The ridge of any type of roof refers to the peak or the highest point where the 2 adjacent sloping panels come together. On a metal roof, the ridge holds together the adjacent metal panels. Metal roofs are now growing in popularity in use for both commercial and residential roofing. This is owed to the metal being a durable, low-maintenance, fire-proof and water-resistant material.
While metal is a natural conductor for heat, insulation layers, and its reflective properties are also efficient in keeping the heat out during the summer; and keeping it in during cold seasons.
Ideally, metal roofs don’t need any form of repair for a few years. With proper installation, your metal roof should last the next 50 years before needing any major replacement. This type of roof is a great alternative over wood or vinyl roofing. However, when an inexperienced contractor installs a metal roof without having the right tools and skills in regard to steel roofing, there are a few things that could go wrong. These might not be evident right after the installation but homeowners are quick to spot these problems after a heavy storm.
Newly installed metal roofs should be free from any signs of leaking. If it’s only been a few months or even a year or two and your metal roof is already letting water through, it is likely due to one of these causes.
Insufficient Roof Slope
As a rule of thumb, roofs that have metal shingles should have at least a 4-inch rise per foot of roof run. If the slope is any less than 3 over 12, this could well be the cause of the leak. A standing seam can help if you have a roof with slopes just above 2/12.
Loose or Lost Panels
Metal roofing panels that are not secured well during the installation of the roof tend to get loose, or even blown away by strong winds. When roof sheets are not fastened properly or when the panels weren’t interlocked and tightly secured to the roof deck, you’ll probably end up finding some pieces of the original roof gone after some harsh weather conditions.
Wrong or No Flashing
Installing flashing around areas such as a skylight and chimney is necessary as these are the areas that are prone to leaking. Without proper installation, or if your contractor skipped out on it altogether, this is definitely a possible cause of leaking. Other areas where flashing should have been installed include end walls, sidewalls, roof valleys, and the ridges.
The only way to avoid leaking from metal roofs is to ensure that the proper system for installation has been followed. Aside from that, using high-quality roofing materials is also critical. However, over time, as your roof goes through years of use and undergoes the natural wear and tear that other structures also experience, there are certain areas that are also prone to leaking.
Leaking at Metal Roof Ridges
One of the common areas where leaking tends to occur is around the ridges of a metal roof. The ridges are where the seams of 2 metal roofing panels come to overlap with each other. While this area is tightly sealed during the installation, it is still a gap area where water can likely use as a point of entry. Because of the capillary draw, which causes water to go up and into the space between the 2 adjacent metal roof panels, water seeps into the interior frame of the metal roof.
Metal Roof Repair and Replacement Options
When there is any type of leak occurring on your metal roof, there are 3 different ways to go about fixing it. Homeowners can choose to either repair, restore, or replace the metal roof.
Repairing Metal Roofs
Metal roofs can last between 30 to 50 years with constant maintenance and a few repairs every now and then. Checking the roof once or twice a year can help find any loose screws or slightly damaged areas that can easily be fixed and made anew before it can cause any major problems. A repair can involve replacing a few metals damaged or missing metal shingles or tightening loosened fasteners.
Restoring Metal Roofs
Over time, metal roofs will have to eventually be replaced. As they approach the end of their lifespan, you’re likely to notice more areas starting to cause leaks and a lot of repairs being unable to hold up. Restoration aims to extend the roof’s lifespan through the use of coating materials to strengthen and protect the material from further wear and tear. Restoration, however, is more of a preventive measure and is not a viable option for when the roof has started breaking down beyond repair.
Replacing Metal Roofs
After some decades of use, a metal roof will need to be replaced. Whether you decide to put in a new metal roof or use a whole new type of material for roofing, you can reach out to Fowler Homes Inc. who are here to handle all your roofing and home building needs in Canton Georgia. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, we have a team of professional craftsmen who can help you out.
You can visit Fowler Homes at the office at 118 Riverwatch Court, Canton, Georgia 30114, or call us up at 470-361-2454.