Metal roofing is one of the most durable
roofing materials you can have, lasting between 40 to 70 years when installed
properly. The metal is durable, weather resistant, and can't rot, crack, burn,
split, crumble, or break. However, just like any other roofing material, metal
roofs can leak. Continue reading to learn possible reasons why your metal roof
is leaking.
Missing
Sealants
When your metal roofing is installed, sealants
are supposed to be installed as well. However, sealants do not have the same
lifespan as your roof, so they need to be replaced more often than your roof.
As a part of regular maintenance, your sealants should be checked. If your
sealant is old, it could be the cause of your leak.
Poorly
Secured Panels
If your metal roofing panels are not properly
installed, they could be shifted or blown away by storm winds. When the
panels are not secured with fasteners, interlocked, corrected, or secured to
the deck, your roof is at risk for leaks. While metal roofs are typically rated
for winds up to 110 miles per hour, the wind rating does not matter if the
materials were not properly installed.
Metal
Roofing Screws
Metal roofing requires screws that have a
rubber washer at the base of the screw head. The rubber washer created a gasket
to prevent water from penetrating through your metal roof when installed
properly. However, if the screws are under-driven, over-driven, or misaligned,
the rubber washer may not be able to prevent water penetration. These
issues typically happen if your metal roof was poorly installed. Also, over
time the roofing screws can back out of your roof due to wind, vibrations, and
roof shifting.
Curb
Flashing
If your HVAC system is installed on top of
your metal roof, it will sit on a roof curb. A roof curb is a metal structure
that is made to support the weight of the HVAC unit, as well as provide a way
to connect the ductwork properly. One of the most common places for a roof leak
is on a roof curb. Flashing should be installed along the roof curb but even if
it is installed correctly, over time water can make its way through the
flashing, causing a leak.
Stack
Flashing
Stack flashing is the flashing that is placed
around any pipes and vents that come out of a metal roof. This flashing is
typically made out of rubberized material to create a seal around the pipe or
vent to prevent water penetration. These areas of stack flashing are prone to
leaking due to the lower lifespan than the life of the metal roof. Metal roofs
can expand and contract due to heat, which will put a strain on the stack
flashing over time. Once the flashing fails, it needs to be replaced.
Seams
and Overlaps
Metal roofs are not just one piece. They are
built with panels of metal sheets, making it inevitable to have seams and spots
of overlapping panels. Any seams and overlaps need to be seamed at the time of
installation. Water can make its way through these areas over time. If the sealant
or butyl tape meant to seal these seams and overlaps wears down, it needs to be
replaced and redone.
While your metal roof is durable, there are
still chances of leaks happening on your metal roof. The best way to prevent
leaks is by having regularly scheduled maintenance inspections with a high-quality
roofing inspector, such as ARAC Roof It Forward. At Roof It Forward, we check
for any potential areas of concern that could lead to leaks. Our mission is to
keep your roof in great condition to keep your home safe. Schedule your free
video inspection with us today.
