In the history of building homes, metal has been seen as one of the most reliable and hardy of materials. It is used in most home frameworks to screw, bolt, and staple materials together. So, when it comes to building a sturdy and solid roof for your new home, it seems logical that metal could be the perfect material.
However, there is no such thing as the ‘perfect material’ for a roof, and all materials used, whether they are concrete or recycled plastic, have their own drawbacks. Metal roofs are indeed gaining traction in recent times, but if you have a metal roof installed, there are some things that you need to know about maintenance and the potential structural issues that may occur. So, read on to learn more!
Expansion and Contraction
Metal roofing is prone to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, making issues with it more likely if you live in an area with frequent weather changes. This can cause the metal to become loose or may create gaps between panels, causing leaking or even the shingles or panels to become loose. If you suspect that you have a leak due to this issue, you will need to seek the advice of someone who is trained in metal roof repair.
Corrosion
Metal roofing can corrode over time, especially if it is not properly maintained or if it is exposed to saltwater or other corrosive elements, which can be hard to avoid if you live near the sea and there is a strong breeze! Indeed, even exposure to rainwater can be problematic long-term, so aim to prevent this problem with regular sanding of your metal shingles and to apply a protective varnish to stop metal corrosion.
Structural Damage
Metal roofing can be damaged by high winds, hail, or falling debris, just as most roofing can. This can cause dents, holes, or other structural damage that may compromise the roof’s integrity. So, giving your metal roof a visual inspection following periods of high winds or hail is important. If you spot denting on your roof, call a professional before the dent fills with water!
Fastener Problems
If the fasteners used to secure the metal roofing panels are not properly installed or maintained, they can become loose or fail, leading to leaks and other problems. This is simple to spot, as shingles on your roof are curling, buckling, or lifting. This could be a sign that the fasteners are not secure. If you notice that shingles are missing or have fallen off your roof, it could be due to faulty fasteners. Do you have water stains or leaks on your ceiling or walls? Can you see the fasteners from the ground? All of these could be a sign that the shingles are not securely attached to the roof.
Remember, if you spot any of these signs, you should hire a roofing contractor whose area of expertise is metal roofing. This will ensure that the issue is treated quickly and will also minimize potential long-term complications.
