Category: News

Fall is the best time to prepare your roof for winter. Small issues such as loose fasteners, clogged gutters or trapped debris can quickly become bigger problems and lead to leaks and costly repairs once rain, ice and seasonal storms arrive. Taking a few preventative steps now can help protect your home or building, extend the life of your metal roof and reduce unexpected maintenance costs.

This blog will go over 4 steps to help prevent water intrusion, corrosion, drainage issues and unnecessary wear that can lead to expensive repairs.

This checklist is general guidance only. Always follow the care and maintenance instructions and warranty terms for your specific product, and consult a qualified roofing professional for inspections and repairs.

Quick Answer: What Maintenance Does a Metal Roof Need in the Fall?

The most important fall maintenance tasks for a metal roof include:

1. Perform a Thorough Roof Inspection.
2. Remove leaves, branches and debris.
3. Clean the roof using non-abrasive methods.
4. Trim back overhanging tree branches.

Safety Callout

Metal roofs can become extremely slippery when wet, icy or covered with leaves. Inspect your roof from the ground or with binoculars whenever possible. If any task requires getting on the roof, contact a professional roofing contractor who uses proper fall protection and standard safety procedures, regardless of roof pitch.

Step 1: Perform a Thorough Roof Inspection

During your fall inspection, which you should do from the ground or with binoculars, pay close attention to the areas most likely to develop leaks, including fasteners, panel seams, flashing around chimneys and vents and roof transitions. Look for loose components, gaps, corrosion spots, water stains or any signs that moisture may be finding its way into the roofing system. Catching these issues before winter can help prevent more extensive damage later.

Call a professional if you notice:

• Interior water stains
• Rust or corrosion
• Loose panels
• Damaged flashing
• Active roof leaks

Why this is Important
Taking a proactive approach to roof inspection and maintenance throughout the year can help extend the life of your metal roof and preserve its long-term performance.

Step 2: Remove Leaves, Branches and Seasonal Debris

One of the biggest threats to roof performance during the fall is debris buildup.

Leaves, pine needles, twigs and branches may seem harmless, but when left on the roof, they trap moisture against the surface. Over time, this prolonged moisture exposure can increase the risk of corrosion and affect drainage performance.

As part of your fall maintenance routine, remove debris from roof valleys, around penetrations and other areas where buildup tends to collect. If clearing debris requires getting on the roof, leave it to a professional.

Why this is Important
Moisture trapped beneath debris can contribute to staining, coating deterioration and corrosion over time.

Step 3: Clean Your Metal Roof the Right Way

Cleaning your roof does more than improve curb appeal. For routine cleanup, use mild soap, water and a soft bristle brush, and follow the care instructions for your specific product. Avoid pressure washers, wire brushes or abrasive cleaning tools that could damage the roof’s protective finish. A roofing system can only perform properly when water has a clear path away from the home. Remove debris from gutters and confirm downspouts are draining correctly. While cleaning, check for sagging sections or loose attachments, and watch from the ground for overflow during rainfall.

Why this is important
Cleaning properly helps you to preserve protective coatings and allows you to identify potential problems before they worsen.

Step 4: Trim Back Overhanging Tree Branches

Trees add beauty and charm to a property, but they can also cause roofing damage.

Branches that rub against the roof can scratch protective coatings and damage panels. Falling limbs during storms can cause even greater concerns.

Maintaining clearance between your roof and any branches can help reduce wear and limit debris buildup. Never trim branches near power lines, and use a licensed tree professional for large limbs or limbs above the roof.

Contact a roofing professional if you discover leaks, water stains, rust, loose panels, damaged flashing, standing water or any signs of structural movement.

Why this is important
Addressing problems before winter and allowing a professional to assess and correct them can help prevent more extensive repairs later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Metal Roof Maintenance

How Often Should a Metal Roof Be Inspected?

Homeowners should inspect their roofs at least twice annually, with fall being one of the most important times to look for developing issues before winter weather arrives.

