Preventative Maintenance

Preventative Maintenance is work that provides extra protection in high-risk and vulnerable areas and is intended to prevent or minimise later requirements for reactive maintenance. It can be achieved by enhancing the product before installation, or by maintaining such areas more regularly than the body of the cladding.

Where the underside of metal roof cladding is subject to contaminants such as salt at the gutter line, an eaves flashing should be inserted under the roof and over the gutter to prevent deposits which lead to 'inside out' corrosion. This flashing can assist where dissimilar metals are used for gutters, or spouting where splashes and contaminants can corrode the roof cladding. (See Eaves Flashing). Where the gutter line micro-environment is likely to be severe, the exposed underside of metal cladding can be painted using a two-pack epoxy primer or elastomeric polyurethane paint before installation.

The most efficient protection of the eaves in severe marine areas is to use a high front spouting system where the front face of the spouting meets or exceeds the height of the roofing crests. These can be custom folded if necessary.

Seagulls perching on ridging, parapets or aerials on buildings can cause damage from rubbish dropped onto the roof, and from their alkali droppings. Discouraging devices such as wire or spikes can be used to prevent this. Unpainted aluminium or AZ coatings are particularly vulnerable to alkali.

Roof Cladding exposed to the elements from the underside should be included in the maintenance schedule for unwashed areas.