Do you know that well-maintained metal roofing can last up to 200 years?
Metal roofs are durable but also vulnerable to wear and tear due to harsh weather or improper care. However, you can extend its lifespan if you consider timely maintenance and restoration.
Whether you do the work yourself or seek the help of a metal roofing contractor, you can save a lot of money in the long run. Are you wondering where to start in metal roof leak repair? Worry not.
Here is a brief guide to metal roof leak repair.
Know the Source of Leaks
Finding a leak on your roof will be far easier if you focus your efforts on specific areas. Here are signs you might have a leak on your roof.
Rust on the Surface of the Roof
Rust is one sign that may indicate there is a leak.
Rust can quickly destroy the roof protective coating and thus leaving holes or scales that can lead to leaks later. Therefore, if you detect rust on your roof, consider inspecting to see whether there is a leak. If they are none, consider using a rust inhibitor to stop the spread of rust.
Improper Roof Movement
Metal roofs tend to expand when heated by the sun and contract during cool temperatures. In the past, these movements would cause tremendous pressure on the flat roof.
But new modern metal roofs are designed to solve this problem.
However, if your roof has issues, it may expand or contract significantly, and thus causing tremendous stress of fasteners and seams. If you don\’t address the issue, some problems may arise, including roof tears that may cause water to leak.
You can contact professional metal roof repair to help you fix the problem.
Issues With Fasteners
Metal roof panels are attached using clips and fasteners.
Clips are directly fastened to the purlin, while fasteners are always concealed after panels are joined together. However, fasteners and washers might back out with time due to winds or extreme expansion, thus leaving holes or gaps between metal and washer.
These opening on the roof can cause water leaks.
Crimping or Dents on the Roof
Due to foot traffic, flying debris, fallen trees, hailstorms, your metal roof can develop creases or dents. These dents may later make a water pool on your roof.
This will lead to rust and misalignment of the roof that will cause water to seep through your roof.
Fix Your Roof Leaks
Now that you know what might be causing leaks on your roof, it is time you consider fixing the problem. However, you will need the right tools to get the job done. Here are steps that will guarantee a successful roof leaks repair.
Navigate Carefully
You can use a ladder to access your roof. However, tread while avoiding stepping between rows of nails. Stepping on nail rows to prevent bending the metal panels.
Also, ensure your boots are free from dust or rocks to avoid further damaging the roof.
Locate Leak Source
A leaky roof may be due to debris that may cause it to weaken and contract. Look for signs of waste that may cause rust holes on the roof panels and signs of expansion or contraction.
Also, consider checking the seam transition points. These are important sections that connect one roof to another. See if they are any gaps between them.
Inspect for signs of missing or loosened screws or whether any material might be missing.
Removing and Replacing Screws
If you see any loose nails, consider replacing them with 1½ aluminum nails.
There is no need to screw them; you just use a hammer to drive them. Also, consider replacing rusty nails together with the nail bar.
If you have trouble removing rusty nails, don\’t force them out. Instead, make use of a cordless drill with a screw drill bit. Then, drive a 1 inch galvanized steel screw to fill that space.
Dealing with Gaps
A small hole the size of 1/8 inch can cause great damage to your metal roof. However, contractors may tell you to do away with a damaged roof. You can still do some repairs and prevent further damage.
For instance, you can clean debris and rust from the panels\’ surface. Then you can seal the gap and prevent further leakage.
To seal the gap, press the patch on the metal surface. Then screw the patch to the underlying roofing panel. However, be cautious not to screw the patch through roofing panels and into the roof deck.
Re-Apply Roof Cement
Now that you have properly screwed everything in place, you can prepare for the sealing of gaps. To do that, you must apply urethane cement to seal the roof leaks.
Make sure you have found all sections with damaged sealants and membranes. Apply metal roofing base coat and a glass membrane fabric roof patch before cementing.
Be sure to use proper urethane cement for better results.
Hire Professional for All Your Metal Roof Leak Repair Needs
If you want your roof to last, you have to know what kind of maintenance and repair it needs. Prolong the lifespan of your roofing by hiring professionals to work on your metal roof leak repair.
YUTZY is a roofing repair service you can trust. We have been in business since 1995. We are experienced in a wide range of roof repair projects, including commercial metal roof restorations, spray foams and coatings, and membrane restorations.
Contact us for a free quote.