Do Metal Roofs Require Maintenance?

Yes. Metal roofs typically require less ongoing maintenance than many roofing materials, but periodic inspections, cleaning, debris removal, and rain gutter maintenance are still necessary to maximize lifespan.

Can You Walk on a Metal Roof?

Walking on a metal roof carries a serious risk of falls, and incorrect foot placement can damage panels. We recommend leaving roof access to a qualified roofing professional with proper fall protection. If access is necessary, follow the walking guidance in your product’s installation or maintenance instructions.

What Causes Metal Roof Leaks?

Common causes include:

• Loose fasteners
• Damaged flashing
• Open seams
• Deteriorated sealants
• Improper drainage

Many of these issues can be identified during a regular inspection.

Protect Your Roof Before Winter Arrives

Fall maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. By inspecting your roof, removing debris, cleaning surfaces properly and trimming nearby trees, you can help reduce the likelihood of costly repairs during the winter months.

A few hours of preventative maintenance today can help protect one of your home’s most important investments for years to come.

Ready to get your roof winter-ready?
Contact our team to find the right solution and a local distributor for your next roofing project.

CARY, NC | September 23, 2026 – Cornerstone Building Brands, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America, today announced that its Fortify Building Solutions™ business’ Slimline® concealed fastener metal roofing panel has been named among Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Home Reno Awards winners for combining durable performance and energy efficiency with a modern, low-profile design that complements contemporary and traditional homes.  

Each year, engineers and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute, together with a team of home improvement professionals, spend months rigorously evaluating the best products and services for home remodeling and maintenance. As part of the evaluation process, analysts send products into the homes of consumer testers to see how they perform in real-world conditions, while Good Housekeeping design pros weigh in on style and aesthetics. To determine the winners, judges focus on key attributes including quality, value, efficiency, sustainability and overall design appeal. 

Lasting Performance and Curb Appeal for Residential Roofing 

Metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular choice as homeowners look for lasting value, less upkeep and enhanced curb appeal. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, metal roofing offers several advantages that can make it a sound long-term investment for homeowners, including: 

• Longer service life: With proper design and installation, metal roofing can last two to three times as long as asphalt shingles, helping reduce the expense and disruption of future replacements. 

• Lower maintenance costs: Metal roofing generally requires less upkeep than asphalt or wood shake roofing, helping reduce ownership costs over time. 

• Resale appeal: Durability and reduced upkeep can make metal roofing attractive to future buyers, with homeowners typically recouping 50 to 75 percent of the cost of their metal roof at resale, depending on the region.  

• Potential insurance savings: In some areas, especially those prone to severe weather, homeowners with qualifying metal roofs may be eligible for insurance premium discounts, depending on their insurer and policy. 

 Slimline pairs those practical, long-term benefits with design flexibility that helps deliver lasting curb appeal. Its concealed fasteners and 1-inch ribs create a clean, low-profile roofline, while a range of colors helps homeowners coordinate their metal roof panels with their home’s siding and trim or make the roof a distinct architectural feature. 

 “A new roof is a major investment, and homeowners deserve confidence in the products they choose,” said Matt Ackley, CEO of Fortify Building Solutions. “Earning this recognition through Good Housekeeping’s expert evaluation and testing gives homeowners added assurance in Slimline panels and contractors a meaningful endorsement to share with their customers.” 

 Building on the longevity and performance benefits associated with metal roofing, the concealed fastener design of Slimline panels helps reduce wear on the fasteners over time by reducing the number of attachment points that are exposed to the elements. When properly designed and installed, the panels can withstand high winds and snow loads, and also carry a UL Class A fire rating, adding protection for homes in areas vulnerable to wildfire. Depending on the finish selected, warranty coverage includes a 45-year paint or 40-year Galvalume® finish limited warranty. 

