Leaks are the most common and detrimental roofing issue to date, with 40 percent of all building issues related to water damage. Not only is the direct flooding and roof damage a concern when your roof has a leak, but the leak can actually lead to mold or structural damage, which can end up costing a lot more to repair than a new roof.
As innovation would have it, the roofing industry is developing new practices to ensure your roof is as durable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing as possible. This has led to more roofing companies offering metal roofs to home and business owners. Metal roofs are becoming more popular despite costing more than standard shingles, due to their longevity and strength.
While metal roofs do in fact last longer than traditional shingles, they are not guaranteed to be leak-free. There’s a variety of reasons your metal roof could potentially leak, but most are preventable.
What Causes a Leak in a Metal Roof?
A metal roof that is not installed properly will be the main source of leaking. It’s vital to choose and vet an installer to be sure they are qualified and knowledgeable of all mistakes that could cause your metal roof to leak.
Metal Roofing Screws
Screws that are not drilled-in correctly can lead to leaks in your roof. If not properly installed and the composition of your materials not fully researched, the washers and screws used to adhere your roof to your home could cause a leak. The screws must be drilled in just right and not at an angle to prevent leaks.
Stack and Curb Flashings
Consider all instances in your home where a pipe or an appliance exits through the exterior of your home. Whether it be a pipe or an HVAC system, a metal roof will leak in these areas if the flashings are not fitted properly. The flashing is responsible for seamlessly filling the gaps in these instances where your roof cannot be a straight sheet of metal. If it is not fitted properly, you will likely experience leaking.
Rust
A roof that is not properly protected from rust and corrosion is a sure way to experience leaking. The rust and the corrosion brought on from poor installation or poor maintenance will break down your roof, making it prone to leaks and possibly worse if the problem goes unaddressed.
Seams
The seams in your metal roof are integral to its efficiency. If they become damaged or were not installed tightly enough, to begin with, you are likely to experience leaking and other roof damage. Your roof should not have any open laps – or spaces between the sheets of metal.
Structural Damage
Although metal roofs are less prone to damage caused by weather and the environment, there are instances where your roof can become weak and damaged. When that happens, leaks can occur. Excessive walking, pressure, or debris left on your metal roof can cause long term damage that will need repair to prevent leaks and more extensive damage.
How to Maintain your Metal Roof to Prevent Leaks
All great things require proper maintenance, and your metal roof is no different. Most people choose to invest in a metal roof for the promise of a roof that will last a lifetime, but this won’t be possible without proper care.
To prevent damage and the causes of leaks mentioned above, you will need to be mindful of the wear your metal roof endures. Avoid walking on your roof unless absolutely necessary and remove all debris from your roof as you can – don’t let the debris sit there for a long period of time and certainly do not allow it to pile up.
Read up on the type of metal you choose for your roof and speak to your roofer about it as well. You will need to be aware of other metals that may cause a negative reaction with the specific metal that has been installed on your roof. If a contractor that is not your original roofer comes to make an addition to your home you should have a conversation about adverse metal reactions with your contractor. A simple screw or a washer composed of a reactive metal can cause damage like corrosion to your metal roof.
It’s good practice to inspect your roof twice per year. You can do this yourself or hire a professional, but you will want to look for loose screws, storm damage, corrosion, rust, etc. Make it a yearly habit of inspecting your roof. Doing so will allow you to discover damage and act quickly to prevent a larger issue from occurring. If your area has experienced a large storm or intense weather, it’s also a good idea to check your roof for damage as soon as possible.
Hiring a qualified roofing company to install your metal roof will also be the key to maintaining your investment. Your roofer should be aware of all potential issues that are posed by a metal roof, as well as how to properly install the sheets of metal to allow it to withstand the environment for years to come.
Issues to Consider When Choosing to Invest in a Metal Roof
Like all things, there are issues to be aware of when considering a metal roof for your home. Though these are not meant to be deal-breakers, it’s important to know what to expect so you can learn about proper metal roofing maintenance.
