Easy Maintenance Tips for Your Steel Roof
A brand-new roof is no small expense, which is why more and more people are turning to corrugated steel roofing—it’s tough, long-lasting, and pretty low-maintenance. But that doesn’t mean you can just forget about it! Even the sturdiest roofs need a little TLC now and then to keep them looking great and working like they should.
As your go-to steel roof supplier, we’ve put together some simple, no-nonsense tips to help you take care of your metal roof without the stress.
How Often Should You Check Your Roof?
Good news—steel metal roofs can last 40 to 50 years (or more!) if you treat them right. You don’t need to be up there every weekend, but a quick once-over every few months, plus a proper check-up once a year, can make a big difference.
Here’s how to keep things in tip-top shape:
1. Keep It Clean (But Be Gentle)
Dirt, moss, leaves, bird mess—it all ends up on your roof eventually. And if it’s left sitting there, it can wear down the surface or lead to rust spots.
How to clean it:
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Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water
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Rinse with a garden hose (skip the power washer unless you're really sure it won’t damage anything)
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Avoid anything too harsh or scratchy—your roof’s protective coating needs to stay intact
A gentle wash every now and again keeps your roof looking sharp and adds years to its life.
2. Check Your Gutters and Roof Valleys
Leaves, twigs, and all sorts of gunk can build up in your gutters and around your roof’s edges. This can block water from draining properly and lead to rust, leaks, or even pests.
What to do:
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Clear out leaves and dirt by hand or with a trowel
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Check that water’s flowing where it should
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Consider fitting gutter guards to save time in the future
It’s a messy job, but it’s one of the most important!
3. Trim Those Trees
Got trees near your roof? Keep an eye on those branches. If they’re hanging over your house, they could scrape or damage your metal roof—especially during storms or high winds.
You can:
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Trim small branches yourself (safely!)
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Hire a tree surgeon for the big stuff
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Check them a couple of times a year and after any rough weather
Keeping branches away protects both your roof and your gutters.
4. Buff Out Small Scratches
Spotted a scratch or scuff? It happens—especially during storms or when branches or tools hit the roof. Luckily, minor marks can usually be sorted without much fuss.
Here’s what you can do:
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Lightly buff the area with a soft cloth
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Touch it up with paint or sealant that matches your roof
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For anything bigger, consider replacing the panel (we’ve got plenty in stock at Accord!)
Quick fixes now can stop rust and bigger problems later.
5. Look Out for Leaks
Leaks are your roof’s way of telling you something’s not right. Whether it’s a dodgy seal, missing fastener, or damaged flashing, it’s best to get it sorted fast.
Check:
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Inside your loft or attic for signs of moisture
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Around vents, chimneys, and joins
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With a professional if you’re not sure what’s wrong
Don’t ignore it—one small leak can cause big issues if left too long.
6. Keep an Eye Out for Rust
Even though steel roofs are built to resist rust, it can still creep in—especially around edges, fasteners, or vents where steam and moisture collect.
If you see rust:
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Scrub it off with a soft brush and cleaner
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Rinse well and dry it
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Recoat with a protective finish if you have it
If the rust is widespread, it might be time to swap out the affected panels—and guess what? We can help with that.
7. No Mixing Metals
Different metals don’t always get along. If something like copper or lead is in contact with your steel roof, it can cause chemical reactions (called galvanic corrosion) that lead to stains or damage.
Just double-check:
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Flashings, brackets, and any other roof accessories
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That everything is compatible with your steel roofing sheets
A quick check now could save you from a headache later.
Final Thoughts: Look After Your Roof, and It’ll Look After You
That’s it! Keep your corrugated metal roofing clean, inspect it once or twice a year, and fix little issues before they turn into big ones. Easy.
At Accord Steel Cladding, we supply high-quality steel roof sheets, fixings, and all the accessories you need to keep your roof strong, stylish, and weatherproof for years to come.
Got questions? Need replacement panels? Just give us a shout—we’re here to help.
