Why Consider a Metal Roof?
Over the past few years, metal roofs have become increasingly popular with homeowners. Metal roofs offer many benefits, including durability, energy efficiency and longevity, with most lasting 40 to 70 years. Additionally, metal roofs are safer than traditional roofing materials, as they do not spark or ignite as easily. Most metal roofs are made of 25-95% recycled material and are 100% recyclable once removed from your home, making them a more environmentally friendly option than traditional shingles. While a bit pricier up front, the long-term benefits and value make metal roofs a sensible option to consider when replacing your roof.
What Exactly Goes Into a Metal Roof?
Metal roofs are composed of panels that are made from 22- or 24-gauge galvanized metal. Material choices include steel, zinc, aluminum, tin and copper. Metal roofs are available in numerous types and styles, allowing you to have the look of shingles, tile, slate, shakes or vertical panels. Metal roofing panels often have batten-fill insulation to protect the interior space.
How Do You Know if Your Metal Roof is Installed Correctly?
Installing a metal roof may sound feasible for a serious DIYer, but it involves a lot of steps and pieces that must be done correctly for a tight and lasting roof. In general, metal panels are attached to the building using fasteners or clips, which are inserted into pre-punched holes in the supporting structure to improve anchorage and allow movement in the metal panels without damage. This is a very particular process, so it goes to say metal roofs last longer when professional roofers do the work (again, professional… not a handyman). It’s critical to follow proper attachment procedures, make provisions for the expansion and contraction properties of the metal in response to temperature changes, and design slopes that expediently remove water from the roof surface. Are you able to check this was done correctly? Neither are most homeowners. So only hire someone experienced in metal roofing.
Don’t Slip Up on Slope
The success of a metal roofing system can often be attributed to ensuring a proper slope. The metal sheets do not possess adequate waterproofing properties on their own, relying instead on the roofing system’s slope to drain water. Waterproofing and weatherproofing properties of metal roofs are limited when applied to a low-slope or flat roof. In these situations, insufficient moisture run-off may lead to standing water, ice or snow. Moisture on a metal roof may quickly find its way into the openings at the seams and cause leaks, which can damage the underlying insulation and cause even more issues (like rot and mold on the interior). Quality Built Exteriors’ experienced installers can ensure that your new metal roof has the proper slope needed to eliminate any related issues.
Waterproofing Your Metal Roof
When it comes to waterproofing a metal roof, lapped seams do better than metal panels adjoined with double folds. Lapped-seam panels have male and female side edges that can be overlapped and secured with fasteners, adding to the strength of the overall structure and preventing moisture from leaking through. With lapped seam installations, sealants should be applied, which increases water tightness and also prevents movement from the metal panels. For a double-fold system, a seaming machine is used to complete the side-panel connection. These panels are adjoined with a 360-degree double seam lock or a 180-degree single seam lock for added protection. Be sure to ask your roof installer what steps he is taking to ensure the roof is waterproofed.
Corrosion and Buckling
The conditions in which metal roofing systems are most likely to fail include excessive rust and panel corrosion, buckling of panels, and backing-out of fasteners.
Excessive rust can be caused by the type of metal panels and the materials used. Most metal roof manufacturers use alloy materials to prevent rusting and corrosion. However, in low-slope conditions, this problem may occur within a five to 10-year period. Rust and corrosion damage can be prevented by wire brushing or scaling the roof surface. In advanced stages of corrosion, roof replacement may be recommended.
Buckling of panels is typically caused by excessive exposure to water, ice, wind or snow. This problem can negatively affect the seams and create openings that lead to water leakage.
Fasteners may also back out of the metal roof, due to openings or improper installation. All of these problems can be prevented by hiring a qualified metal roofer. We strongly recommend engaging a professional roofer, who will understand the factors that can improve the quality and lifespan of your new roof. To learn more about metal roofs and get a free quote from our experienced metal roofers, visit https://www.qualitybuiltexteriors.com/
Quality Built Exteriors
929 Ventures Way, Suite 109
Chesapeake VA 23320
(757) 389-5519
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