Metal Roof Leaking? 3 Things That May Be Wrong With It
Posted on: 9 September 2021
A metal roof can last anywhere between 40 and over 125 years. If your roof is reaching 40 you should watch out for problems just in case something does happen. One problem you may have is your metal roof leaking. Below are some causes of this happening and what you can do about it.
Rust
One thing that can cause a metal roof to leak is rust, as rust will start to peel and create holes. If this happens your roof could become damaged very easily. One way to prevent this from happening is to purchase a rust inhibitor and spray it on the rust that you see. This will not help remove rust but stops the rust from spreading further over the roof.
If there have been people walking on the roof this can cause creasing in the metal panels. If this happens, water will pool in the creasing and will eventually rust, which then causes leaks. As such, if you see a lot of rust contact a roofing contractor.
Sealant
When your metal roof is installed the roofing contractor will put a sealant on the metal. This sealant will not last as long as the roof does and will eventually have to be replaced. When the sealant breaks down your roof can start to leak. Fortunately, this is easy to repair as a roofing contractor can simply put a new sealant on the roof for you.
The roofing contractor will use a sealant that is specifically made for metal roofs. The sealant will be put under all trims, such as Z flashings and ridge caps, around flashings, roof transitions, and pitch pans. This is not something you should do on your own as it can be difficult to put the sealant on correctly if you are not experienced.
Overlaps and Seams
A metal roof can develop leaks where two pieces of metal overlap. This is caused by the capillary draw which is where water travels uphill between the two overlapping pieces. If this happens, your roof can leak. Fortunately, a roofing contractor can repair the roof for you. They will do this by using sealant where the overlap is, or they may use a special roofing tape between the overlapping pieces of metal. If the water then travels uphill and it reaches the tape or sealant this stops the water, and the water will then travel back down again.
Talk with a roofing contractor as they can provide more information regarding metal roof repair.
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