Storm Damage To The Metal Panels
This may seem pretty obvious, but if anything damages the integrity of your metal panels itll lead to a roof replacement. This is usually caused by acts of God, such as strong storms, hail, and wind.
For example, a tree limb falling on your standing seam metal roof could cause serious damage to the metal panels. If these limbs cause large dents and scratches to the metal panels, you should have your roof replaced before causing a costly leak.
Be aware, if your metal roof has storm damage, it could be replaced using insurance. But how do you know if your metal roof is covered?
To learn more about the process of dealing with insurance, read this article on homeowners insurance: the process to replace a storm damaged roof.
Metal Roofing Repair Companies In Your Area
Metal roofs are low maintenance and develop fewer leaks over their lifespan. But if yours develops a leak, you need a company that specializes in metal roofing. Once corrosion has an opportunity to set in, it can weaken your roof’s seams. Expansion and contraction can also stress your roof or break the surrounding seal. Find a local metal roof repair contractor who can restore your roof and extend its life.
Most metal roof repairs aren’t on the metal itself. Instead, the nails, sealant strips, and seams need to be replaced. Turning to a local expert means your roof is repaired with the right materials for your region’s climate. Look for local companies that:
- Can respond to calls quickly and offer reduced transportation costs for any replacement panels.
- Provide routine maintenance services, such as inspections and resealing.
- Apply metal coatings for long-lasting surface protection.
Metal roofs need fewer repairs than traditional shingles, but each repair requires expertise. Type in your zip code and HomeAdvisor will find metal roof repair contractors in your area.
Equipment Needed To Fix A Leaky Metal Roof
Before you begin repairing your leaky metal roof, you need some basic equipment. You will need a drill with screw drill bits and a hammer. You will also need rubber-to-rubber contact cement and a paint roller. You should also have a utility knife and a cutting tool for scraping off the damaged fiberboard. Having these tools on hand will save you time and strength when youre working on your roof.
When you begin repairing your metal roof, you should take care to properly protect any pipes and air vents. Pipes that come through the metal roof need to be protected from water, so they should be fitted with stack flashing. Most stack flashings are rubberized materials that sit flat on the metal roof and squeeze around the pipes. The movement of the metal roof will test the sealant. Be sure to carefully check all parts of your metal roof before you begin.
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Cost To Repair A Galvalume Roof
Expect to spend between $6 and $16 per sq.ft. to repair a galvalume roof. Galvalume can be a very strong and sturdy material, and it is highly resistant to corrosion. However, it can fade and become less attractive, so it may need to be painted, cleaned, and restored. You may also have to deal with gaps and dents in a galvalume roof.
Metal Roofing Problems: 7 Common Issues That Could Affect Your Roof
Knowing about the problems that could occur on a metal roof system will help prevent issues from the very start, resulting in less time and money necessary for repairs.
No product in the world is perfect, no matter how much money its worth or how well its cared for. You could be in a lucky situation where nothing ever goes wrong with something youve purchased or you could experience one or more problems at any given time. It all just depends. Metal roofing is no different.
While there are variables affecting the problems that could occur with a metal roofing system, sometimes things just happen that are beyond human control. This might not be the answer youre looking for, but just know that there tend to be fewer long-term problems associated with metal roofing than asphalt shingles or concrete tiles.
Here at Sheffield Metals, we think its important to educate consumers about the potential common problems with a metal roof that could very easily happen or not happen. In this article, well discuss:
- The top seven common problems that could occur with a metal roof
- Potential ways and methods to remedy or avoid the problem
- Important considerations to keep in mind to thatll help bypass some problems
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Quick Fixes For Metal Roof Systems
Buildings.com – Roofing Newsletter
The three previous columns in this series have sought out easy fixes for conventional membrane roofing systems. This month, well look at metal roofing systems.
Repairing Metal Roofing
Since metal roofing is produced from continuous coils, we can with considerable confidence state that the metal sheeting itself is not leaking. As a result of that far-reaching conclusion, we then immediately focus on the rest of the system .
Since there are two basic types of metal roofing: those that are expected to shed water and those that resist standing water , we need to address each separately. .
If the underlayment membrane is defective and is letting water enter the building envelope, repairs would require that the metal panels be removed and the membrane resealed. New penetrations in the roof panels, such as for HVAC equipment, conduit, etc., may prove to be the site of leakage, as the underlayment was penetrated and not sealed: There is no quick fix, as the metal panels are really not designed to keep water out.
How About Those Big Holes?
Penetrations through standing seam metal roofs can be a significant source of leakage.
