years |
| Gutter cleaning | Standard | Frequent (granule buildup) | Frequent (debris) |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP?
If you notice anything during your inspection that needs professional attention, give us a call. We can connect you with a registered contractor in your area.