 Slimline metal panels are available with Cool Roof paint coatings that help reflect solar heat and release absorbed heat, reducing heat transfer into the home. This keeps the building cooler and lowers the demand on air conditioning equipment. Fortify’s Signature® 200 and 300 paint colors are rated through the Cool Roof Rating Council’s CRRC-1 program for solar reflectance and thermal emittance, giving professionals performance data to consider alongside color selection. 

 For contractors, Slimline combines snap-lock seams for efficient installation with multiple gauge options in a range of coatings and colors, giving them flexibility to align material specifications with homeowners’ design preferences. Expert guidance and product samples are available to help professionals compare materials and finishes with their customers.  

 “This award underscores the performance and design versatility metal roofing can bring to residential construction,” added Ackley. “Slimline panels give homeowners a clean, refined look backed by the strength of metal, and we’re proud to see the product recognized by Good Housekeeping.” 

 Slimline panels are available nationwide through Fortify Building Solutions’ go-to-market brands: Mueller™, Ceco® Building Systems, Metallic® Building Systems, Star Building Systems®, Robertson Building Systems, MBCI®, Metal Sales by MBCI®, Metal Sales, American Building Components® and Union Corrugating®. 

For more information about Fortify Building Solutions, visit FortifyBuildingSolutions.com. 

About Fortify Building Solutions 

Fortify Building Solutions is a leading provider of metal building systems, metal roof & wall systems and steel building components serving North America. Through a portfolio of trusted brands, including Mueller, Ceco Building Systems, Star Building Systems, Metallic Building Systems, Robertson Building Systems, MBCI, Metal Sales by MBCI, Metal Sales, American Building Components, and Union Corrugating, the business serves customers across commercial, industrial, agricultural, architectural and residential markets.  

With approximately 5,000 employees across a network of more than 100 manufacturing, distribution and retail sites, Fortify Building Solutions combines deep industry expertise and extensive manufacturing capabilities with a customer-focused approach to delivering quality products, dependable service and innovative solutions that help customers build with confidence. Fortify Building Solutions is part of Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. Learn more at FortifyBuildingSolutions.com. 

About Cornerstone Building Brands
Cornerstone Building Brands is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products for residential and low-rise non-residential buildings in North America. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., we serve residential and commercial customers across the new construction and Repair & Remodel (R&R) markets. Our market-leading portfolio of products spans vinyl windows, vinyl siding, metal roofing, metal wall systems and metal accessories. Cornerstone Building Brands’ broad, multi-channel distribution platform and expansive national footprint includes approximately 19,400 team members at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America. Corporate stewardship is embedded in our culture and guides our commitment to responsible growth, environmental care and community impact. For more information, visit us at cornerstonebuildingbrands.com. 

Media Contact: 

media@fortifybuildingsolutions.com

The outbreak of the war in Ukraine on February 24 had an instant effect on steel prices and will most likely keep costs relatively high for the remainder of 2022. If the war was to end immediately, it would still take several months for market conditions to return to normal and an end to the war will not necessarily result in the removal of sanctions.

In this Market Update, we highlight some of the key factors impacting today’s steel prices and what to watch in the future.

WHAT TO KNOW, IN SUMMARY

Steel prices and supply and demand will continue to be volatile due to factors influenced by the war in Ukraine, interest rates, inflation, supply chain challenges, geopolitical instability, and transportation shortages.

• Supply of iron ore is expected to decrease since Ukraine is the sixth largest global supplier.
• Increases in steel demand from oil companies are likely to add upward pressure to price, as the war is driving up energy costs.
• Demand for residential construction has remained strong despite the recent increases in interest rates as the inventory of single-family homes is extremely low.
• The global labor shortage is expected to challenge production and delivery costs for steel mills and fabricators throughout 2022 and 2023.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW 

Import Steel

The surge in global steel prices has eliminated the cost advantage that imports had over domestic steel. 

