Metal roofs are known to be durable and last a long time, but that doesn’t mean they never leak. Regardless of the material its made of, harsh weather patterns and other natural conditions can impact your roof.
After a few decades, your metal roof may have oxidized and deteriorated to the point it’s not worth repairing or restoring. In this case, you’ll simply need to get a replacement. Metal roof leaking can also be caused by loose fasteners, gaps in the seams, or damaged flashing.
The best way to prevent a potential leak is to stay proactive and practice routine maintenance for your roof. Just like an asphalt roof, you’ll want to keep your roof clear of debris. Trim back any overhanging tree branches and blow away any leaves and dust. Routine inspections can help catch a lot of small and easily fixable problems right away. Loose fasteners can be tightened, damaged flashing can be repaired, and even oxidation can be repaired if caught early on.
Making small repairs before they become worse problems is key to a long lasting roof and can dramatically decrease the chances of your metal roof leaking. The longer you wait, the more damage you risk.
The most common reason why standing seam metal roofs leak is from faulty flashing. Metal flashing is used to cover joints in the roof and need to be sealed to keep water out. Temperature changes can lead to metal roofs expanding and shifting, wearing away the sealant and breaking down the flashing. It’s also possible to experience a leak if your flashing wasn’t properly installed.
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.
These are some of the more common reasons why metal roofs may start leaking. However, leaks could also be caused by severe damage, too. If you’re unsure of why your metal roof is leaking or where the source of the leak is, give the roofing experts at IBEX Roof a call. Whether you need a simple repair, a roof restoration, or a roof replacement, we will let you know the best way to move forward.
