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Maintaining your metal roof and keeping it clean from the debris can be difficult. Leaves, moss and other debris can cause significant damage to a roof over time if not properly managed. This is where making a metal roof slippery can come in handy. Having a slippery metal roof, it can prevent debris from sticking to the roof. This makes it much easier to clean and maintain. In this article, we cover how to make a metal roof slippery and how you can prevent debris damage.
Here at TDH Contracting, we have over 10 years of metal roofing experience. From providing wax options to helping with maintenance, our knowledge can help your roof.
How To Make A Metal Roof Slippery?
To make a metal roof slippery, you have a couple of options. You could apply wax to the surface of your metal roof. This will add a layer between the debris and roofing that is extremely slippery and has no traction. You could also consider repainting your roof, with a new layer of paint acting as the slippery surface.
The idea is to make your metal roof as traction-free and slippery as possible. This will help with cleaning and maintenance as both debris and water will slide off the surface. The amounts of each solution you should use depends on the size of your roofing and how slippery you would like it to be. We recommend a protective layer to keep to slippery. Also, be mindful that walking on a metal roof once slippery is dangerous.
Why Make Your Metal Roof Slippery?
You might be wondering, why should you make your metal roof slippery. What benefits does it offer to your property? Well, there are many reasons to do so:
- Easy Maintenance: A slippery metal roof is much easier to maintain and clean. Debris such as twigs, sticks and leaves are less likely to stick to a slippery surface due to a lack of traction. This prevents damage to your roofing and makes cleaning easier by removing anything.
- Prevent Accumulation Of Debris: As mentioned, having a slippery surface prevents debris from damaging your roof. It also prevents the accumulation of debris. This keeps your gutters clean and free from blockages. It allows water to flow freely throughout your metal roof. We recommend waxing for the best results.
- Enhances Roof Lifespan: Making your metal roof slippery can enhance the lifespan of your roof. With small amounts of a solution, you can provide protection for your roofing which will extend the lifespan and reduce maintenance. Make sure that you wear shoes with extra grip such as rubber soles when on your slippery roofing.
- Prevents Pest Infestation: Debris Accumulation on a metal roof can provide a habitat for pests and wildlife. By making your metal roof slippery and providing small amounts of a solution, you can deter wildlife from building nests and homes. We recommend a slippery roof for this reason.
- Prevent Snow Build-Up: Another main benefit is the prevention of snow. When snow falls, you can prevent dampness and snow damage by applying small amounts of a solution. This will make snow slide off your roofing and away from your property.
How To Make Your Metal Roof Slippery: Practical Tips
Now that you understand the benefits and recommendations of a slippery roof, knowing how to make your metal roof slippery is important. Your roof is often your most valuable investment for your property. By adding a slippery protective layer, you can improve your lifespan and reduce required maintenance. But how exactly can you do it?
Way to make your metal roof slippery include:
- Apply A Coating
- Use Anti-Stick Products
- Install Zinc Strips
- Regular Maintenance
Apply A Coating To Your Metal Roof
One of the most effective ways to make your metal roof more slippery is to apply a coating. This reduces traction while improving protection and is the option we recommend. There are various different types of coating that you can apply. These include Silicone-Based, Teflon-Based, and Acrylic-Based coatings. These coatings work by creating a smooth surface that prevents any debris from sticking to your roof.
Before applying a coating, you should remove any dirt or debris from your roofing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and safety precautions.
Use Anti-Stick Products
Another effective way to make your metal roof slippery is to use anti-stick products. These products are designed to create a slick, stick-free surface. This prevents any debris or dirt from sticking to your roof, protecting it from damage. There are various examples of anti-stick products including roof sprays, powders, and granules. These are be applied to your roof easily and provide long-lasting protection against debris.
It’s important to choose products that are specifically created for Anti-Stick. Follow all instructions for application and check your roof beforehand.
Install Zinc Strips
Applying a coating to your roof in order to keep it slippery is great. However, a more permanent solution is to Install Zinc Strips. Zinc Strips are a very effective way to make a metal roof slippery. They work by releasing zinc particles that prevent debris. The particles are released onto the roof and rainwater washes the zinc particles down the roof, creating a slick surface. They are installed along the ridge of a roof.
Zinc Strips are environmentally friendly but they come at a cost. You can speak to a local roofing contractor such as TDH Contracting to discuss Zinc Strips.
Regular Maintenance
Regular Roof Maintenance is essential to ensure that your metal roofing remains slippery and debris-free. Regular Inspections will look at the surface and assess its protection levels. Many local contractors will also provide advice on repairs and ways to improve the maintenance of roofing. By scheduling regular maintenance, you can increase the protection of your property. It will also remove any debris, leaves or moss that may have collected on your metal roofing.
Keeping your metal roof clean and well-maintained will ensure the surface maintains its slippery surface and prevent any potential damage.
Conclusion
If you are looking to make your metal roofing slippery, you have a variety of options. From roof coatings to zinc strips, you can choose something to suit both your property and budget.
Before adding anything to your metal roofing, you should book a maintenance visit from a roofing contractor to ensure safety within your property.
FAQ About How To Make A Metal Roof Slippery
It’s important to use coatings that are specifically designed to make metal roofing slippery. Silicone-based, Teflon-based, or Acrylic-based coatings are commonly used for creating a slick surface on a metal roof. You can find a selection of coatings that are specifically designed to make metal roofing slippery.
You can find coatings to make your metal roofing surface slippery with most material providers.
The frequency at which a slippery coating should be applied to your metal roofing surface depends on various factors. These factors include the type of coating used, weather conditions and the amount of debris accumulated. Some options such as Zinc Strips are installed and efficient for many years before they require replacement. However, some of the sprays and coatings may need to be applied to the surface during every inspection.
You can often find more specific details related to metal roofing on the label or instructions for your specific item.
The cost of making your metal roof slippery depends on which option you choose. The prices vary depending on the option and type of option you choose. For example, a roof coating may be cheaper than Zinc Strips, but less effective.
You should do your research into the options and prices before deciding.
Making your metal roofing slippery could be a DIY project, however, you need proper knowledge, tools and safety precautions. We strongly suggest that you seek professional help. Also, ensure you consider rubber soles and safety equipment before attempting anything.
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