Metal has been used as a roofing material since the 3rd century B.C. Today, some homeowners have chosen to install sheet metal roofing on their homes due to the material’s durability and looks. However, metal roofs that are not properly maintained can disintegrate away, resulting in damage to the home.
1. Maintaining a Sheet Metal Roof
Because sheet metal roofing can be made from a variety of different metals, maintenance needs may vary. Additionally, the exposure hazards and the quality of waterproofing will also affect how the metal roof wears over time. In general, metal roofs that have exposed fasteners may require more maintenance to prevent wear and tear. Opting for factory enamel coatings can also reduce the amount of maintenance needed while keeping the metal in good condition.
Even with a factory coating and zipped panels, the sheet metal roof will still needs some basic maintenance. This maintenance may include removing debris from the roof that could cause damage to the panels, such as overhanging branches. Homeowners should also avoid using asphalt products as the asphalt will eat through most metals. If the area experiences severe weather, such as hail, long downpours or high winds, an inspection should be scheduled to ensure that no damage has been done.
2. Sheet Metal Restoration
If a hole forms in the sheet metal roofing, it can potentially be patched. When patching a hole, the most important thing that homeowners must think about is that all of the metal matches. If copper and aluminum metals are mixed, for example, the roof can break down and may need to be completely replaced if the damage is severe enough.
For small holes, patches can be used to cover the spot. After any rust spots are scrubbed and cleaned off, a metal patch made of the same material as the roof can be soldered on top of the area. For medium-sized repairs, an expert may need to remove the damaged piece and braze or welt a new piece to the existing roof. If this is done correctly, the roof should look as good as new.
3. Dealing with Large Repairs
If the sheet metal roof has sustained substantial damages, entire sheets may need to be removed. It is likely that the decking underneath will need to be repaired or completely replaced. Once the deck has been repaired, new metal sheets can be installed. For the best look, the same type of metal that has matching seam types and pan sizes should be used.
Restoring a sheet metal roof can take a few days. To keep the unprotected portion of the roof from becoming damaged, ensure that a polyethylene sheet is draped over the exposed roofing for the best results. The Heather & Little Limited website is a useful resource if you would like more information.
