Metal roof leaking? Call the right specialist

By Jesse Sanchez.

Improper repairs can cause lasting damage to a metal roof, making it critical to work with a contractor who specializes in metal roofing.

Metal roofs are designed to provide long service lives with relatively little maintenance, but even these high-performance systems can eventually develop leaks. Roof Hugger notes that when a leak occurs, the repair itself can determine whether the roof continues performing for years or suffers additional damage.

Many metal roofs are replaced before reaching the end of their useful lives because previous repairs were performed incorrectly. Tar, caulk and conventional roof coatings may be rolled, sprayed or smeared over panels as a quick fix, but these approaches can trap moisture, contribute to corrosion and potentially void manufacturer finish warranties that may extend from 20 to 40 years.

The first step is identifying the problem. Note where water appears inside the building, how far the location is from the eave or ridge and the direction the water is traveling. It is also important to determine whether the building has a screw-down (through-fastened), roof or a standing seam system. Screw-down roofs contain thousands of fasteners that can become potential leak points as they age, while standing seam roofs have fewer exposed fasteners but may experience leaks at end laps.

Once the likely source has been identified, contact a metal roofing specialist rather than a general roofing contractor. Building owners can look for the manufacturer’s nameplate for referral information or consult organizations such as the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA).

Repairs should address the underlying failure rather than cover it. Failed fasteners, for example, can be replaced with appropriately sized, long-life zinc or stainless-steel fasteners instead of being coated with sealant. Because metal roofing expands and contracts with temperature changes, penetrations, accessories and roof-mounted equipment also require products and installation methods designed specifically for metal systems.

A properly repaired metal roof should never look like it has the Chicken Pox or striped like a zebra when the contractor leaves your building. Don't pay them if it does; that is not a proper repair.

When a roof truly reaches the end of its service life, a properly engineered retrofit metal roof system can provide a path forward providing a 50 year plus, photovoltaic ready roof that can meet or exceed current code requirements.

Learn more about protecting and properly repairing your metal roof by working with an experienced metal roofing specialist!