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How to Find the Best Atlanta Roofing Company to Repair Your Roof

Why is the Metal Roof on my Home Leaking?

July 19, 2022

Metal roofing is one of the most durable roofing materials you can have, lasting between 40 to 70 years when installed properly. The metal is durable, weather resistant, and can't rot, crack, burn, split, crumble, or break. However, just like any other roofing material, metal roofs can leak. Continue reading to learn possible reasons why your metal roof is leaking.

Missing Sealants

When your metal roofing is installed, sealants are supposed to be installed as well. However, sealants do not have the same lifespan as your roof, so they need to be replaced more often than your roof. As a part of regular maintenance, your sealants should be checked. If your sealant is old, it could be the cause of your leak.

Poorly Secured Panels

If your metal roofing panels are not properly installed, they could be shifted or blown away by storm winds. When the panels are not secured with fasteners, interlocked, corrected, or secured to the deck, your roof is at risk for leaks. While metal roofs are typically rated for winds up to 110 miles per hour, the wind rating does not matter if the materials were not properly installed.

Metal Roofing Screws

Metal roofing requires screws that have a rubber washer at the base of the screw head. The rubber washer created a gasket to prevent water from penetrating through your metal roof when installed properly. However, if the screws are under-driven, over-driven, or misaligned, the rubber washer may not be able to prevent water penetration. These issues typically happen if your metal roof was poorly installed. Also, over time the roofing screws can back out of your roof due to wind, vibrations, and roof shifting.

Curb Flashing

If your HVAC system is installed on top of your metal roof, it will sit on a roof curb. A roof curb is a metal structure that is made to support the weight of the HVAC unit, as well as provide a way to connect the ductwork properly. One of the most common places for a roof leak is on a roof curb. Flashing should be installed along the roof curb but even if it is installed correctly, over time water can make its way through the flashing, causing a leak.

Stack Flashing

Stack flashing is the flashing that is placed around any pipes and vents that come out of a metal roof. This flashing is typically made out of rubberized material to create a seal around the pipe or vent to prevent water penetration. These areas of stack flashing are prone to leaking due to the lower lifespan than the life of the metal roof. Metal roofs can expand and contract due to heat, which will put a strain on the stack flashing over time. Once the flashing fails, it needs to be replaced.

Seams and Overlaps

Metal roofs are not just one piece. They are built with panels of metal sheets, making it inevitable to have seams and spots of overlapping panels. Any seams and overlaps need to be seamed at the time of installation. Water can make its way through these areas over time. If the sealant or butyl tape meant to seal these seams and overlaps wears down, it needs to be replaced and redone.

While your metal roof is durable, there are still chances of leaks happening on your metal roof. The best way to prevent leaks is by having regularly scheduled maintenance inspections with a high-quality roofing inspector, such as ARAC Roof It Forward. At Roof It Forward, we check for any potential areas of concern that could lead to leaks. Our mission is to keep your roof in great condition to keep your home safe. Schedule your free video inspection with us today.

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