Gordon JamesDoes your house have a metal roof? If this is the case, you will have a roof that will last a long time, with an estimated lifespan of between 40 and 75 years. It is lightweight, non-flammable and also recyclable.
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Metal roofs also have a reputation for working well in extreme weather conditions, especially when perfectly installed.
But for all its beautiful qualities, metal roofs – like all other types of roofs – suffer some losses over time.
Whether your roof is made of steel, aluminium or copper, you will always face problems such as leaks that can occur for a variety of reasons, including wear and tear and impact.
However, there are steps you can take to prevent metal leaks on your roof. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional roofer with adequate insurance, you can use these tips to prevent leakage of metal roof tiles in the future.
Periodic inspection
You don’t have to wait for signs of a problem with your roof to have it inspected. Because metal has a high coefficient of expansion, it tends to expand or contract more at different temperatures.
Most leaks in metal roofs are due to thermal expansion or contraction, so they should be checked at least twice a year.
Do not delay repairs
If problems are found during the inspection, such as B. small holes or cracks, do not wait until the next shower to repair them. Carry out the necessary repairs while the holes or any kind of opening are still small to prevent leaks.
Tree pruning
If there are tall trees near your house, their branches or limbs will scratch your metal roof. During a storm the same branches can break, fall on the roof and cause damage that eventually leads to leaks.
In order to prevent such damage, these trees must in any case be pruned properly. And if you still have the opportunity to uproot trees near your house and replant elsewhere on your property, do it for your metal roof.
Check roof fences
Sometimes we focus our attention on the roof itself and forget flashings, which can actually be the main cause of most roof leaks.
Usually made of galvanized steel, but sometimes also of rubber or other materials, flashings are used to divert water from the most critical parts of the roof. It is usually installed where the roof surface meets a wall, chimney or other vertical surface.
The next time you inspect your roof, ask the roofer who does the work to check the flashing and make sure it fits properly and looks good overall.
Seals above
Metal roof panels have a long service life, but the sealants used during installation cannot last long. They should be completed as part of regular roof maintenance.
Be sure to apply a new layer of metal putty to roof transitions, pitched roof tiles and counter marks. Also think about closing the trim, such as Z-corners and metal ridge caps.
If possible, do not use mastic as a seal for metal roofs. As mentioned earlier, metal expands and shrinks more with temperature changes than any other roofing material. The sealant may not be elastic enough to maintain a perfect seal as the roof deck and purlins go through their daily expansion cycle.
The best option for metal roofs is a solid silicone or polyester sealant. In addition to their excellent physical properties and weather resistance, both sealants adhere well to metals and are also resistant to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Silicone sealants perform slightly better in warmer climates, although
Use roofing tape
If leaks occur at the joints and cracks in the metal roof, a high quality, waterproof roof covering must be used to prevent these areas from leaking again.
Ideally, the roofing you use should be 30 millimetres thick. It also needs to be flexible enough to cover different shapes and curves, so choose a model with a polyester edge.
To ensure excellent adhesion, the area to which the tape is to be bonded must be mechanically cleaned to remove dirt and oil. After brushing, remove any residue with rubbing alcohol or any other cleaning agent available to you.
Secure the affected area with adhesive tape and then adjust it with a roller to activate the tape. Check the outer edges for stains or gaps.
These are just some of the ways to prevent metal from leaking on your roof. If you have the necessary skills and time, you can perform all the above steps yourself. However, if you have neither, you should leave the work in the hands of professional roofers to get the best results.
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Gordon James
