Metal Roof Fading: Causes And Prevention
Metal roofs look attractive when new but lose some of their aesthetic appeal when they begin to fade. Understanding why these roofs fade with time can help you minimize the fading.
Why Metal Roofs Fade
The chemical composition of pigments used during metal roofing manufacture gives the metal its characteristic colors. Over time, the pigments break down and lose some of their color. Some of the factors that accelerate the pigment breakdown include:
- Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun
- Water from different forms of precipitation, such as rainfall and snowfall
- Debris, such as organic debris from nearby trees
- Chemicals in the air
The chemicals used in the manufacture also matter since some chemicals break down faster than others. However, in the end, all metal roofs fade – it's only a matter of time.
Minimizing Fading
Although all metal roofs fade, you can slow down the process with the relevant measures. Below are some effective measures.
Choose the Right Colors
Some colors fade faster than others fade or show their faded nature more easily than others. For example:
- Fading is less noticeable on light-colored roofs than on dark-colored ones
- Organic color compounds fade slower than inorganic compounds
- Matte colors fade slower than glossy colors
Talk to your roofing contractor about our fading concerns; they will help you choose metal with durable colors.
Keep the Roof Dry
As previously mentioned, moisture is one of the elements that accelerate fading. Keep your roof dry to prevent damage. For example, trim tree branches that shade the roof and prevent drying after rainfall. Ensure the roof drainage works so water can flow off the roof for safe disposal.
Keep the Roof Clean
Keeping the roof clean will prevent the effects of debris and chemicals in the air, such as smoke and dust. Regular roof cleaning is all you need to minimize the debris effects.
Coat the Roof
Roof coatings are chemicals that you apply on the roof as a liquid and then dry to form a protective membrane over the roof. The coatings' chemical compositions and materials prevent damage from different things. For example, the coatings prevent UV damage and keep water from the roofing surface.
As a result, the metal roof remains clean, dry, and unaffected by sunlight. The protection slows down the chemical changes that cause metal fading.
As you can see, the choice and maintenance of your metal roof greatly determines how fast it fades. Work with an experienced roofing contractor to get a metal roof that will serve you for years without losing much of its curb appeal.
Contact local roofing contractors to learn more.