Maintain galvanised roofing

Annual maintenance and necessary repairs need to be done to galvanised roofing to ensure it remains in good condition and to prevent water leaks.

 

In South Africa zinc or galvanised IBR sheet is one of the most affordable roofing options and is installed on many homes in both rural and urban communities. Even upmarket housing and commercial developments use galvanised roofing on contemporary designs and, when properly maintained, this roofing option can last 20 years or more.

One of the worst enemies of zinc or galvanised roofing is rust. Once rust gains a foothold it can quickly destroy a roof.

Inspect your roof at least once a year, paying particular attention to the following:

◊ Fixings and flashings

◊ Chimney flashing

◊ Gutters and downpipes

◊ Dented or sheets that have lifted or shifted

◊ Any roof-mounted equipment such as TV aerials and satellite dishes, or solar panels, etc. Any loose or rusted fixings should be replaced.

◊ If trees are located close to a house, cut away any branches that encroach over the roof, as these can scratch the steel and make it vulnerable to rust, as well as causing leaf debris to block gutters and downspouts

◊ Moss or lichen growth

General maintenance for IBR roofing:
Use a hose pipe to clean roofing and wash away any moss that collects around the edges. Galvanised Iron Cleaner should be applied to roofing that has been left unattended to for a long period of time.

Should roofing be showing signs or rust or deterioration this should be attended to immediately. Use rust converter or rust stripper to neutralise areas of rust.

Uncoated IBR roofing should be cleaned and primed before applying a suitable metal paint. Coated roofing generally requires recoating depending on the condition and in coastal regions.

Repair IBR roofing:
If rust has affected roofing washers, replace these with new rubber roofing washers. You will find roofing washers and screws at your local Builders Warehouse.

Zinc flashing around edges where roofing butts against walls should be replaced if no longer effective. Close off gaps with waterproofing membrane and product. Apply a thick layer of product along the top edge of flashing, place the membrane over the top of this and apply more product according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Dented or damaged sheets will need to be replaced, especially where these pieces allow water to enter the roof. If in any doubt as to how to do this, contract a local roofing specialist to take on this project.