Metal roofs are susceptible to being a source of excessive moisture and deterioration from extreme wind or rain. Since the individual panels are fixed to trusses made of wood or metal using nails made of steel, they can rust and, consequently, allow for leaks. Additionally, strong winds can split any edges that overlap the roof’s metal panels, opening the way to allow for leaks. Is metal roofing the right choice for your home? What do you need to do to protect against water intrusion? If you’re eager to discover solutions to those questions, this article is perfect for you. We wrote this article as a brief overview of the metal roof, specifically its interaction with water.
THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF METAL ROOFS
The benefits of using metal roofing are as follows:
Longevity
Of all the advantages of metal roofing, its longevity is mentioned as the most significant benefits. Compared to traditional asphalt shingles, the metal roofing is more durable and lasts longer. A typical metal roof can last for years if properly maintained and installed. It can last for years if you choose higher-end metal roofing, like standing seams with field-locked seams or aluminum roof shingles.
Durability and capability to endure any climate or season
The capability to endure any climate or season is among the greatest advantages of roofing made of metal. It’s also ideal for humid environments since it suffocates humidity and reflects heat.
Another advantage of roofing made of metal is that they are resistant to rust and waterproof.
Fire-Resistant Roof
Metal roofs resist sparks and fires. This is among the most significant advantages of metal roofing for those living in areas prone to wildfires. The fire-resistant properties of a roofing system can be what helps a home when such tragic events happen.This is why paying the material’s fire rating is crucial primarily if you reside in an area susceptible to wildfires.
Environment Friendly
The materials people utilize every day can cause damage to the surroundings. If you’re among those who want to do your part in helping Mother Nature by reducing the impact of our actions, then metal roofing is the best choice for you.
Here’s how you can make it green:
Cool-Metal Roof: The electricity you use daily is derived from natural resources such as natural gas, coal and petroleum, which aren’t renewable.
When you use the cool-metal roofing, you’re not just reducing your electric bill but decreasing your use of natural resources.
Solar Friendly: Metal roofs and solar panels create an ideal combination. This means putting the solar panel onto the metal roof is simple. The solar panel adds shading to the roof and increases cooling.
Another advantage of roofing made from metal is that they are entirely recyclable. At the end of their lifespan the metal can be reused and transformed into a new sheet of metal , or any other items.
Speed and Easy Installation
Fast and straightforward installation are advantages of installing metal roofing that we simply can’t afford to overlook. Its width, size proportion, and light weight make it easy to work with.
Light Weight
Suppose you compare the modern metal roofing materials with traditional roofing materials, such as concrete tiles. In that case, you’ll discover that metals are much lighter. The metal’s light weight allows for easy installation. It saves you money on the engineering and construction of the support structure.
Metal Roofing are Moss and Fungus Proof
The asphalt and wood shingle roofs have a shorter life span because they are susceptible to mildew, moss and fungus.
With metal roofing, you’re safe from the ravages of fungal attack. In addition, a metal roof shields your home from pests, rodents, raccoons, and wild animals, and they can’t get into the attic.
Energy Efficiency
If you want to reduce your monthly expenses, installing a metal roofing system could be beneficial. The homes with metal roofs could save as much as 30percent per month in cooling costs.
Reflectivity refers to the extent to which the roof’s reflective surface reflects the sun’s radiations. Metal roofs are excellent in reflecting the sun’s UV radiations. If your roof reflects sunlight by absorbing the sun’s rays, it reduces how much heat is transferred to the attic. The lower the temperature in your attic, the less the electricity bill you will pay.
Emissivity is the measure of how fast the temperature of a product decreases when heat is removed. Your roof is subject to intense heat during the summer months. However, your roof will absorb the radiant heat and then transfer it into the attic, blocking it, forcing your AC unit to fight to remove it.
It will be a long time before the sun can warm the roof, and it’s AC unit will be working extra hard to cool it down.
Metal roofs which are energy efficient will ensure you can expect your roofing to be cool when the sun sets and allow your AC unit to get the much-needed breather. This will result in less cost of cooling.
