Enter your information, and our team will text you shortly.
Enter your information, and our team will text you shortly.
A lot of homeowners are phasing out their asphalt shingles with metal roofing in the country. Not only does metal roofing rarely break, dent, or crack, but it also has a longer lifespan than your conventional asphalt shingles. Although quite rare, metal roofing can still leak when it’s exposed to a variety of different elements of the weather.
One of the main causes of leaks on metal roofing is the improper installation of mountings and sealants. In most cases, leaks on metal roofing can be easily remedied. However, this does not necessarily mean that this is the sole cause of leaks on your roof.
But before we get into what are some preventive measures that we can do, we have to identify why your metal roof is leaking in the first place.
Water damage and leaking are the main causes of damage to your roof. The last thing that you want when your roof is leaking is when mildews, molds, and rusting will form on your roof. In some extreme cases, your roof will warp and sad which is a clear indicator that you will need to replace your roof.
Compared to non-metal materials like slate tiles, clay, concrete, or even wooden shingles, metal roofing has a higher thermal expansion coefficient. This means that every time that it is exposed to warm weather, it’s bound to expand. Although it won’t expand more than a few centimeters, this will still create gaps in the nails that are being affixed. Moreover, this can also stress out the sealants that are used on the gaps.
Even a professional can make mistakes from time to time. Since there are numerous ways to install a roof and rivet in the nails and the adhesives of your roof, there’s bound to be some man-made errors and mistakes that can cause leaks to form on your roof. The best way to remove these leaks is to hire a licensed roofer who specialized in metal roofing.
When your roof gets to the point were the damage is irreparable and permanent, the best course of action is to replace your roof. Since the process of replacing your roof can be stressful and time-consuming, it’s recommended that you shouldn’t get to this point. Preventing problems from happening is better than having to remedy and repair the problem.
Most roofing contractors would suggest installing materials and applying sealants during warmer seasons. Naturally, metal is known for expanding and receding when exposed to fluctuating temperatures. When a metal roof expands and recedes in certain conditions, this can lead to roofing cement and sealants stretching out and causing leaks to form. The best course of action is to hire a licensed and qualified roofing contractor that can seal back these damages.
Additionally, sealants that are exposed to colder weather conditions won’t be able to activate as quickly as sealants in warmer conditions. In fact, some sealants will usually more than a few weeks to activate in colder weather.
Although quite rare, hailstorms can also cause punctures on metal roofing. Compared to shingles that are more vulnerable to impacts and hailstorms, metal roofing is more resistant to the effects of impacts. This, however, does not guarantee that your roof is already immune to damages from hailstorms. One of the best ways to mitigate damages on your roof and your home is to find roofing materials that are impact-resistant. Shingles and metal roofing with a UL 2218 standard are quite resistant to the effects of impacts.
It’s also recommended that you install snow guards if your home is situated in colder parts of the country. Since roofs are susceptible to shifts in weight which can cause leaks to form, having snow guards can help equalize the weight on your roof.
Lastly, it’s paramount that we have the right roofing contractor for the job. Most data have shown that leaks that do form on metal roofing are caused by the improper installation of nails, seals, and other mountings of your roof. Having a seasoned and experienced contractor can ensure that any future damages to your roof are mitigated.
If you’re new to the industry, you can start out by asking questions and doing your own research on the services that a roofing contractor can offer. It’s highly recommended that you don’t hire the first contractor that offers a deal to you; knowing your contractor should be a priority over anything else. After you have contacted a dozen contractors, you will now have a bigger picture of the industry and you will be able to plan on your roof’s installation or replacement.
