Types of Common Metal Roof Repairs for Homes and Businesses
Metal is a fantastic material for a roof, plain and simple. But, if you own a home, or manage a commercial property, with a metal roof, then you know it comes with its own inherent needs. While metal can be a lot tougher and more durable than the typical asphalt shingle, it can develop issues over time. Over the course of this guide, we will explore metal roofing and the specific roofing needs you may encounter if you own this highly durable roofing material.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is a great choice for any home or business. Metal offers superior protection against the elements, fire resistance, and a lifespan that can go decades with proper maintenance. But, like we stated earlier, metal roofing is not immune to wear and tear from daily exposure to sunlight, moisture and physical impacts.
Metal roofs can leak, there we said it, its just part of roofing in general. On top of that they can experience scratches, coating failures and other various issues, often unique to metal roofing. Any of these errors can cause the structural integrity of your roof to dwindle. But that is exactly why you want to educate yourself on your roof and its unique needs. Getting issues dealt with while they are still small is key to keeping your roof performing wonderfully through any weather. This way you can avoid interior damage, structural complications or even roof replacements. So this is exactly why we are going to cover the most common types of metal roof repairs, so that you can reach out early and avoid any roofing headaches. The Roof Repair Guys are not only here to repair your roof, but, also, to help educate you on the needs of your roof.
Leak Repairs: A Common Concern
Everyone knows that leaks are the number one reason that any roof repair job starts. Home and commercial property owners usually ignore their roofing solution until a leak appears. And while metal roofing is designed to be watertight, breaches can occur at seams, fasteners, or flashing details, allowing moisture into the building. So what kind of leaks do metal roofs experience? Let’s explore.
Seam Leaks
Seam leaks are one of the most common leaks found on metal roofing. Seams are found where metal panels overlap and are particularly prone to moisture when failing. Some reasons your seams may leak include: UV exposure, deteriorating sealant, thermal movement and physical impact from debris or heavy storms. If the metal panels move and transition, gaps can form, allowing moisture to enter.
Typically for these types of repairs, your contractor will thoroughly clean and prepare the area and apply a specialized sealant to fill in the gaps. Tapes, uniquely designed for metal roofing, could also be used. In more severe cases, you roofing contractor may have to remove panels and install new ones to stop seam leaks. All services that The Roof Repair Guys are highly experienced in.
Fastener Leaks
Next we have fastener leaks on metal roofs. Screws, nails and other fasteners are used to keep your metal roof in place. But these fasteners can loosen, back out, or have their rubber washers degrade. If this is the case for your home or business then you can anticipate moisture finding its way through. These failing fasteners are a key indicator of roof failure. That is why we recommend preventative inspections of your roof, every couple years. By addressing these issues early, you avoid costly future repairs.
The treatment of these roof failures includes applying fresh sealant and installing new fasteners or rubber grommets/washers on your roof. Its far easier to replace a fastener than it is to remove and replace a metal panel. But remember, not all fasteners are created equal, just like roofing contractors. So you want to be sure you find a crew who uses the latest and best resources, like The Roof Repair Guys.
Flashing Leaks
Next on the list we have flashing leaks. Flashings are the metal panels bent and installed around protruding objects like chimneys and vents. These flashings are designed to provide a watertight seal around these protrusions. If the flashing is damaged or improperly installed, it can leave gaps or spaces in your roof, for water to get in. That’s the last thing you want. In fact, The Roof Repair Guys are often called to survey chimney leaks due to flashing failure.
Repairing a flashing is the solution to flashing leaks, big surprise. The procedure usually includes removing and replacing damaged sections, sealing joints and seams with caulking or tapes, and ensuring proper integration with your metal roof panels. But, as always, addressing these leaks promptly is key to an effective repair for your home or business. Experienced roofers will be able to pinpoint the affected area and repair it with minimal disruption to normal property activities. It is always better to get your repairs done early so that structural damage does not occur. Leaks spread, and the last thing you want is a minor flashing repair to turn into a full blown surface area repair.
Leaks Need Attention
Leaks are often the first sign a home or business owner has to a potential roofing failure. They let you know that the shield protecting your property is failing. And this failure is absolutely something you should not ignore. Leaks mean moisture, and moisture means penetration. Don’t wait to address these issues as the moisture could work its way throughout your property causing huge costs in damages. If you think you might have a leak, then call on The Roof Repair Guys to give you a free inspection, and stop the failure before it has the chance to cost you thousands more in damages.
Dent and Scratch Repairs: Preserving Aesthetics and Function
After the more common leak issues we presented earlier, your metal roof has a potential to dent and scratch. While metal roofing has a much higher rating against physical damage, it can occur. Hail, debris from nearby trees or user error can cause these kinds of damage to your metal roof. These dents and scratches, however, are not to be ignored. The structural integrity of your roof depends on all the systems and layers performing optimally.
Dent Repairs
Dents can come in all shapes and sizes, each requiring attention. Large dents can disrupt the smooth surface of your home or business, creating low spots where water can pool, increasing the risk of leaks and corrosion. Even more severe dents can weaken the entire structure, making it more susceptible to future damage and roofing failure.
Addressing these dents often requires specialized tools and experience that The Roof Repair Guys has in droves. Repair can include anything from paintless dent repairs, panel replacement or in some unique situations, patching for localized dents.
Scratch Repairs
Scratches, similar to dents, can occur due to any number of natural or human interaction. However, scratches are something that you want to pay attention to as a home or business owner. If moisture has the chance to penetrate through your roofing material, then it will. A deep enough scratch may go all the way through the protective coating and into the actual metal or the roof. Once this occurs, your metal can begin to corrode and rust.
