The Philippines is no stranger to extreme weather conditions. After long, dry summer months comes the torrential rain. Strong winds and rainwater can wreak serious damage on roofs, which is why it’s always best to protect the houses from heavy rains.
Most roofs in the Philippines are made of yero or galvanized steel. Galvanization is the process of applying a thin layer of zinc to the surface of the metal. This then protects it from rust (oxidization) and corrosion. Galvanized steel products or yero are designed to last for many years. It also has many roofing and siding applications.
However, though there are many options to choose from, long-span roof prices in the Philippines vary greatly. Homeowners should know that choosing the best type of roofing material is only the first step to having a sturdy roof. They should also always protect their homes from the weather, especially during the rainy season
Yero Care Tips for the Rainy Season
Here are some ways to make your roof ready for typhoon season:
Clean the Roof
Go up the roof and regularly sweep it to keep it clean from any debris. Leaves, twigs, and other materials may clog gutters and the drainage.
When you do so, check if there is any corrosion. If there is, then find the source and remove any item that may be causing corrosion in your roof.
Check for the first few signs of rust. A DIY trick for yero or galvanized steel is to pour white vinegar over any areas that display white rust. Allow the vinegar to sit for about five minutes before rinsing it water. This should be enough to remove light rust.
However, if the vinegar doesn’t remove the white rust, then you can scrub off the rest of the stain with sandpaper until the rust is removed. Rinse the sanded area with water afterward.
But if the rust can’t be solved by the vinegar or sandpaper technique, then it’s best to consider replacing your roofs. Check out our roofing products catalogue to find your best yero option.
Clean the Gutters
The roof itself isn’t the only thing that needs to be thoroughly cleaned. The rain gutters should also be regularly unclogged, especially if there are a lot of trees near the house.
If a rain gutter becomes clogged, then it will be unable to properly channel the rainwater it collects. This can lead to more serious problems as the water can seep into other areas.
Install a Backwater Valve in the Sewer Line
Call a technician or contractor and have them install a backwater valve in the sewer line.
This allows the water from the rain gutters to be channeled directly to the drainage without pushing dirty water back out if ever flooding occurs.
Have the Roof Checked for Leaks
Regularly have the roof checked for leaks and possible damage. Call a professional to have the roof checked for areas where water may seep in. Ask if certain parts may lead to other types of damage and need to be immediately repaired. Small areas of damage can turn into serious problems when heavy rains hit.
Add a Layer of Protective Coating
A good way to prevent rust and corrosion on a roof made from yero is to coat it. The elastomeric layer contains an acrylic sealing system that can be applied to metal roofing. After the roof has been cleaned, the protective coating can then be applied.
In the Philippines, these are available in a variety of colors that can fit almost any style. Some homeowners even enjoy changing their roof’s color regularly, which then prolongs its lifespan. However, a layer of elastomeric coating can last up to five years.
Paint the Roof
Another way to protect yero from rust and corrosion is to paint it. Using a primer with at least 80% zinc would be good to prevent corrosion and rust. Similar to coating, it’s also necessary to thoroughly clean the roof to remove rust and dirt before paint is applied.
You can also opt for pre-painted roofing, as it will save you time and effort. Union Galvasteel Corporation offers various types of pre-painted roof products. They also come in red, green, beige, blue, orange, white, and brown. Special colors are also available upon request.
Weatherize Your Home
Make sure that the house doesn’t have any leaks. Weatherizing also entails that all the seals on your house’s openings can be shut tight. This includes all doors and windows that the rain can penetrate. A seeping hole can be the cause of serious rain damage, which can be very costly.
Apply for Home Insurance
Consider having your house insured in case natural disasters strike. There are several insurance companies in the Philippines that can make sure that your house is protected. This is important especially for houses in flood-prone areas.
However, most insurance policies also cover other calamities such as earthquakes and landslides. Though homeowners will pay a regular fee, it will be worth it in case something unexpected happens.
Prevention is always better than cure, even for homes. So, aside from taking the steps to protect your house, you should also only opt for top-quality materials that can withstand heavy rains or typhoons. Union Galvasteel Corporation provides a wide range of roofing materials such as galvanized steel roofing, steel decking, spandrels, metal furring, and C-Purlins. We offer not only the best quality metal roofing products and accessories but also the best roofing solutions in the Philippines.
UGC has a wide array of roof products that are perfect for the typhoon season. We have Duratwin roofs that feature overlap and side lap design for better leak protection. We also have Duratile roofs that have anti-capilliary leak feature to prevent water leakage on the side lap of the structure. Another roofing product is Mega Hi-Rib, which has a deep corrugation design, capable of carrying large volumes of rainwater.
For more information on the products and services of Union Galvasteel Corporation, you may call our Calamba office at tel. nos. (02) 8520-8823; 8520-8831 Trunk line or (049) 545-0084 to 86 Trunk line or click here.