The Metalmag article also illustrates that penetrations cannot effectively be sealed if they penetrate the raised seam of the panels. The fix: Move the penetration over a few inches so it is centered in the panel. Penetrations that cut through the seam may also compromise the structural performance of the roof panel.
Other Reasons Why Metal Roofs Leak
Loose fasteners are another typical reason why metal roofs may leak. Tightening fasteners is part of the normal maintenance routine for metal roofs about every 10-15 years. If you live in an area with a lot of snow or freezing rain, then you may need to tighten the fasteners more frequently, as water expands when it freezes and can loosen the fasteners more quickly.
Another possibility for your metal roof leaking is a gap in the seams where the metal panels meet. Seams can separate over the years from severe weather conditions and old age. Small gaps can be fixed without replacing the panel, but large gaps and dents may require that section of the roof to be replaced.
Lastly, oxidation in your metal roofing can turn into holes that allow water to leak if not restored or repaired early on. If you notice your roof becoming dull and faded, or the paint has started to oxidize, you can restore the metal by washing it and applying a new protective coating to seal the unprotected metal.
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How To Repair A Damaged Metal Roof
According to The Spruce, aluminum or steel roofscan easily last 50 years or more, and zinc roofs have been known to last well over 100 years. How can you make sure that your metal roof lasts that long? Ensure that it is repaired correctly.
To repair a damaged metal roof:
- Clean the hole. Make sure that any dirt or cleaning residue is gone.
- Scuff the surface with a wire brush.
- Cut out a patch of sheet metal to match the hole. It should overlap onto the metal two inches past the hole on every side. Round the corners with a file or emery board.
- Place the patch over the hole. Trace around it to confirm that it is large enough .
- Place urethane sealant inside the lines you traced. This sealant should match the color of the roof.
- Press the patch on. The sealant should squeeze out from under. This is your moisture barrier make sure it is working. Check to ensure that sealant is coming out on all sides.
- Use pan-head sheet metal screws to attach the patch to the roof. The screws should be installed every 3 to 4 inches. The screws should go into the roof panel below, but not into the decking.
- If desired, paint the patch to match the rest of the roof.
At Harry Helmet, we help your family find the best roof repair and replacement solutions. If youre wondering how to repair or replace your roof or gutters, we can help. Contact us to schedule a free estimate today.
Repairing Leaks With Butyl Tape
When youve got a leak, but dont know what to do, you can repair it with butyl tape. This tape is a versatile solution for a variety of purposes, including RVs and roof repairs. Its advanced adhesive and waterproof properties make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications. You can use it on windows, water pipes, and glass in addition to roof repairs.
Butyl tape is widely used for waterproofing projects, such as kitchens and basements. It can be made thicker to increase strength, stability, and airtightness. Apply pressure to the butyl tape to help it conform to the leak area. If any adhesive oozes out of the seam, use a plastic card or knife to cut it off. After applying the tape, wipe it with soapy water to remove any residue.
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Signs You Should Replace Your Metal Roof
You might be looking up at your metal roof and be thinking, “Do I need to replace it?”. Maybe someone knocked on your door and said it needs to be replaced.
The truth is, you’re metal roof shouldn’t be replaced until it’s the right time. But how do you know when this right time is?
Because we take such pride in advising you and other metal roof owners, we’re going to break it down for you.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been providing the residents of Nashville with high-quality roof replacements since 1990. Our history of strong workmanship and customer service speaks for itself. Thats why we offer a lifetime warranty.
Replacing your metal roof comes down to noticing the signs. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what these signs are.
We’re also going to give you two options for your next steps at the end of this article to help you understand your metal roof even more.
How To Patch A Metal Roof
Metal roofs like standing seam and r-panel systems are incredibly durable and long-lasting. You can expect a 60 plus year lifetime with proper maintenance.
Metal roofing has long been the choice for barns, farmhouses, modern homes, and industrial buildings alike. Strength, sustainability, and attractiveness are all significant benefits of metal roofing.
However, even the most robust materials will need repair after years of abuse from harsh weather, hail, and debris. You can learn how to patch a metal roof here and get many more years of reliable protection.
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Taking Everything Into Account
There are a few ways to patch screw holes in metal roofing. The easiest way is to use a roofing cement, which can be bought at most hardware stores. Simply put the cement on top of the hole, then put the screw back in. Another option is to use a metal patch, which can also be bought at most hardware stores. Cut a piece of metal slightly larger than the hole, then use a hammer and nails to attach it to the roof.
