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How to Maintain a Metal Roof in WV and What to Check After Storms
A metal roof is a fantastic option for many West Virginia homeowners.
It is durable in the face of the region's severe weather, offers a clean aesthetic, and when installed correctly is a long lasting roofing investment. This is why many Beckley, Glen Daniel, Raleigh County, and surrounding Southern WV area homeowners choose to install metal roofing when replacing an aging roof.
However, metal roofing is not a set it and forget it type of roofing.
While it typically requires less maintenance than other types of roofing, it still needs to be inspected, cleared of debris, and fasteners, flashing, seams, trim, and
roof penetrations checked from time to time. After a severe storm, it is a good
idea to take a few minutes to check your roof for any changes.
Most roof issues start small.
A loose screw, a lifted piece of trim, a branch rubbing the coating, a clogged
valley, a cracking pipe boot. Addressing these common issues can often prevent
a minor roofing repair from becoming a major roof issue.
Built Right Construction Inc. offers metal roofing, grading, excavation, drainage,
driveway, septic, culvert, and site preparation services throughout Southern WV. If
your home has a metal roof, here is a look at what to check, and how to go about
metal roof maintenance.
Start with a safe visual check from the ground
You don't need to climb onto the roof with every storm.
In most cases a ground level visual inspection should be the first step in any
metal roof maintenance routine. Simply walk around the home and observe the
roof from different angles looking for anything that seems out of place compared
to the last visual check.
Some things to look for include:
• Loose trim
• Missing screws
• Bent or lifted panels
• Branches on the roof
• Scratches or dents
• Water stains under roof edges
• Pulling gutters
• Debris-filled valleys
• Lifted or damaged flashing
If you notice anything that looks off, a simple photo can often help you compare
the roof to later visual checks, or can help a roofing professional understand the
issue.
It is also important that safety comes first. Metal roofing can often be very
slippery, especially when wet, icy, or shaded. Steep, wet, high, and inaccessible
roofs should have a professional contractor with the right equipment take a
closer look instead.
Check after high wind
High winds can wreak havoc on the edges of the roof.
This includes ridge caps, rake trim, eave trim, flashing, and panels. If something
was already loose on the roof, high winds can easily exacerbate the issue.
hazards, which is relevant to many homeowners who live in areas prone to high
winds and quick weather changes.
After high winds, it is a good idea to look for any lifting of trim, and loose fasteners
on the ground, or around chimneys, vents, and roof transitions as well.
If a panel or piece of trim is visibly loose it is best to address the issue, wind will
continue to put pressure on the weak spot until it becomes a major roofing issue.
Look for branch damage
Many Southern WV homes are surrounded by trees.
While this can be beautiful, trees and roofs are not often a compatible
combination. Branches can scratch the coating, dent panels, clog valleys, and
damage trim during a storm.
After high winds or heavy rain, it is important to look for any branches on or
rubbing the roof. Fresh scratches, dents, and darkened areas where branches
dragged across the roof should also be inspected.
While small scratches may not seem like a big deal, they can compromise the
protective coating of the roof. Dents and impact marks should always be looked
at as well, especially if they are located near seams, fasteners, or flashing.
If trees are constantly dropping limbs onto the roof, it may be a good idea to trim
branches back to prevent further damage and metal roof maintenance in the
future.
Clear valleys and gutters
Water needs to flow freely off of the roof.
Leaves, sticks, pine needles, and roof debris can clog valleys and gutters, forcing
water to find new ways off the roof. This can damage the roof, and lead to
unwanted water accumulation near the home's foundation.
This is especially important on metal roofing since the panels are designed to
shed water off of the roof, and if it cannot do its job, water will find other means of
exiting.
Gutters, downspouts, and valleys should be cleared of debris after any storm, or
during leaf season. If downspouts are dumping water too close to the foundation,
it can create additional drainage issues around the home.
For more information on water management, see How Poor Drainage Damages
Screws and fasteners
Screws are one of the most important aspects of an exposed fastener metal roof,
and one of the most common issues during metal roof maintenance.
Screws can work themselves loose, washers can age, and thermal expansion and
contraction can all play a role in the performance of a metal roof. A missing or
loose screw can also be a major source of leaks.
You don't need to inspect every single screw on the roof from the ground, but you
should keep an eye out for any obvious signs of fastener issues. If you notice
loose looking screws, or rusty washers it is a good idea to have the roof looked at.
This is especially important on ribbed metal roofing, where fasteners are a
necessary part of the roofing system.
If you're still deciding between standing seam and ribbed roofing, see Standing
Watch flashing and roof penetrations
Flashing is often the source of most roof leaks, even on a metal roof.
While a metal roof may be durable, the flashing around chimneys, vent pipes,
skylights, walls, valleys, and roof transitions still needs to be checked. Sealant can
age, boots can crack, trim can lift, and fasteners can work loose.