Metal roofs are not protected from cosmetic damage. They are incredibly durable, but this does not make them aesthetically invincible. The type of metal roofing material you choose will determine the dents and scratches that will show on your roof. Choose a roof replacement company near you that is knowledgeable about the metal materials that are less dent-prone (steel) and never stray from backing up their knowledge with your own research.
When considering a metal roof, you have to consider the material. Similar to most metals, your roof could corrode or rust if not properly taken care of. Your roof replacement company should take into account all metals that will come into contact with your roof, from the screws to the washers used to secure your roof. Doing so will ensure your roof will be as strong as possible for as long as possible. Be sure to ask your installer if your roof will be coming into contact with other metals so as to avoid an adverse reaction.
Metal Roofs are on the Rise and They Can Increase Your Home’s Value
Residential metal roofing has increased in demand due to the durability, lifespan, and aesthetics they offer. Residential metal roofing trends are expected to increase by almost 3% each year from 2020 to 2023. Depending on the material you choose – from steel (being the least expensive), to zinc (being the most expensive) – a metal roof could run you significantly more than a traditional shingle roof, but people around the US are increasingly foregoing their asphalt shingles for a metal roof.
Metal roofs have many benefits that make the cost incurrence worth it in the eyes of most Americans. While your initial expense may be more, a metal roof will often save you money in the long run.
Benefits of Metal Roofing:
More Energy Efficient & Eco-Friendly: Metal roofs can save you up to 40% in energy costs, can be made from recycled material, and can be recycled after their lifespan.
Longer Lifespan: Metal roofs can last 30-50 years longer than traditional shingles.
Strength & Safety: Metal roofs will not ignite during a fire and can withstand winds up to 120 mph.
Increase in Home Value: On average a metal roof can increase your home value by 60.9 percent.
Types of Metal Roofing
There are many things to consider when choosing a metal roof material for your home. You should consider the climate and weather your roof will be exposed to, and the aesthetics you would prefer. With these things considered, a large part of choosing a metal material for your roof will be the durability in relativity to the cost.
Among the most common types of metal roofing materials are:
Steel
Steel is among the most common and cost-effective materials used for metal roofing.
Aluminum
Aluminum is another popular roof installation material due to cost but can be prone to denting and damage.
Zinc
Zinc is midrange in price but can last many years longer than comparable materials and requires little maintenance.
Copper
Copper is the costliest material but is lightweight and can stand to last longer than steel or aluminum. Bear in mind that copper will change in color to a greenish tint.
Prevent Leaks in your New Roof by Choosing the Best Metal Roofing Company
There’s no question that a new roof can only be as good as the professional who installs it. When choosing a roof replacement company near you, research and reviews should be your best friend. Look for testimonials for your metal roofing company to ensure you’re getting the best service for your money. You need to be sure that your installer has all the necessary knowledge to prevent leaks in your new roof.
Your local contractor should also have substantial experience installing residential metal roofs and the valid licensing to do so. Follow up with your contractor to ensure they use quality materials to ensure you will be getting what you pay for.
When it comes to installing a metal roof there are many aspects to consider. Your roofer should be knowledgeable in all types of metals and the way they react with one another. They should be well versed in the installation process and should be able to adequately answer any questions you may have, as well as put all details of the job into your invoice.
Don’t be afraid to ask your contractor questions to vet their knowledge. Come prepared with adequate research and questions and a qualified roof replacement installer should be willing and able to answer all of your questions. Don’t forget to ask for full details of the warranty for your roof and make sure that you fully understand how your roof will be covered before agreeing to anything.
If you do these things and are fully confident in your local roofing company, you are sure to have a metal roof you will love, that could potentially last a leak-free lifetime. You can call us at Direct Metal Roofing Inc of Cocoa, FL to answer any of your unresolved metal roofing questions. We’ll be happy to address any of your concerns and schedule a time to get you a free metal roof estimate! Give us a call today at (321) 307-8464 or input your information here for a cost-free, no commitment roof inspection.
