Summer Care Guide for Stone Coated Metal Roofs
- By: Cailin
- Aug 05 2025
Scorching summer temperatures, intense UV radiation, sudden downpours—even hail. In this season full of extremes, your metal roof faces serious challenges. How can it continue to protect your home in high heat, heavy rain, and even hailstorms? This guide covers essential summer roof maintenance to ensure lasting performance and peace of mind.
1. Beat the Heat: Sun Protection and Cooling
Reflect Heat, Avoid the “Hot Plate Effect”:
Routine Cleaning Matters: Remove leaves, bird droppings, and dust regularly. Debris buildup reduces the roof’s solar reflectivity and causes more heat absorption.
Inspect Coatings Carefully: The coating on stone-coated tiles is vital for UV protection and rust resistance. Check vulnerable areas—like eaves and seams—for chalking, discoloration, or peeling beyond normal aging. If damage is found, contact a professional to repair or recoat.
Watch for Expansion Issues:
Thermal Movement: High temperatures can cause metal to expand. Check fasteners, joints, and sealants for loosening, cracking, or unusual noises. Tighten or repair promptly to prevent water intrusion.
2. Rain Season Defense: Stay Dry and Sealed
Clear the Gutters:
After every heavy rain, remove leaves, branches, and debris from gutters and downspouts. Ensure proper drainage to avoid pooling.
Check Roof Drainage:
Observe if water pools after rain. Prolonged standing water accelerates corrosion and increases leakage risk. Make sure your roof has a proper drainage slope.
Reinforce Waterproofing:
Sealants Matter: Inspect ridge caps, eaves, around chimneys/pipes, and skylights for cracked or aging sealants. Remove failed sealant and reapply weather-resistant silicone sealant.
Secure Cover Pieces: Ensure ridge caps and fascia covers are tightly installed and properly overlapped to prevent water backflow during storms.
3. Routine Maintenance: Small Actions, Long-Term Gains
Gentle Cleaning:
How to Clean: Use a soft-bristle brush or low-pressure water spray, working from top to bottom. Never use high-pressure washers, as they may dislodge stone chips or damage coatings.
Cleaning Solutions: Water is usually sufficient. For stubborn stains, use a mild neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Maintain the Surroundings:
Trim Overhanging Trees: Prevent branches from scratching the roof, blocking drainage, or dropping leaves.
Avoid Unnecessary Walking: Stay off the roof unless absolutely necessary. If you must, wear soft-soled shoes and never place heavy tools directly on the tiles to avoid dents or abrasion.
4. Extreme Weather Readiness: Prepare in Advance
Before Typhoons or High Winds:
Check that all fasteners, clips, and trim pieces are secure—especially along ridges, eaves, and edges.
Secure or remove any loose items on or near the roof, such as pots or antennas.
After Hailstorms:
Once conditions are safe, inspect the roof. Look for dents, chipped coatings, or exposed base metal. Address damage promptly to prevent rust or leaks.
5. Get a Professional Inspection
Every 1–2 years, or after extreme weather events, hire a professional roofer for a thorough inspection. Trained experts can assess coating wear, structural integrity, potential leak points, and drainage efficiency, offering preventive repairs and expert advice.
6. If Something Goes Wrong
Leak Response: Place a container under indoor leak points and mark the general area. Never climb the roof during a storm—wait for clear weather and call a professional.
Lightning Safety: Stay away from metal fixtures such as doors, windows, and plumbing during a storm. While modern stone-coated metal roofs typically have grounding systems, safety always comes first.
Final Words
Stone-coated metal roofing offers superior durability and beauty—but even the strongest armor benefits from thoughtful care. With the right seasonal maintenance, your roof will shine through every summer storm and scorching heatwave, reliably protecting your home and enhancing its long-term value.