Maintenance works

Make sure that the defects you observe are removed as quickly as possible. Remember that you are entitled to this under the warranty. The same applies if you did the works yourself – do not underestimate minor faults. Remove them before they can cause more serious trouble.

Maintenance works include:

• inspections of the roof
• seasonal works such as snow removal
• removal of impurities
• painting.

Inspections of the roof consist in visually checking the entire surface of the roof, and should be carried out at least once a year. A comprehensive inspection is necessary at least once every five years. Once the warranty expires, check the roof from time to time in order to notice any possible faults. As part of annual inspections, we should also check the condition of connection pieces, especially how well they are fastened. This is a very important aspect of the inspections, because overlooking loosened connection pieces pose a risk of leaky spots that will let water in. Remember that moisture is conducive to the development of mold and rust. If any unstable fastenings cannot be fixed tight, they should be replaced. The paint coat is also subject to inspection. Pay attention to edges and gutters. Uneven distribution of paint, any cracks, bubbles or even scratches should all raise concern. These may indicate faults in the color coat and the need for it to be reapplied.
Seasonal works primarily consist of snow removal. During a winter with light snowfalls there is no need to remove snow from the roof because it does not remain on the steel surfaces for long enough. However, in the case of weather anomalies i.e. unusually heavy snowfalls, remove snow from the roof, but do so without damaging its surface.
Removing impurities applies mostly to gutter systems. Decomposing leaves and other impurities that gather in there obstruct a gutter system and this leads to the stagnation of water and ice causing rust or even mechanical damage to gutters.

Why should you keep the roof clean?

The roof’s surface gathers dust, particulate and rotting matter composed of decaying leaves and other small impurities which, if deposited for a long time, lead to defects such as rust. Dirt is conducive to moisture, and it significantly decreases the roof’s aesthetics. If the rain did not remove the impurities, or did so insufficiently, you can clean the roof yourself.
Usually, it is not necessary to clean the entire surface of the roof. Much like in the case of the gutters, you must remove the deposited leaves. The paint coat is rinsed by rain and does not require additional washing. Under extraordinary circumstances, where cleaning is necessary, we recommend a few proven methods.
The coat is cleaned with water or water plus special detergents, using a brush. In any case, prior to using a cleaning agent, read the instructions enclosed on the packaging label. For less intense dirt, a stream of water at a sufficiently high pressure will suffice. It can be created using a pressure nozzle, but the pressure should not exceed 50 bars.
White spirit (painter’s naphtha) can be used to remove heavy local dirt. Stains should be rubbed with a cloth dipped in this cleaning agent and then rinsed with water. Do not forget to rinse the gutters. Note: excessive quantities of cleaning agents or their improper use may contribute to damaging the paint coat.
Maintenance activities also include painting.
Minor peelings, edges of the eaves and entire coated areas may need painting. For the first-listed example, you must act as soon as possible. Do not allow peelings to get bigger. For this purpose, use paints intended for coat repairs. The painting technique is just as important as the paint used. You must choose the smallest available paintbrush and paint over the peeling spot. First check whether the damage concerns only the outer layer or the undercoat, too. If we are dealing with a minor defect, covering it with a single layer of paint is enough. If there is more serious damage, after the first layer of paint has dried, the peeling spot must be painted over again.
Rust is a serious indicator of the need to repaint. Most often, rust affects roof edges (edges of eaves) that have a small inclination. Remember that this is a common problem with this type of roofs, and so it is worth painting the edges right after the roof is installed. This is particularly important for houses located near water reservoirs or at the seaside.

Before repainting, remember to check how the previous coat adheres to the base and whether it has been damaged in any way.