After any storm, if you can see them from the ground or from inside the attic it is a
good idea to check for:
• Water stains
• Wet insulation
• Rust marks
• Loose flashing
• Cracked pipe boots
• Stains around chimneys
• Any drips after wind driven rain
If your roof has issues with leaks in the past, this Common Causes of Metal Roof
Leaks and How to Prevent Them guide may help identify potential problem areas.
Check the attic if something seems wrong
The attic can often tell you more about the roof than you can see on the ground.
After a particularly heavy rain, look for damp spots, or strange staining and musty
smells. You may also notice wet insulation, or places where light seems to be able
to enter the home that shouldn't be able to.
This is important because often issues that aren't apparent from the ground or
from the gutters can be more evident in the attic, especially around flashing or
behind roof panels.
While a small attic stain may not indicate a major roofing issue, it is still a good
idea to investigate to ensure that the roof is performing as it should.
Clean with care
Metal roofs should be cleaned with a gentle hand.
Avoid harsh methods that could damage the roof coating, or push water
underneath laps, trim, or flashing. If the roof has issues with mildew, dirt, pollen,
leaves, or tree stains, the cleaning method should be appropriate for the roof
material and finish. When in doubt, it is better to ask a roofing contractor about
chemical treatments or pressure cleaning before using either.
The goal of cleaning should be to prolong the life of the finish, not just to make the
roof look nice for one day.
Do not ignore rust, scratches, or exposed metal
Modern metal roofing typically has a protective coating, but it is still important to
keep an eye out for exposed metal or any damage around fasteners.
If a branch were to scratch through the coating on the roof, or a fastener area
were to begin rusting it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Rust
is best addressed before it spreads.
Do not assume that all discoloration is harmless, while tree debris or dirt may
often be the culprit, rust around fasteners, scratches, or cut edges may need to
be addressed.
Cost factors for metal roof maintenance and repairs
The cost of any metal roof repairs or maintenance will be determined by what the
roof needs.
Common cost factors include:
• Size of roof
• Pitch and height of roof
• Type of metal roofing
• Standing seam or exposed fastener
• Number of loose fasteners
• Flashing repairs
• Pipe boot replacement
• Storm damage
• Tree damage
• Access issues around the home
• Panel replacement or trim repairs
• Cleaning or debris removal
Most small maintenance jobs are much cheaper and easier to address before
leaks begin dripping inside the home, and if the roof has multiple roofing issues it
may also be a good idea to reassess the installation, flashing, or ventilation to see
if there are any larger issues.
For more information on the cost of metal roofing, see Metal Roof Cost in WV:
What not to do
Do not walk on a wet metal roof.
Never ignore loose trim after a storm.
Never assume a small roof leak won't get worse.
Never use harsh cleaning methods that can damage the roof.
Always remember gutters and valleys.
Never cover roof leaks without understanding where water is entering the home.
Never wait until water stains spread across the ceiling.
A metal roof is a durable roofing material, but it still needs to be taken care of.
What to expect if Built Right looks at your metal roof
When we inspect a metal roof, we look at the entire roof system to determine
what may be needed. We look at the panels, fasteners, flashing, valleys, trim, roof
penetrations, roof edges, and any areas where water could be getting in. We also
consider if the storm damage, age, installation, or maintenance could be a factor.
Repairs can range from simple adjustments to a full replacement of fasteners,
flashing, trim, and roof panels. The goal is to ensure that the roof is performing as
it should.
FAQ: Metal roof maintenance in WV
How often should a metal roof be checked?
A metal roof should be checked at least once or twice a year, and after any major
storms. You can do a ground level visual check, and call a contractor if you notice
anything that looks off.
Do metal roofs need maintenance?
Yes. Metal roofs are durable, but the roof still needs fasteners, flashing, gutters,
valleys, sealants, and roof penetrations inspected regularly.
What should I look for after a storm?
Loose trim, panel lift, missing fasteners, branch damage, dents, scratches,
clogged gutters, and roof leaks.
Can I walk on my metal roof?
It is best to avoid walking on a metal roof unless you know what you are doing.
Metal roofing can be very slippery, and walking on the wrong parts can cause
damage.
Why do metal roofs leak?
Leaks are typically caused by fasteners, flashing, seams, roof penetrations, storm
damage, or installation details. The roof should be inspected to find the true
cause of the leak.
Is metal roofing a good option in Southern WV?
Many Southern WV homeowners choose metal roofing for its durability against
the region's severe weather. It is a great option if it is installed correctly, and
proper maintenance is performed.
Need help maintaining or repairing a metal roof in Southern
WV?
If your roof has been damaged by a storm, or you are noticing roof leaks, loose
trim, roof fastener issues, roof scratches, or roof damage in Beckley, Raleigh
County, Glen Daniel, or surrounding Southern West Virginia areas, Built Right
Construction Inc. can help.
We offer metal roofing, roof repair planning, grading, excavation, drainage,
driveway, septic, culvert, and site preparation services throughout Southern WV.
Start by scheduling a roof review and practical plan to allow your metal roof to
function and last as intended.
