*Updated March 2025
Your garage roof plays a crucial role in protecting your belongings and maintaining the structure of your garage. While our high-quality roofing materials require minimal upkeep, regular maintenance can extend their lifespan and keep them performing at their best. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for caring for your garage roof.
A new garage roof will benefit from occasional maintenance and cleaning. Read on to learn how and why.
Why Garage Roof Maintenance Matters
Neglecting your garage roof can lead to costly damage. Over time, exposure to rain, snow, and UV radiation can degrade materials, leading to rust, leaks, and weakened structural integrity. Proper maintenance helps:
⌛Extend Lifespan – Routine care can add years to your garage roof’s life.
💧Prevent Leaks – Early detection of cracks, rust, or damage prevents water infiltration.
🛠️Avoid Costly Repairs – Addressing minor issues before they escalate saves money.
🏡Protect Your Property – A strong roof ensures stored vehicles, tools, and equipment remain safe from weather damage.
Maintaining a Steel Garage Roof
Steel garage roofs with a galvanised finish, are a popular choice due to their strength, weather resistance, and low-maintenance properties. However, regular care will keep them looking great and functioning effectively.
Regular Cleaning
- Remove debris – Leaves, moss, and dirt can trap moisture, leading to corrosion. Use a soft brush or low-pressure hose to clear away buildup.
- Prevent algae and moss – If green patches appear, a mild detergent mixed with water can help remove organic growth without damaging the protective coating.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners – Harsh chemicals or scrubbing tools can strip the Plastisol coating, making the roof vulnerable to rust.
Checking for Rust and Corrosion
- Inspect for rust spots – Even galvanised steel can develop rust over time, especially around fasteners and cut edges.
- Treat rust early – If you spot minor rust, sand the area lightly and apply a rust-inhibiting primer before touching up with metal-compatible paint.
- Watch for corrosion near fixings – Screws and fasteners can loosen over time, allowing moisture to seep in. Ensure they are properly sealed and replace any corroded ones.
Inspecting Sealants and Fixings
- Check for cracks in sealant – UV exposure can degrade sealants around fixings and overlaps. Replace any cracked or peeling sealant with a weatherproof alternative.
- Tighten loose fasteners – Wind and thermal expansion can loosen screws. Retighten them periodically to maintain a secure, watertight fit.
Gutter and Drainage Maintenance
- Clear gutters regularly – Clogged gutters can cause water overflow, leading to leaks and corrosion at roof edges.
- Ensure proper drainage – Water should run freely off the roof. If pooling occurs, adjust drainage solutions or clear blockages.
Maintaining an EPDM Rubber Garage Roof
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber roofing is a durable, flexible material that withstands extreme temperatures and UV exposure. However, periodic maintenance will ensure its longevity and performance.
Clearing Debris
- Sweep off leaves and dirt – A soft broom or low-pressure hose is best for preventing buildup.
- Keep water flow unblocked – Ensure drains and outlets are clear to prevent standing water.
Checking for Punctures and Tears
- Inspect for damage – Small tears or punctures can develop over time, especially if sharp objects fall on the roof.
- Repair minor damage promptly – Use an approved EPDM repair kit to patch any small holes or tears before they expand.
Ensuring Proper Drainage
- Look for pooling water – While EPDM roofs are designed to resist moisture, prolonged standing water can weaken the adhesive bonds over time.
- Clear blockages from outlets – Regularly check that water is draining effectively.
Avoiding Harsh Cleaning Agents
- Use mild soap and water – Harsh chemicals can degrade the rubber and compromise its weatherproofing.
- Avoid pressure washers – High-pressure water can damage seams or force water under the membrane.
Don’t Clean Asbestos!
If your garage was built before the year 2000, there is a significant chance that its roof may contain asbestos cement sheets. Unlike modern steel or EPDM roofing, asbestos is not a material that can or should be maintained.
Any attempt to clean, drill, or otherwise disturb an asbestos-containing roof poses serious health risks, as the release of microscopic asbestos fibres into the air can lead to severe respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Over time, as the material weathers and deteriorates, the risk of fibre release increases. This makes any attempt at DIY repairs or maintenance a hazardous undertaking.
Warning signs of asbestos roofing:
- Corrugated cement sheets with a fibrous texture
- Brittle, aged roofing with no modern coating
- A greyish-white, crumbly appearance
Read our complete guide to identifying asbestos roofs to learn more.
If you suspect that your garage roof contains asbestos, the most important rule is to avoid any form of disturbance. Do not attempt to scrape, sand, drill, or pressure wash the surface, as even minor abrasion can release hazardous fibres into the air.
Many homeowners make the mistake of trying to clean their aging asbestos roof, only to unknowingly expose themselves to serious long-term health risks. Instead, it is essential to seek professional assessment and removal.
If you have any concerns about your garage roof or suspect it may contain asbestos, don’t take risks with your health and safety. Contact Excel Roofing today for a professional assessment and expert guidance on asbestos removal and roof replacement.
