If you’re like most people who choose aluminum roofing for their homes and businesses, your primary reason for selecting it is that it requires only minimal maintenance. Metal roof is sturdy, reliable and not easy to damage. Under acceptable conditions, aluminum roofing will outlast just about every kind of roofing material on the market. Still, nothing is indestructible. And there are things you can do that will help you ensure your roof continues to look as good and perform well. Here are some useful tips that serve as your guide to caring for your aluminum roof:

Don’t let trees rub against your metal roof

Over the course of weeks or months, the constant rubbing of a tree branch or limb against a metal roof can cause damage to the finish. And if the wind is strong over a long time and the positioning of the limb is just so, fasteners can be compromised, or the surface can be dented or abraded. Once there’s damage, it’s hard to cover or repair.

Don’t let debris accumulate on the roof

Some roof configurations allow debris to build up on the surface of the roof, and this can damage some kinds of finishes. As the debris decomposes, so does the finish.

Clean your gutters

Keeping debris out of the gutters is also essential because the constant contact of leaves and dirt with your metal roofing can cause failure. Aluminum roofing is designed to effectively shed rain and snow, then dry out. But when there’s debris in the gutters, the edges of the roofing material may never dry, and that can lead to corrosion.

Fix fasteners

If you notice any loose or dislodged screws, tighten or replace them, and make sure you use similar fasteners made of the same material as the roof. It’s also important to remember that fasteners should only be installed on raised areas of the roofing. Putting screws on the lower areas can cause puddling of water and eventually rust.