Metal roofs are extremely popular throughout the United States, and have been utilized in all sorts of buildings projects due to their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and simple installation process. The metals that are used to construct these roofs vary, but some examples are: steel, zinc, aluminum, and even copper and tin. Metal roofs are actually designed to have a fairly length lifespan, which means that if properly installed and maintained, a metal roof can actually last for decades. If there is a drawback to a metal roof, in lies in the seams used to connect the individual metal sheets together.

Metal Roof Inspection

The most important thing to remember is that the best kind of leak or damage is one that doesn’t exist at all! That being said, the best way to avoid a costly metal roof repair is to inspect your metal roof on a regular basis.

When inspecting your metal roof, remember to concentrate specifically on the seams between the metal sheets. It is important to focus on the seams because, while the metals themselves are extremely reliable, the materials used in the seams have a tendency to lose their elasticity and bonding ability gradually over time. Make sure to closely examine areas such as vents, skylights, and any other openings. Finally, remember to examine any areas that show signs of rusting, as this is an indication that the metal may not have been properly treated when installed*.

Metal Roof Repair

Once the area that needs repairing has been properly identified and cleaned, you can go ahead and patch it over with a bonding sealant, like Eternabond. However, this should only be done if the repair is minor. You may need to contact a professional metal roof contractor to do the job for you if it is more complicated than a simple sealant replacement.

*All metals, even if they are treated, will rust over time if left out in the open air.