How To Fix Leaks In A Corrugated Metal Roof
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Corrugated metal roofs are vulnerable to excessive moisture and damage from strong winds. The individual panels are attached to wood or metal trusses with steel nails or screws that can rust and cause leaks. Strong winds can separate the overlapping edges of the panels and allow the roof to leak. Fixing leaks in a corrugated metal roof starts with locating the source of the leaks. From there, the method used to fix a particular leak depends on the cause.
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Metal Roof Option #2 Restoration
As a metal roof ages the frequency of leaks will normally increase. Eventually the rate of leaks and the overall condition of the roof system will require a more significant scope of work. The roof will continue to age without implementing a restoration scope of work. There is a limited window of opportunity to implement a restoration program before a replacement becomes necessary.
Metal roof restoration typically consists of a specific set of steps. These include repairs to the deficiencies noted above including fastener replacement and a rust inhibitor. Additional repairs to details and penetrations may be necessary. After the repairs have been completed it is recommended that a coating be applied to the surface of the roof system.
There are two primary types of coating materials. These are acrylic coatings and urethane coatings. Both are options when looking at metal roof restoration. Each has restrictions which need to be considered when designing the restoration solution.
How To Repair A Metal Roof Hole
Rust holes are a common corrugated metal roofing woe. They tend to appear in galvanized steel and copper, particularly in seaside homes. A little roof cement and a mesh patch will fix the hole, but dont leave any rust behind. It will spread like a virus.
Use a wire brush to remove the corrosion before applying a rust-inhibiting primer. Once your first layer is dry, apply urethane cement to the offending patch. Now its time to apply your mesh. Cut your patch an inch larger than the hole its going to cover, then create two layers of mesh and cement, ending with the latter to create a waterproof seal.
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Identify The Size Of The Hole Identify The Type Of Roofing Material Identify The Location Of The Hole Determine The Cause Of The Hole Take Necessary Precautions To Avoid Injury Identify And Gather The Necessary Supplies Fix The Hole
The first step is to identify the size of the hole. If the hole is less than a foot in diameter, it can be patched with a metal roofing patch. If the hole is larger, the entire section of roofing will need to be replaced. The next step is to identify the type of roofing material. Metal roofs are made of either galvanized steel or aluminum. Galvanized steel is more durable and will last longer, but it is more expensive. Aluminum is less
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Metal Roof
Most metal roofs have a lifespan of between 40 years to 70 years. However, its longevity may increase or decrease depending on how it is maintained.
A metal roofs lifespan is higher than other materials, such as traditional asphalt roofing, which lasts for 12-20 years.
You can improve the lifespan of your metal roof if you install everything correctly and with care. It will also help if you manage repairs effectively and on time.
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Metal Roofing Issue #: Fastener Issues
The metal paneling on your roofing system is brought together by one of two different types of fasteners: clips or rubber washerfasteners. The clips fasten in a way that conceals the metal seam laps. They typically involve a sealant to bind the metal paneling of the entire roof together.
Fasteners with rubber washers are self-drilling and can be put as close together as every two square feet. By putting them in close proximity, the seam laps of the metal paneling are held flush without the additional need of a sealant or butyl tape.
Over time, these fasteners can pop out, leaving holes or gaps in the metal seam laps, which can allow water in and paves the way for other issues down the road.
Some metal roofing systems are much better at holding a tighter seal, such as standing seammetal roofing systems.
Clean The Repair Area
The first step in the repair of any metal roofing material will involve cleaning the surface. A hole in a metal roof system can be caused by any number of sourcesthe hole may be from deterioration and rust, or it may be from something falling onto the roof surface, such as a large branch. No matter what the cause of the hole, the area around it is most likely dirty and will require cleaning.
Thoroughly clean the surface of the metal panel using Simple Green or another cleaner, until the surface of the roof panels is completely free of any dirt, film, and/or algae growth. Any cleaner residue will compromise the integrity of the roof repair so be sure to wipe it away with a wet cloth when the cleaning project is done.
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Measure The Repair Area And Cut A Patch
Cut the chosen sheet metal to a size that matches the area to be patched. The sheet metal patch should overlap onto the metal panel at least 2 inches past the edges of the damaged area. After the sheet metal patch has been cut and fit to size, round the corners of the patch with a file or emery cloth to prevent any sharp corners from becoming a catching spot for snow or ice.
Once the patch has been measured, place it over the hole being repaired. Take a pencil and outline the patch onto the roofing. Remove the patch and examine the outline to make sure the patch will overlap by at least 2 inches in all directions past the edges of the damaged area.