While commercial metal roofs are extremely durable, they are not indestructible. Unlike a traditional flat roof, metal roofs are NOT designed to be waterproof. Metal roofs are designed for proper water flow, meaning there should never be any ponding or standing water on the roof for an extended period. When a metal roof starts to age, it can lead to leaks because the water is not flowing properly off the roof. A commercial metal roof restoration can be a cost-effective and better alternative to a standard roof replacement.
Common Commercial Metal Roof Issues
Surface Rust
Just because a metal roof is rusted, doesn’t mean it’s leaking. Left unattended, however, that rust can peel the coating and cause holes or scaling. This can lead to major structural damage. Using a rust inhibitor will not remove the rust but it will stop it from spreading.
Deflection
Holes or crimping/creasing of the metal panels, most caused by foot traffic, can lead to ponding water and ultimately rust and roof leaks.
Movement
A metal roof is designed for movement. This allows for proper waterflow off the roof. If a repair product that doesn’t allow for proper elongation (or flexibility) is used, the panels will continue to move but the patch will not. This will cause more issues than the original roof leak.
Incompatible Materials
In addition to elongation properties, specific materials should be used for metal roofs to avoid corrosion and rust. Dissimilar metals cause a negative reaction when situated together.
Punctures
Holes, creases and crimping are generally caused by foot traffic and/or by HVAC equipment installation. If heavy HVAC equipment is dragged across a metal roof, you risk a trail of damaging tears and punctures.
Fastener Issues
There are two types of metal panel attachments – clips and fasteners with rubber washers. Clips fasten to the purlin and the fasteners, which generally have a sealant underneath, are concealed once the metal laps on the panels are seamed or crimped together. Fasteners with rubber washers are self-drilled often every 2 square feet. Over time, these fasteners can back out and leave holes or gaps between the metal and the rubber washer where they were once installed, which opens the roof to water intrusion.
Open Laps
If not properly installed, seams along the metal panels can lift and open the area for water... and ultimately structural damage.
Missing Parts
Over time, wind, debris or even deterioration can cause pieces and parts of a metal roof to fall off. Damaged foam closures, vent flashings and boots, edge metal, gutters and downspouts can all lead to water intrusion and leaks.
Commercial Metal Roof Restoration as Replacement Alternative
A commercial metal roof is a significant investment. So, when it ages and you notice the above issues, the last thing you want to do is tear it off and install a new roof. Simon Roofing offers commercial roof restorations that are specifically designed for metal roofing to extend the service life of the existing roof and stop leaks.
The most important part of any metal roof is the horizontal and vertical seams. These are the primary source of water intrusion for most commercial metal roofs. Simon Roofing provides a short-term (five-year) restoration option that treats and seals the seams of the metal roof, significantly reducing leaks and damage. When a long-term solution is necessary, Simon Roofing also has restoration solutions to get the roof back to watertight condition with a long-term warranty of up to 20 years.
Custom Colors for Metal Roofing
Some commercial metal roof systems lend to the overall aesthetics of a facility. In these instances, unmatched roof repairs or restorations can have a negative effect on the look. Simon Roofing provides custom color selection and even color-matching technology to both our repairs and restorations with Wite Brite Colors. This product takes our standard Wite Brite coating and blends it with color pigments to meet a customer’s specifications or to match an existing roof section.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Simon Roofing today to start the process of restoring your metal roof. Whether it's standing seam or R-Panel, our Metals team is standing by ready to assist you.