To deal with scratches of most severities, your roofing contractor will follow some basic repair steps. First the area must be cleaned and prepped, welcoming the new overlaying repairs. This includes sanding or abrasion of the area to lead to a better seal. At this time, rust treatment may also be needed and applied. Finally, your contractor will apply matching touch-up paint or coating to seal and protect the exposed metal.
Scratches and Dents Need Attention Too
Addressing scratches and dents early can save you thousands in the long run. I know we say it a lot, but this is exactly why preventative inspections are worth their weight in gold. Fixing your roof before failure has the change to spread is the difference between hundreds and thousands of dollars in repairs. Experience roofers, like The Roof Repair Guys can ensure these repairs are done correctly and will extend the overall life of your metal roof. It’s not just about today, but your overall roofing lifespan of decades.
Other Common Repairs: Staying Ahead of the Curve
While leaks, dents, and scratches are the most common roof repair needs, there are other areas that could potentially fail. So let’s dive into more unique situations where a metal roof may need to be repaired.
Seam Repairs
Any area where two points meet has the potential for metal roofing failure. This means that every seam of your metal roof carries with it the potential to fail. Another reason to hire a high quality metal roofer, like The Roof Repair Guys, at the start. There’s too much at stake to leave your roof up to chance. But back to the seams. Thermal expansion, contraction, wind uplift, and physical stress are all effecting your roof every day. This can cause the seams to shift and separate. These new gaps then present an opportunity for water to penetrate. And as we know, water will continue to damage long after it passes the initial entry point.
However, skilled roofers can address this roof failure with relative ease with the right experience. The area must be cleaned and prepped first, always the go to move. Then the separated seams are addressed with high quality sealants or tapes to close the area. In more severe cases, entire sections of the roof will need to be replaced. This is essential to keeping your roof one coherent watertight system.
Coating Repairs
One step above your regular roofing material is the often ignored coating. Many metal roofs feature a protective layer that helps to prevent against moisture and rust. However, these coatings can degrade over time and must be maintained in order to keep the integrity of your roof going strong. One can often tell that the coating is failing when the home or business owner sees chalky, faded or even peeling coatings on their roof. This is a clear indicator that the metal may be exposed and vulnerable. Thus its time to repair your metal roof coating.
If you notice it early enough, repairing your roof coating can be a simple job. To fix, The Roof Repair Guys will examine the roof for troublesome areas, singling out all the areas that need a new coating. They then sand and prep the area, allowing for the new sealant to adhere properly. Then the new coating is applied, refinishing your metal roof system into one that has no areas of potential leakage.
Rust/Corrosion Repairs
Finally we come to rust/corrosion repairs. These are often the result of one of our other repairs going wrong or not being done promptly. Yes, metal roofing is inherently corrosion resistant, but it is not impenetrable. Moisture, salty air, and other environmental factors can cause rust or corrosion. Corrosion is the natural wearing away of your roofing material due to natural circumstances. Something that is prevented with coatings and proper installation. However, if you are already experiencing rusting of your roof, then it is very important to deal with it quickly. The last thing you want is the rust to spread and cause a wider area of your roof to malfunction.
Dealing with rust is a complicated issue and each roof should be addressed as the unique system that it is. Depending on the extent of the damage, your roofing contractor may suggest several solutions. For very small amount of rust, it may be enough to clean and prep the area, applying a restorative coating to the surface. However, in more severe instances of rust and corrosion, replacing large sections of your roof may be required. It all depends on when you catch the failure and how far it has spread before getting your repair.
Once again, staying vigilant of your roofing needs is essential to minimizing the financial aspect of your roof maintenance. By looking for potential issues early, getting routine roof inspections, and staying on top of your roof performance you can greatly enhance the longevity of your roof. Solve your issues when they are small so that you aren’t forced to deal with them when they are large.
Investing in Timely Repairs for Long-Term Benefits
Now with all the most common metal roof repairs laid out its easy to see a common thread. Homeowners and commercial property owners who are responsible about the life and well being of their roof are often blessed with minimal issues and cheaper repairs. Staying informed is key, which is why The Roof Repair Guys created this article in the first place. Keeping yourself in front of any potential problems will keep you safe and dry for decades to come.
If you see or feel that your roof may be experiencing some of these common metal roof repairs, then it is essential that you contact a qualified and experienced roofer today. But on top of that, scheduling a preventative review of your roof may be even better to protect the integrity of your metal roof. But, if we have gone past that point and you are in need of a roof repair crew, then look no further than The Roof Repair Guys.
When repairs are needed it is essential to find a roofer that is qualified to deal with your unique problems, whether basic repair needs or extensive storm damage recovery. Metal roofing is not the same as asphalt shingle and should not be treated as such. In fact, metal roofing is its own, entirely different, system that requires specialized training, tools and materials that not all roofers have experience with. The Roof Repair Guys started their career with metal roofing and thus are highly experienced in the field. We have worked with both residential and commercial clients and offer all of our experience and knowhow to you for your property. So if you need a metal roof repair done yesterday, then call on The Roof Repair Guys.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re a homeowner or business owner dealing with leaks, dents, scratches, seam issues, coating failures, or corrosion, don’t hesitate to address these common metal roof repair problems promptly. Your proactive approach will protect your residential or commercial property and contribute to the overall longevity and performance of your metal roofing system. Call the Roof Repair Guys and make an appointment today for your repair, or better yet, call for an inspection of your current system and address any issues that have yet to work their way to you.