The replacement of the Section 232 Tariffs gave import prices a significant advantage over domestic prices. However, the effect of the war in Ukraine has since had a major impact on the European market which offsets the cost advantage.

Steel Production

The war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on domestic steel production. 

• In February, lead times had been reduced to normal historical levels but have since increased sharply. Currently they are at the highest level since November.
• Hot rolled coil lead times have increased 38% between February and March due to raw material supply challenges.
• Tons produced in 2022 has declined consistently over the past 11 weeks.
• Cold rolled steel has not increased in capacity as mills have not expanded their cold reducing capacity.

The industry will see lead time and pricing pressures through 2022 due to the increasing input costs for raw materials such as iron ore, scrap metal, coke, aluminum and zinc.

Geopolitical Tension

Conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in cost increases for the raw materials used in steel production. 
The following cost increases have been realized between February 24 and March 24:

• Iron Ore has increased 10%
• Coking Coal has increased 45%
• Scrap has increased 26%
• Pig Iron has increased 60%
• Zinc has increased 10% and reached a single day record high on March 8

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Interest Rates

Federal Reserve officials voted to lift interest rates a quarter point and signals more to come.

The Fed voted to lift interest rates and penciled in six more increases by year’s end, pointing to a consensus funds rate of 1.9% by year’s end. This act is the most aggressive pace in more than 15 years, in an escalating effort to slow inflation that is running at its highest levels in four decades. The Fed will raise its benchmark federal-funds rate by a quarter percentage point to a range between 0.25% and 0.5%, the first rate increase since 2018.

The implications of the war in Ukraine for the U.S. economy are highly uncertain but are likely to create additional upward pressure on inflation and weigh on economic activity.

Freight Costs

Freight disruption has further delayed deliveries and lead times in the market.  
Freight cost increases affect every partner in the value chain, ultimately impacting delivered costs. Like many other suppliers and service providers mills too are experiencing increases in energy costs, import freight cost, material transfers and other indirect costs.

The oil market has been extremely volatile. Oil was expected to increase to ~$300/barrel when the war broke out, but that no longer seems likely. Costs will remain elevated in 2022 because of low oil supply, the war, and a shortage of truck drivers. None of those factors are likely to be resolved in the short term, but we will be closely monitoring the situation.

ABC’s Market Updates are brought to you by Cornerstone Building Brands subject matter experts and are curated for the purpose of creating awareness of economic factors that may potentially impact pricing, supply and demand affecting our customers. Any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions; these statements are not guarantees and undue reliance should not be placed on them. All views or opinions herein are solely those of the author(s) as of the date of this communication and are not to be relied upon as authoritative. Nothing in this communication should be considered to constitute investment, legal, accounting, or tax advice or other advice of any kind.

The imbalance between supply and demand was without a doubt the main driver of the US steel price increases in 2021. With limited capacity—both planned and unplanned—the scales were firmly tipped in the mills’ favor. However, lead times, service center inventories and mill production capacity have recently returned to normal levels adding downward pressure on steel prices. There is broad uncertainty around what 2022 holds and whether those factors that fueled demand last year will continue.

In this Market Update, we highlight some of the key factors impacting steel prices today and what to watch in the future.

WHAT TO KNOW, IN SUMMARY

Demand for steel will be more fluid than supply due to variability in key macroeconomic factors such as interest rates, consumer sentiment and disposable income. These factors will be influenced by inflation, supply chain challenges, geopolitical instability, labor shortages, transportation and of course, COVID-19.

• Steel supply is anticipated to increase as domestic production improves and imports arrive in significant quantities.
• Increases in steel supply are likely to result in decreased steel costs in the first half of 2022.
• The global labor shortage is expected to challenge production and delivery costs for steel mills and fabricators throughout 2022 and 2023.
• Attempts to control inflation by the Fed may provide relief later in the year, but uncertainty remains in the face of geopolitical uncertainty and rising oil prices.

