During mild winters, there can still be an unexpectedly frosty night. There may even be brief periods of ice that might affect your roof. But even if winter only requires a sweater, here are some tips for winter maintenance for your metal roof.

Clear Debris Off of the Roof

Metal roofs may be tough and durable, but the material is still subject to scratches and scuffs. Before winter comes, and while it’s here, it’s a good idea to keep the roof free of fallen leaves, twigs and other debris. Often, a sloped metal roof is so smooth that debris doesn’t cling to it. If it does, it can be brushed off. If you don’t have a telescoping brush to reach your roof or if you’re nervous about getting on a ladder or climbing on even a flat roof, don’t hesitate to hire a roofing service.

Clear Away Tree Branches

It’s important that tree branches stay clear of your roof. They can abrade the metal, and branches can snap off in any weather. A winter storm can even knock heavy branches onto your roof, which could badly damage it. Roofers recommend that there be at least 3 feet of clearance between your metal roof and a tree. Again, if you don’t think you can do this job yourself, hire a professional.

Keep Gutters Clear

Make sure that twigs, leaves, fruit, nuts and animal nests are removed from your gutters. This debris can keep the gutter from draining. Water can seep beneath your roof and even enter your home. If there’s a sudden drop in temperature and ice forms, the weight of the ice can cause a gutter that’s already full of trash to collapse and damage your house. Again, have a professional roofer clear out your gutters if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.

Inspect Your Roof

Find a pair of binoculars and take a good look at your roof as you walk around your home. You may notice signs of abrasion, rust or other types of damage that you didn’t see before. Go up to your attic to check the soundness of your roof’s infrastructure. If you see problems, call in a roof professional. They might be able to fix small problems before they become large and costly.

Call if Your Metal Roof Needs Winter Maintenance

Winter is hard on roofs, but there are things to be done to make sure your metal roof comes through the season with flying colors. If your metal roof ever needs service, get in touch with the experienced professional roofers at Handyman Roofing of Tampa, FL.