The Importance of Maintaining Your Metal Roof: Focus on Screws, Flashings, and Essential Upgrades

A metal roof is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing options available. It provides excellent protection against harsh weather, requires minimal upkeep, and adds a sleek aesthetic to homes. However, like any roofing system, metal roofs need regular maintenance to ensure they perform optimally. Key areas to pay close attention to are the screws and flashings, as these elements can wear down over time and lead to leaks or structural damage.

In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of maintaining a metal roof, with a special focus on screws and flashings. We'll also explore some valuable upgrades, like crickets and snow guards, that can further enhance the longevity and safety of your roof.

1. Screws: Tiny but Mighty Components
Screws are the unsung heroes of a metal roof. They secure the panels and play a significant role in maintaining the roof's structural integrity. Over time, however, screws can loosen due to the natural expansion and contraction of the metal caused by temperature fluctuations. If left unattended, loose screws can cause panels to shift or lift, potentially allowing water to seep through and damage the roof deck.

2. Flashings: The First Line of Defense Against Leaks
Flashings are the pieces of metal installed around roof penetrations, such as chimneys, vents, and skylights, to direct water away from seams and joints. These are critical areas that are most prone to leaks if not properly sealed and maintained. Over time, flashings can deteriorate due to wear and tear, causing them to crack, rust, or lose their sealing capabilities.

Regular Maintenance Tips for Flashings:

Inspect flashings regularly: Check the flashings around all roof protrusions for signs of wear or separation from the roof surface.
Seal gaps and cracks: If you notice any gaps or cracks in the flashing, use a high-quality sealant to reinforce the area and prevent leaks.
Replace damaged flashings: If the flashings are severely corroded or bent, it’s essential to replace them to maintain the integrity of the roof.

3. Roof Upgrades for Improved Performance
In addition to regular maintenance, certain upgrades can further protect your metal roof and improve its performance, especially in challenging weather conditions. Two such upgrades are crickets and snow guards.

Crickets: Protecting Roof Penetrations 
A cricket is a small, peaked structure built around chimneys or other roof penetrations to divert water away from these areas. Crickets aren't just useful for diverting water; they also play a critical role in protecting roof penetrations, like chimneys and vents, from the damage caused by sliding snow and ice. On a metal roof, snow and ice can easily slide down during warmer days or sudden temperature shifts, creating a force that can damage these penetrations or loosen their flashings. This can lead to leaks and long-term structural issues.

By installing crickets around these penetrations, you create a deflective barrier that helps break up the movement of snow and ice, directing it away from vulnerable areas. This simple addition can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your roof penetrations by shielding them from the heavy, sliding mass of snow and ice during winter months.

Snow Guards: Preventing Roof Avalanches
In regions prone to heavy snowfall, such as Alaska, snow guards are a smart investment for any metal roof. These small devices are installed along the roof to hold snow and ice in place, preventing a sudden "roof avalanche" where accumulated snow slides off all at once. Not only can this be dangerous for anyone below, but it can also damage gutters and other structures. Snow guards ensure that snow melts and disperses gradually, reducing the risk of damage to the roof and surrounding areas.

Conclusion
Maintaining a metal roof, particularly paying attention to screws and flashings, is essential for preserving its longevity and performance. Routine inspections, timely repairs, and thoughtful upgrades like crickets and snow guards can save you from costly repairs down the road and ensure your metal roof stands the test of time.

By taking a proactive approach to roof maintenance, you’ll ensure your metal roof continues to protect your home efficiently for decades to come.