The COVID-19 pandemic will most likely continue to impact volatility in supply and demand.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW 

Import Steel

Tariff concessions for the EU are putting downward pressure on steel costs. 

As of January 2022, the Section 232 Tariffs on steel imported from the EU were replaced by a Tariff Rate Quota system. Under the new system, the first 3.6M tons of steel imported from the EU will be exempt from any tariffs, but not all steel qualifies for the exemption.

Steel imports are at a six-year high, increasing now four months in a row. As tariffs are dropped and international supply puts pressure on domestic supply, we expect an impact on steel prices over the next several months.

Mill Capacity

Domestic mill capacity utilization rates are impacted by import volume.

Mills are facing high input costs in a declining price market, after posting record-breaking sales numbers in 2021. Because of the influx of imported steel mentioned above, there is uncertainty around capacity utilization and the potential that prices will adjust downward.

• Steel production has returned closer to normal levels and has increased the availability of hot rolled steel.
• Cold rolled steel has not increased in capacity as mills have not expanded their cold reducing capacity, a process which converts heavier gauge material to lighter gauge material
• Additionally, zinc and aluminum, which are both used in the production of cold rolled steel requiring additional labor, are at an all-time high. The price of hot rolled steel has decreased at twice the rate of cold rolled steel. Manufacturers with a higher mix of cold rolled steel will see consolidated costs drop at a slower rate.
• The industry may see lead time and pricing pressures through 2022 due to increasing input costs for raw materials such as iron ore, scrap metal, coke, aluminum and zinc.

Material Inflation

Steel faces deflationary pressure but other inputs costs are rising. 

The commercial construction outlook for 2022 is positive despite facing the highest rate of inflation since 1982. In December, the PPI for inputs to nonresidential construction was up 23% year over year and generally prices continue to march higher. This includes prices for key building products like bar joist, clips, fasteners, as well as insulation and paint where supply constraints are still prevalent.

Labor Shortages

A tight labor market persists across sectors, slowing the return to “normal” prices.

Labor shortages are now recognized as the biggest challenge businesses are facing, and it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. The availability of labor to produce goods will directly impact production capacities, keeping prices high despite declines in raw material costs.

Transportation

A shortage of qualified drivers will remain a challenge for transportation industry. 

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) estimates the current driver shortage at 80,000 and believes it will double by 2030. The shortage stems from high driver turnover, an aging workforce and barriers around regulation. This, combined with already high shipping rates (up 14% year over year) and infrastructure challenges, are leading logistics companies to project double-digit growth in contract rates in 2022.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Interest Rates

The Fed has announced that it will likely increase interest rates to tame inflation. 

Based on the announcements made in January by Fed Chief Powell, money won’t come as cheaply as it did in 2021. The US government will attempt to reverse the spiking inflation rate, increasing rates for the first time since the pandemic started. While the specifics about execution were left undecided, the intent was clear: efforts will be taken to slow rising inflation and over time, prices should drop.

Geopolitical Tension & Oil Prices

Conflict between Russia and Ukraine hints at future oil supply disruptions. 

January ended with a Brent crude barrel close to $90 and some analysts forecast summer prices at $100 or more, the highest we’ve seen since 2014. The most notable contributing factors to the price hikes are low inventory levels and production combined with increasing energy demand as the worldwide economies reopen despite Omicron. Relief from OPEC and its cooperators is questionable, and if tensions at the Ukrainian border do not de-escalate, we could see major supply disruptions and even higher energy prices, impacting both inflation and discretionary spending.

ABC’s Market Updates are brought to you by Cornerstone Building Brands subject matter experts and are curated for the purpose of creating awareness of economic factors that may potentially impact pricing, supply and demand affecting our customers. Any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions; these statements are not guarantees and undue reliance should not be placed on them. All views or opinions herein are solely those of the author(s) as of the date of this communication and are not to be relied upon as authoritative. Nothing in this communication should be considered to constitute investment, legal, accounting, or tax advice or other advice of any kind.