Does a metal roof require roof maintenance?

• Does a metal roof require roof maintenance?

• Why does a metal roof need yearly maintenance?

• How much does metal roof maintenance cost?

Just like every other roofing material, a metal roof needs maintenance. Both types of metal roof systems (standing seam and screw down) need to be regularly inspected to truly maximize the lifespan.



So, we always recommend a yearly maintenance inspection, no matter the type. However, the amount of maintenance and what it looks like depends on the metal roof.

After a standing seam metal roof is installed, the only general maintenance required is at the penetrations, such as vent pipes, gas pipes, etc. The boots and collar around these pipes won’t outlast the roof system, so they’ll need replacing during the metal roof’s lifespan.

(Maintenance needed at penetrations)

Failing to periodically check (and replace when needed) the flashings around a metal roof’s penetrations during maintenance will cause a roof leak. That’s why we still recommend getting yearly inspections, even though standing seam is virtually maintenance-free. 

Cleaning is also considered maintenance, but that’s a personal choice for each homeowner.

A screw down metal roof (also called an exposed fastener) requires more maintenance than a standing seam metal roof. Unlike standing seam, a screw down metal roof is screwed through the metal panels with the fasteners left exposed. 

(Screws backing out an screw down metal roof)

This means the metal panels can’t expand and contract freely during thermal expansion. Over time, built-up pressure wallows out the washer holes and causes the screws to back out. 

Every 5-10 years, the screws need to be replaced with a bigger size to avoid roof leaks. If left alone for too long, there will be more expensive problems and can even lead to strong winds lifting panels. 

That’s why it’s absolutely crucial for a screw down metal roof to get a yearly maintenance inspection. 

Now you know metal roofing requires maintenance and what it looks like for both metal roof systems. Unfortunately, homeowners still question whether maintenance is actually needed. 

However, there are three key reasons why it’s absolutely crucial to maintain a metal roof.

Besides the increase in home value, a metal roof’s ROI is how much life you get out of it. A metal roof is a very large investment, so you obviously want it to last as long as possible. 

Roof maintenance maximizes a metal roof’s lifespan, which means longer protection and more ROI. Simply put, maintenance keeps your roof running smoothly throughout its life. 

The last thing you want is to invest in a metal roof that you expect to last 30 years and then have it ruined by neglect. With roof maintenance, you’ll get the maximum number of years out of a metal roof.

The biggest benefit of getting a new roof is the peace of mind it provides. Just like proper installation, getting metal roof maintenance ensures that peace of mind lasts for decades. 



Maintenance allows your roofing contractor to catch potential problems or give your roof a clean bill of health. Even if there are problems, they were caught before becoming serious or a leak started. 

After every maintenance inspection, you get peace of mind by simply knowing everything checked out okay or problems were caught and taken care of. And the next time there’s rain in the forecast, you can’t breathe a sigh of relief because you don’t have to worry about water getting in.

Now to the not-so-fun part of metal roof maintenance: cost. Every company is different, but a general metal roof maintenance inspection costs anywhere from $120 to $400. 

Where you’ll fall in the price range depends on the size, accessibility, and complexity of your roof. This looks costly on the surface, but most roofing companies offer maintenance programs that include yearly roof inspections, and some include certain repairs in the price. 

On top of that, they come with other perks, like discounted repair rates, gutter cleaning, and more. So, while maintaining your metal roof does cost a couple hundred dollars, it’s well worth the investment. 

Just keep in mind that the cost is just the maintenance inspection. There will be an additional cost to repair or solve an issue unless it’s still under warranty.

Now you know why a metal roof needs yearly maintenance and how much it’ll cost. Simply put, a metal roof is a huge investment.

It’s one of the most durable and long-lasting roofs you can find. However, metal roofing can only do this if it’s maintained. 

And as we said, you want the lifespan to reach its full potential so you get the expected ROI. But how much life do you get out of a metal roof system?

This is actually a huge question that homeowners interested in a metal roof need answered. After all, you can’t decide if metal roofing is the right material unless you know what you’re getting out of it. 



That’s why we wrote another article breaking down how much a metal roof lasts.