When it comes to a long-lasting, dependable roof, there are few options that offer the sheer reliability of metal roofing. Metal roofs can last decades longer than standard shingle roofs – often 50 years in comparison to about 20 for shingle roofs in the Austin area.
In most situations, it takes a heck of a lot of force to damage a metal roof. Even a hit with a large hailstone often has no lasting effect: The damage is superficial and doesn’t reduce the roof’s performance. Every once in a while, though, metal roof repair may be necessary.
Early on in the life of a roof, metal roof repair is usually associated with installation oversights. In the long run, though, a metal roof should be inspected every two years or so. A professional metal roofer in Austin can help you catch small problems and fix them before your metal roof repair bills grow.
So, what happens when you need metal roof repair in Austin?
Metal Roof Repair: What to Look for in Austin
Standing seam metal roofing protects the roof system’s joints with reinforced seams, also responsible for the dramatic shadows and striking appearance of these roofs. The seams stop most leaks by protecting structural weak points, but you may still need repair now and then.
In the event of a leak, your metal roofer will check for these issues first of all:
1. Openings in the Horizontal Seams
These openings are possible when there is a mismatch between the rafter length of the building and the length of the metal panel. Horizontal seams are used to make up the difference. Leak risk is one crucial reason why metal panels should always be fabricated on-site to precisely fit the home’s dimensions.
2. Loose Penetration Flashing
Flashing is material used to reinforce penetrating elements in the roof, such as vent pipes and chimneys. The flashing is one of the weak points in any roofing system and it should be inspected any time there’s a leak. It wears out much sooner than other roof elements and should be replaced, not reused.
3. Metal Roof Panel Oxidization
Rust is caused by certain metals reacting with oxygen, and resulting material is much weaker. At Longhorn Roofing, we only use high gauge metal panels coated with Galvalume, which boasts superior oxidization resistance. In some cases, rust can be removed and the panel re-treated with anti-rust coating.
4. Fastener Backout
Nails or screws can be used to fasten panels together. A standing seam metal roof system protects most fasteners through the reinforced seams, but other metal roofs can have unprotected fasteners. Wind or freeze-thaw cycles unseat fasteners, which should be replaced with high quality alternatives.
Superficial damage (think of our hypothetical hail impact) can often be hammered out and even some degree of rust can be safely treated on the surface. If damage is severe, however, it’s critical to have the compromised metal panel replaced as soon as you can.
For immediate help, just contact Longhorn Roofing today.
