Metal roofs are susceptible to excessive moisture accumulation and damage from strong rain or wind. Individual panels are fastened to metal or wood trusses with steel nails, which corrode and allow for leakage. Furthermore, severe winds have the power to separate any overlapping edges of the metal roof’s panels, leaving openings for leaks.
Is a metal roof good for your building? What can you do to protect against water penetration? If you want to know the answers to these questions, this article is for you. We wrote this post to provide an overview of metal roofs, namely their interactions with water.
Metal Roof Problems in General
Roof leaks, blow-offs, punctures and splits, and ponding are the four most common problems encountered by metal roofs.
Roof leaks are a typical issue for metal roof owners. Poor craftsmanship during the initial installation phase, for example, could have resulted in gaps and punctures in the roof. Such gaps allow water to seep in over time.
Poor installation might also lead to blow-offs. When flashing is improperly installed, the resulting exposed seams and laps provide insufficient support for the roofing, causing it to be blown off in high winds.
Metal roofs are also prone to punctures and rips. This is usually caused by increased human traffic on the roof or by heavy debris that falls from the sky during a storm. Because metal roofs are thinner than most, it is recommended that they be subjected to as little weight and stress as possible.
Ponding is a condition in which water gathers on your roof. Ponding causes excessive pressure on the roof since it bears the weight of the pond. Ponding also undermines waterproofing systems and allows rainwater to slowly seep through the surface.
So, why do metal roofs leak?
Metal roofs, like most other roof materials, are particularly vulnerable to water leaks during the rainy season or during a strong storm. During such circumstances, the roof is not only exposed to heavier rain and harsher gusts, but water can also find the aforementioned cracks in metal roofing.
Roofs typically have a defined departure path for rainwater. This route decreases rooftops’ exposure to significant amounts of water at any given time. Furthermore, it directs water away from weak spots on the roof. When the wind is strong enough, rainwater does not only flow downhill. Wind, on the other hand, has the ability to blow water along the full surface of the roof, forcing it under flashings and down between metal joins and seams.
Water seepage is most common in HVAC, plumbing, and solar installation. When you install these elements on your home, dozens of roof penetrations are required, making them extremely sensitive to water incursion.
Furthermore, depending on the configuration of your metal roof, capillary action may naturally drive water sideways or upwards. This allows water to enter through even the smallest openings, infiltrating under and along the underside of your roof.
Following the ingress, water can move astonishingly long distances by taking the route of least resistance. This makes tracking and locating the original point of entry extremely challenging. Water tends to build in a few concealed and vulnerable sections of your home’s structure over time. Water damage will be most noticeable in these areas.
How To Waterproof Your Metal Roof
Paints, varnishes, and sealants were traditionally used to offer water resistance. However, these materials are insufficient for long-term waterproofing. Sealants, which offered the major type of protection, are susceptible to UV rays from the sun, oxidation, and cracking. As a result, their degradation rates necessitated repeated reapplications by homeowners.
Rather than using paints, varnishes, and sealants, homeowners should definitely consider employing waterproofing specialist contractors to install waterproofing membranes. A waterproofing membrane is a permeant layer that inhibits water infiltration and is UV, pollution, salt, and chemical resistant. It is extremely durable and will provide long-term waterproofing for your metal roof.
Liquid-based waterproofing membranes, in particular, can be used to seal regions around exterior roof installations. These provide roof alterations with a watertight and structurally strong membrane that will last for a long time.
Choose Alpha Builders For Your Metal Roof Waterproofing Needs
Alpha Builders is Singapore’s premier roof waterproofing contractor. We employ the highest quality products as one of the leading waterproofing contractor firms to assure long-lasting results. Trust us to assess, choose, and implement the appropriate waterproofing procedures for your building’s needs.
Learn more about our metal roofing services.