Although an old metal roof can be an object of beauty, it will not live out half it's years without proper maintenance. At least twice a year, the roof should be inspected against a checklist. A coat of high quality Acrylic Elastomeric Roof Paint should be kept on the roof at all times. Exposed metal should never be allowe to remain exposed for any length of time due to the rust that will occur. Inspect the roof in the spring and fall for failures in the protective paint coating and address the problems immediately. All changes should be recorded and reported. Guidelines should be established for any foot traffic that may be required for the maintenance of the roof. These would include not stepping on raised seams and lifting one's feet when walking so as not to damage the painted surface. Many roofing materials should not be walked on at all. In some instances, a self-supporting ladder might be hung over the ridge of the roof, or planks might be spanned across the roof surface. Such items should be specifically designed and kept in a storage space accessible to the roof. If exterior work ever requires hanging scaffolding, use caution to insure that the anchors do not penetrate, break, or wear the roofing surface, gutters, or flashing.

Any roofing system should be recognized as a membrane that is designed to be self-sustaining, but that can be easily damaged by intrusions such as pedestrian traffic, fallen tree branches,hail, acid rain, mold, salt spray, wind, and the like.. Certain items should be checked at specific times. For example, gutters tend to accumulate leaves and debris during the spring and fall and after heavy rain. If water is allow to accumuate in the gutter because of dibris, the gutter could rot or rust requiring costly replacement. Hidden gutter screening both at downspouts and over the full length of the gutter could help keep them clean. The surface material would require checking after a storm as well. Periodic checking of the underside of the roof from the attic after a storm or winter freezing may give early warning of any leaks. Generally, damage from water or ice is less likely on a roof that has good flashing on the outside and is well ventilated and insulated on the inside. Specific instructions for the maintenance of the different roof materials should be available from the architect or contractor.