Metal roofs have disadvantages as follows:
- Cost-effectiveness: Metal roofs are typically three times or higher than other roofs. But, for the price, you can anticipate an extended lifespan.
- Noise: Metal roofs can cause a lot of noise for residents, especially during heavy rain storms. To reduce this, more insulation is possible.
- Expansion and contraction prone: Much more than other roofing materials, metal roof panels are prone to expand and contract. As time passes, this causes gaps as panels lose their grip, exposing your roof’s surface to intrusion.
- Water penetration is a risk: If the water dries up on your roof made of metal, seepage can happen because metal roofs tend to be thinner and less difficult to be penetrated.
GENERAL METAL ROOFING PROBLEMS
There are four main issues which metal roofing encounters that are (1) roof leaks, (2) blow offs, (3) cuts and tears, and (4) water ponding.
Roof leaks are typical issues that homeowners encounter when they have metal roofing. For example, poor craftsmanship during the initial installation could have caused gaps and holes in the roof. These openings permit water to seep through as time passes.
Blow Offs can also be caused by improper installation. If the flashing isn’t correctly bonded, the gaps and seams offer inadequate support for the roof, allowing it to fall off when encountering solid winds.
Metal roofs can also be vulnerable to tears or cuts. This is usually because of the amount of traffic on the roof or large debris that falls on the roof due to the force of a storm. It is recommended that only a small amount of load and stress be placed on roofs made of metal because they are lighter than most.
Ponding is when water builds up over your roofing. When this problem happens, a lot of pressure is imposed on the roof because it is the place where the pond’s weight is carried. Furthermore, ponding weakens the waterproofing system, allowing moisture to seep past the roof’s surface.
WHY DO METAL ROOFS LEAK
Like other roofing materials, metal roofs are more susceptible to water leaks during storms that are heavy or during the rainy season. At these times, it is not just the roof subject to more rain and wind, but it also can see those gaps in the metal roofs that are typically prone.
Typically roofs are equipped with an exit path that rainwater can use. This reduces the risk of roofs being exposed to vast amounts of water at the moment. Additionally, it directs water away from weak spots in the roofing. When winds are strong enough, rainwater does not necessarily flow only downhill. In fact, wind may blow all over the roofing area, placing it through flashings and then down between seams and joints of metal.
The most frequent areas that seep water include the areas of HVAC pipes, solar installations. When these types of installations are put in place on your property, numerous roof holes are required, making them susceptible to water penetration.
In addition, based on the design, the metal roofing capillary action could draw water in a natural way downwards or sideways. This also lets water get through the tiniest of gaps getting under and down the roof’s underside.
In the wake of the entry point, the water can cover astonishing distances if it follows a path with the least resistance. This makes tracking down the entry point extremely difficult. In time, water will begin to collect in some weak and secluded areas of the structure of your home. In these places where water damage is the most observed.
HOW TO WATERPROOF YOUR METAL ROOF
Traditionally, coatings, paints and sealants were employed for water resistance penetration. But, on their own they’re not ideal long-term waterproofing solutions. Sealants, which provide the primary method of protection, are prone to the sun’s UV rays and oxidation and cracking. In turn, their degrading rates forced homeowners to make regular repeat applications.
Instead of coatings, paints or sealants, homeowners must seriously consider hiring expert waterproofing contractors to install membranes for waterproofing. It is highly durable and offers a long-term waterproofing solution to your roof made of metal.
Mainly, liquid-based waterproofing membranes can seal off areas around exterior roofing installations. They provide roof construction with the benefit of a water-tight and structurally durable membrane that can last for an extended period.
CHOOSE ALPHA BUILDERS FOR YOUR ROOF WATERPROOFING NEEDS
Alpha Builders is the best Roofing Contractor located in Singapore, having years of experience. Being one of Singapore’s most reputable Roofing Contractor that we work with, we only use the finest quality materials to guarantee long-lasting outcomes. You can trust us to evaluate, decide and then apply the appropriate roof repair and waterproofing methods for your building’s requirements.
Our method for roof waterproofing offers long-term protection against water leaks. Furthermore, it shields against the effects of acid, carbonation or chemical attack.
Contact Alpha Builders today for free estimates!