A well-installed metal roof is one of the most durable roofing options, but even the toughest roofs can develop leaks over time. To fix a leaking metal roof, inspect flashings, fasteners, and penetrations to see if there is any visible damage. Then, check for leakage areas before proceeding with repairs.
Apply a sealant or roofing tape to stop leakage. These quick fixes are effective for minor issues and buy you time for more comprehensive repairs. You can also try retrofitting or roofing spray foam to seal damaged sections. If nothing works, move to the roof replacement option. However, you must call a roofing company before replacing it because expert contractors can apply various solutions to fix leakage.
How to Inspect Metal Roof Leakage
Inspecting a leaking metal roof is crucial to prevent further damage. Follow these steps to identify problem areas:
- Check for Visible Damage: Begin by walking on the roof carefully, checking for seams with gaps or screws that are loose, rusted, or bent.
- Examine Flashings: These are areas located at the junctions of a roof and walls, edges, or other surfaces. Look for flashings that are slightly corroded, misaligned, or loose.
- Inspect Roof Penetrations: Pay attention to vents, skylights, or pipes. These areas mostly have gaps and cracks in the sealant, which are signs of a leak.
- Inspection of Fasteners: Ensure all screws are secure and in place. Look for missing fasteners, too driven, or damaged fasteners with washers.
- Test for Hidden Leaks: Conduct water tests if you do not observe external signs of leakage.
Consistent inspections allow you to notice problems early enough and protect you from more significant and costly issues.
Solutions for a Leaking Metal Roof
Fixing a metal roof with leaks includes simple DIY techniques and professional solutions. Below are some practical methods to seal the leaks permanently:
Solution 1: Apply Sealants and Roofing Tape
A high-quality sealant or a special roofing tape such as butyl tape works well for small leaks. These sealants work effectively with seams, joints, and cracks. However, you must clean the surface before applying them and ensure the coverage area is wide enough. Adding polyester fabric material while using the sealant could strengthen the seal and prevent roof leaks.
Solutions 2: Repair Damaged Flashings
Broken flashings, usually at roof edges like vents and skylights, can lead to rooftop leaks. Replace all deteriorated flashings to ensure the new ones are secure and stable and the joints and seams have proper cover.
Solution 3: Add Elastomeric Roof Coatings
Elastomeric coatings are a professional solution that can provide waterproof membrane applications across the entire roof area. It also acts as a sealant to other openings that may be around and provide protection in the future. These coatings also help protect the roof from deterioration associated with UV rays and cut on the heat stress of metal panels.
Solution 4: Use Spray Foam Roofing
Spray foam roofing prevents leaks and enhances the roof’s insulation. Polyurethane foam is sprayed on the roofs, forming a thick, seep-free, durable layer that works best for roofs with multiple leaks or areas prone to pooling water.
Solution 5: Retrofitting
Retrofitting is a cost-effective solution for heavily damaged roofs. It involves overlaying a new roof layer over the existing layer. This solution helps to fix all the existing leaks and offers the roof a solid base. Retrofitting is economical since it does not require reimbursement for dismantling and disposing of the previous roof.
Solution 6: Complete Roof Replacement
A complete metal roof replacement is needed when the roofing is already beyond its lifespan or has damage that other means cannot repair. While it might be the most expensive solution, it requires a complete roof change with a guaranteed long-term roof, which may last for years with proper maintenance.
Each solution has its strengths, and the choice will depend on the extent of the damage and your budget. However, hiring a professional roofing contractor is advisable if your roof has continuous leakage or multiple damages.
Read More: What Can You Expect During Residential Roof Installation Services
Where Do Metal Roofs Usually Leak?
Several areas are commonly tend to leak, and they are all alarming:
- Seams and Joints: Leaks are common where the metal panels overlap due to the stress-induced contraction expansion.
- Roof Flashings: These areas, edges, perimeters, and penetrations are prone to corrosion or displacement, which can cause leakage.
- Fastener Holes: Water leakage arises mainly due to loose screws or worn washers.
- Roof Penetrations: Sealing vents, pipes, and skylights are commonly deficient or deteriorated.
- Edges and Corners: These areas gradually leak because of frequent water pools.
Conclusion
All in all, fixing a leaking metal roof requires a dedicated method to avoid further damage. To fix your roof, you can start by inspecting the flashings, fasteners, and penetrations. If you notice leaks anywhere, you can repair them by sealing impaired areas, using roofing spray foam, replacing flashings, or applying roof coatings. Where problems are more severe, professional intervention such as retrofitting or replacement may be needed. For professional assistance and ultimate solutions, you can call an experienced roof leak repair contractor to strengthen your metal roof and make it leakproof for many years.
