METAL ROOF ISSUES – FAMILY ROOFING

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

 METAL ROOF ISSUES

Metal roofs are one of the most durable, long-lasting roofing solutions available.  However, that doesn’t mean they are always perfect all the time.  Problems can arise, and sometimes they’re out of our control.  Below are a few of the most common problems with metal roofs and their solutions.

#1 Oil Canning

Commonly occurring in flat metal panels, oil canning is an aesthetic issue rather than a performance issue.  It can be defined as a visible or wavy distortion of the panels, and can occur on all types of metal (steel, aluminum, etc.).  Oil canning can be caused by a number of issues, including improper handling or storage of the panels before installation, stress during the production process, and thermal expansion and contraction.

Solution: There are ways to minimize oil canning, however, there’s no 100% guaranteed way to prevent or fix it.  You can take the following measures in order to reduce the look of oil canning on your flat panels:

  • Add striations, which are a series of ridges or waves added to the panels

  • Hire expert installers to avoid faulty installation

  • Choose a thicker gauge or more narrow width when selecting your panels

#2 Scratches & Scuffs

Life happens around your metal panels.  Scratches, nicks, and scuffs can occur from falling objects, severe weather storms, or even during installation.  Most paint systems and finishes are extremely tough and will resist this aesthetic issue.  Although, sometimes life just happens and these issues can’t be prevented.

#3 Leaks

Leaky roofs are a building or homeowner’s worst nightmare.  Frankly, no one wants a leaky roof.  There are very few reasons why a metal roof would leak, and most of them are the result of human error.  Leaks can be caused by things beyond our control, like structural damage, ice damming, or heavy snow.  They can also be caused by installation errors, including over or under driving the fasteners, driving the fasteners in at the wrong angle, incorrect seaming, or even improperly used sealants.

#4 Corrosion

Certain metals have different chemical makeups that can cause corrosion if they’re paired together.  This most commonly occurs between the metal panels themselves and the accessories used to secure them to the building (like screws and fasteners).  This is because the two metals have different chemical makeups that would lead to galvanic corrosion, making the panels pull away from the screws.

#5 Fading Paint

Once metal panels are installed, they’re likely going to be exposed to direct sunlight during different parts of the day.  This means that some of your panels that are in more shaded areas might retain their brightness and hue longer than those in spots where the sun is constantly hitting.

While a metal roof may have a few issues, overall, it’s an incredibly tough, long-lasting solution for roofing.  The high-performing characteristics metal roofs have almost always outweigh any disadvantages or potential issues.