Home Remedies to Deal with Roof Rusting
Many people do not realize that they can use home remedies to take care of roof rusting problems such as rust.
With the help of products that are around the house and a few tools, you can deal with this problem quite easily.
Once it is completed, your roof will be good as new and ready to take on whatever weather Mother Nature decides to dish out.
Rust: The Signs You Need To Know About It
There are many signs that indicate your roof may have rust issues. These include brownish streaks on the wall under the roofing material.
This means water has been able to seep through and cause damage from underneath, which then causes rusting from above. Another sign is if there is flaking or discoloration on the ceiling.
This is a sign that there may be rusting on the roof and it could be flaking off onto the walls and ceiling.
The Process of Cleaning Your Roof
Remove all of the nails or screws from the roof shingles so you can get them completely out of the way before you do any type of cleaning. Mix one part vinegar and two parts water in a spray bottle and shake to blend together.
Spray this solution over all of your rusty areas and allow it to sit for at least fifteen minutes, then rinse off with clean water. Apply an acid-based etching primer if needed to protect against future corrosion.
These are available at most hardware stores as well as some dollar stores. You will need to use an oil-based primer for asphalt roofs. The oil in the primer will help to prevent rust from recurring in these areas. If you have a metal roof, this type of primer is not needed, and using it could cause damage to the roof.
After all of your rusted areas have been primed or painted, add a coat or two of zinc-based paint to keep them from rusting again.
Check with your local hardware store if additional coats are necessary. Your roof should now be free from rust and able to take on whatever Mother Nature has in store!
Preventing Roof from Rusting
To help prevent the roof from rusting, there are a few steps you can take. If you have a metal roof, etch it every four months with an acid solution to help keep the surface from developing rust spores.
Regularly wash your gutters and downspouts with a strong jet of water to keep them clear of debris.
A clean gutter system will reduce the chances of standing water on top of your roof, which could cause problems by allowing rust spores to grow inside the gutters before going down into the under-layer of the shingles or other materials.
Take care that nails and screws used during installation stay in place instead of working their way back out over time. This is a major cause for concern as they can cause rusting by puncturing the surface beneath your shingles.
How to Repair a Rusted Metal Roof
Prevent rusting of metal rooftops by cleaning the roof with a water hose first. This will remove any paint, dirt, or other debris that can cause small holes where rust may enter your roof from above.
Then apply a coat of rubberized roof undercoating paint to help prevent future rust. Choose a painter who is familiar with this work and has had good results in the past.
The final step is to have them paint the surface with at least three coats of oil-based asphalt primer followed by two coats of high-quality top-grade enamel.
Be sure you check references before hiring a contractor for this type of project as it requires extensive skill and training so they don’t damage your roof.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several steps you can take to deal with roofs from rusting. It is also possible to prevent it in the future if you follow these tips and tricks regularly. With regular maintenance, your roof will last for decades without rust issues rearing its ugly head!