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TOPIC: Maintenance

Discoloratin

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I recently installed a new metal roof on my house. While seperating the sheets I noticed the strong odor of what seemed to be kerosene. I assumed this was to keep the sheets from sticking together. After the roof was installed I noticed some dark spots on the metal. It looks like it is wet. I was curious to know if this would come off with weather or if it would be necessary to clean it. If cleaning is the option what will remove the spots? The roof is extremely steep and in the process of installation some scuff and dirt marks were left. Same question about these places. Thank you so much for any assistance.
Guest User

10/1/2002
Sometimes, in the forming process, some light evaporative oils are used on the metal. However, they are typically colorless and should not leave any sort of staining. Also, most of the paints used today will resist staining but, depending upon the type of paint on your roof and the color, I suppose it could occur. The discoloration might also be due to contamination which occurred either sometime during storage or perhaps from heavier oil that was on the back of the roofing. In any event, I would track down the manufacturer and ask them to send a rep for investigation. Without knowing what the discoloration is, I do not have any ideas for how to remove it. Markings on the metal, however, will diminish with time as normal dirt and grime accumulates on the roof. That will sort of mask some of the problems you're seeing. As far as scuff marks ... if they are down to the bare metal, they probably should have some matching touch-up applied to them. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

10/5/2002
We have a metal roof on our 10 year old home. The roof is navy blue, however it has become discolored with a pink discoloration. Any suggestions for cleaning the roof without dulling the surface.
Guest User

4/26/2003
This may be chalking or it could be some sort of external staining. If you can email me photos at [email protected], I will try to identify what is going on and offer any possible solutions. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

4/26/2003
Guest User

4/29/2003
I recently (2 weeks ago) purchased a new home and paid extra for a cooper roof above my front box window, I have never seen the roof shiny, in fact at the present time the roof is dirt brown and most people don't even know that it is suppose to be copper. My 30 days are almost up and I need some facts to give to the builder so that he/she can fix it or replace it properly. Could this be a defective piece of copper or some type of contamination please advise and help me I would appreciate it. Thanks Ada Milkis
Guest User

4/29/2003
Copper exposed to the weather will stay bright for only a few weeks or months typically. Then it turns brown. The process for developing a green patina will require from a few years in salt environments up to several years in dry environments. It sounds to me like the copper on your roof was exposed to moisture or perhaps some chemical such as a forming oil before it was installed. The Copper Development Association has a website at www.cda.org I would suggest contacting them for additional information including details on how your builder could clean this copper and, for at least a short while, restore its original shine. Todd Miller
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

4/29/2003