Flat metal roofs are common due to their sturdiness, power efficiency and blaze-resistance. While metal roofs are a durable solution, they are also prone to various problems. Some of the standard flat metal roof problems include leakages and rusting.

The things that make up a metal roof system are unique; therefore, a flat metal roof requires exceptional repairs and restoration. The secrets to a professional flat metal roof restoration is in the preparation and metal coatings that the roof restorers use. It determines the resulting look of your metal roof. Here are the ideas that can be useful on fixing your flat metal roofing.

Through a flat metal roof repair and maintenance

Flat metal roof systems have a lifespan of 30years or more since installation if it is a quality installation. Therefore metal roof systems can be repaired and maintained.

The secret to maintaining a metal roof is by inspecting it regularly to identify problems early before they develop into serious issues.

A problem such as oxidation or rusting can be fixed early by cleaning and polishing at a reduced cost.

Locating and retightening fasteners that have backed out helps in reducing leaks and maintaining the roofing system.

Through a flat metal roof restoration

As the metal roof ages, the leakages increase and eventually the overall roofing system will require a more defined and critical scope of work, a flat metal roof restoration. If you don’t restore, it continues to age.

There is always a limited period of opportunity for restoration before your metal roof requires a roof replacement which is a costly affair. A flat metal roof restoration includes a step by step process:

A restorer needs to inspect or assess the roof to determine what methods will be suitable for restoration.

Then the roof surface is pressure cleaned with high-pressure industrial grade roof pressure cleaner. It eliminates all the dirt, scale and loose rust to ensure that the roof surface is thoroughly clean. It is to ensure that the roof membranes adhere to the roof panel’s surface.

The third step is the replacement of sheets where necessary and retightening of the fasteners. There is also a replacement of fasteners that have backed out, and flashings are secured.

Next is rust treatment whereby the roof restorer applies a rust primer treatment to prevent further oxidation and rusting. This process also ensures that the metal roof is rust-free and waterproof. In addition to that, it creates a favourable surface for the primer and membrane to adhere to.

The last application is the primer coating that finishes the surface of the roof membrane. During this process, you get to choose the colour membrane that you want as it will be the finishing product to your roof restoration.

The last step involves the cleaning of any mess that happened during restoration to result in a flat metal restored roof that looks like a new one.

A flat roof metal restoration is an excellent way to ensure that the aesthetic appeal of your roof lasts longer. The use of galvanizes or colorbond ensures the roof remains to look as good as new.

What are the signs that your flat metal roof needs restoration?

Leakage

One of the most common issues that could arise with flat metal roofs is leakage. Metal roof leaks are mostly caused by mistake in the roof installation and making the design. In most cases, the problems occur not in the system selection, but the details used to finish the flat metal roof system.

Although these mistakes may not be visible after the installation, they take time to develop. Also, due to old age, there may be leaks escaping from the seams that connect two pieces of metal.

Corrosion

Metal roofs come from different materials such as steel, aluminium, copper, zinc or tin. Some of these materials are subject to oxidation as most of the metal have coats with a protective surface. With time the coating wears away, causing the metal panels to oxidize or corrode.

Also, when water pools form on your roof, they can cause damage such as rusting, which leads to discolouration of the roof.

Fastener backout

A metal roof includes a combination of visible or concealed metal fasteners either nails or screws. The exposed fasteners usually have a neoprene washer that retains the fastener head to the surface of the metal roof panel.

With time the fasteners can loosen. It can be due to the neoprene drying out, and water gradually enters, wind can lift the fastener or cause it to vibrate loosening it. Also, in winter, the water can freeze and expand, causing the bolt to back out.

As the metal roof ages, the metal fasteners become loose when they expand and contract, thus compromising the structural integrity of the roof.

Horizontal seams opening

In most times, it is difficult or impossible to build a flat metal roofing panels that extend to the full rafter length of the building. The project designer will most often limit the length of the panels to allow room for expansion and contraction. Horizontal seams are prone to separation over time, causing water leakages.

Flashings in open penetrations.

Metal roof systems are subject to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. The movements create stress at points of attachments and penetrations through the roof system, which often leads to the breaking of flashings at the penetrations causing leakages.

The bottom line

Even though a flat metal roof is strong and durable, it is prone to damages which is why it needs quality care and maintenance. Through a roof restoration, you can avoid further deterioration that would lead to more costs of the roof’s replacement. Additionally, a roof restoration saves time and increases the value of your home.