Metal roofs are known to be a durable and energy-efficient roofing solution. However, this does not mean it won’t break in the future. No roof is perfect—they can be damaged due to extreme weather and other factors. At Pittsburgh Metal Roofing, we want you to maximize the lifespan of your metal roof panels. In this blog, we will discuss the most common metal roofing problems and solutions you can try.
Leaking
A leaky roof is something that you might have encountered before. This roofing problem is one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares. A leak can damage anything stored inside your home or office. Metal roof leaks are possible due to structural damage, heavy snow, and weather occurrences that are beyond our control. Aside from this, leaks can happen when roof fasteners, seams, and flashings were installed incorrectly. When these parts get damaged, roof leaks could occur.
Solution: Roof leaks caused by human errors can be prevented. What you need to do is hire a reputable contractor with quality services and a good track record. A professional metal roof installer will help reduce the likelihood of leaks in the future.
Oil Canning
This issue commonly occurs in flat metal roof and wall panels. Oil canning happens when there is visible waviness or stress wrinkling on the panel’s surface. You will see visible waves in different types of metal like steel, aluminum, and copper.
There are many reasons why oil canning occurs. This may be due to improper handling of the materials, stress from cutting of the panels, and thermal expansion/contraction. Oil canning may also happen when the roofing contractor did not follow the standard installation process.
Solution: Fortunately, you can still reduce the likelihood of oil canning on your metal roof panels. First, you need to look for a thick, high-quality metal. A matte-finish roof panel will decrease reflectivity and the appearance of oil canning. You may also install striations or ridges on your roof panels to hide any stress wrinkling. Most importantly, work with expert roof installers to avoid damaged and faulty installations.
Scuffing and Scratching
A lot of leaves, twigs and other objects may fall onto your metal roof. This is why you might see little scratches and scuffs on the surface. Scratches happen due to hurricanes and severe weather conditions. Improper coiling and installation may also cause this kind of roof damage.
Solution: You may take precautions by using paint that resists scratching and scuffing. In case there are tiny scratches on the surface, talk to your roof contractor. They will fix the issue using touch-up paints and pens. These products can fill and spruce up your metal panels. If the damage is too big, a replacement might be needed.
Corrosion
While metal roofs are more resistant to corrosion, they might still get damaged due to certain chemical reactions. This happens when metal panels and accessories have different chemical makeups. Pairing dissimilar metals will only lead to galvanic corrosion. Some of the issues you might encounter are edge creep, underside corrosion, and saltwater corrosion.
Solution: Corrosion will happen, one way or another. However, you can slow down the corrosion rate. Add protective paint and coatings that are designed to resist corrosion. A roofing manufacturer or installer can help you choose the best metal panels against corrosion and premature degradation.
Chalking and Fading
The aesthetic issues happen when your metal roof hasn’t been painted in a long time. Chalking is the whitish residue on your metal panels. UV rays cause the paint resin to break down, which causes the powdery sediment.
On the other hand, fading occurs when paint pigments break down because of direct sunlight and chemicals. When your metal roof gets shade due to nearby trees, it will retain its brightness and original color.
Solution: The degree of chalking and fading will depend on your surroundings. Nowadays, many manufacturers offer warranties that cover chalking and fading. Consult with your roofing contractor on how you can get the most out of your paint system’s warranty.
Hire a Reliable Metal Roofing Contractor
The incredible performance and longevity of metal roofs outweigh any potential issues that may arise. If you want to install a metal roof in your home or business, reach out to Pittsburgh Metal Roofing. We will help you choose the best panels, colors, and accessories. Schedule an appointment today!