Ask any Denver CO homeowner and they'll tell you both corrugated and standing seam metal roofs are the most durable and long-term roofing solutions for any property. However, what you don't hear so much is the shortcomings metal roofs have. Metal roof problems are their respective issues and can detrimentally affect its performance.

On the other hand, it doesn't mean the shortcomings make them a bad investment. Knowing potential metal roof problems allows you to cope with the issues before they even arise. For example, if you knew you were going to have a potential leak after a number of rainstorms, you can certainly contain the problem in the bud.

LGC Roofing has an excellent article on the four common metal roof problems homeowners can face as long as it protects your home. Here's an excerpt from that post, and you will definitely find it useful.

4 Common Metal Roofing Problems

Despite some misconceptions about metal roofs, they are one of the most durable, eco-friendly roofing options on the market today and the initial investment in this more expensive roofing system is well worth it in the long run. One of the best things about a metal roof is that it requires very little maintenance while still protecting your home from the harshest weather conditions, beating other roofing materials in durability & longevity.

If you have a metal roof, it’s important to keep an eye out for some common causes of damage typical for that roofing material. Handling small repairs as they’re needed is the best way to ensure that your metal roof will last for decades.

4 Common Metal Roofing Problems

Roof Leaks

Roof leaks are one of the most common problems that homeowners experience with metal roofs. Poor craftsmanship often results to gaps and punctures in metal roofing, making leaks more likely to occur. Leaks tend to grow over time, so if you notice a leak, make sure to address it as soon as possible. You’ll likely end up saving yourself a lot of money and stress.

Blow-offs

Blow-offs may also occur as a result of poor installation. If flashing is poorly attached, for instance, open seams and laps can cause parts of the roof to blow off. To avoid this, make sure to have your roof installed properly by a professional contractor and check regularly for problems. Preventing blow-offs initially can save you from costly roofing repairs later.

Punctures & Tears (Read More)

True enough, you may not have enough time to prepare against possible storm damage. While these will inevitably lead to metal roof problems, you can still resolve the issues "in-field."

It's going to be a difficult task fixing your roof in the midst of a storm. However, by preventing further leaks, you protect your residence from possible long-term damage and improve its future performance and lifespan. Do It Yourself has an excellent guide on fixing leaks in a corrugated metal roof. Alternatively, if you have a standing seam metal roof, here is an excellent guide for you.

Read the corrugated metal roof problems-solving post below.

How to Repair a Corrugated Tin Roof

What You'll Need

• Metal shears
• Roofing mesh
• Urethane roof cement
• Putty knife
• Broom
• Wire brush
• Warm water
• Mild detergent
• Scrubbing brush
• Mineral oil
• Paper towels
• Old towels
• Ladder

Perhaps you have a corrugated tin roof in your home. This isn’t one of the common metal roofing materials. The use of steel and iron for roofing appears to be more widespread than tin. However, a tin roof isn’t without its benefits. Tin is one of the cheapest metals you can choose for roofing. It is also highly durable. Tin doesn’t suffer from corrosion unlike iron and steel. Older corrugated tin roofs are likely to show signs of damage. This includes rust and holes which create leakages. Fortunately, it doesn’t take too much to repair the roof. Below are the steps you can take when you repair.

Step 1 – Sweep

It is best to sweep your tin roof first. This will enable you to see the entire surface more clearly and identify the areas in need of repair.

Step 2 – Rust

Use a wire brush to scrape away rusted areas on your roof. Strive to clear away as much of the rust as you can. Some holes may have developed in rusted spots and it is best to repair a clean surface. For rust that proves difficult to clear, apply some mineral oil onto the rusted areas with paper towels. Allow the oil to soak in well for about 30 minutes. Scrub the area with a brush to facilitate rust removal.

Step 3 – Wash

In most metal roof repair guides, you'll find recommendations on metal roof sealants. These sealants are vital for both temporary and permanent metal roof problems you'll encounter in the middle of a storm. You can always ask your roofing supplier to help you find the best sealant, but you can come informed and save time and money on your end.

The Home Dweller has an excellent post about metal roof sealants. Read on about it below.

Metal Roof Sealants Here: Comprehensive Guide & Advice!

Metal roofing is notorious for rust, cracks between seams, holes where nails or screws were used to affix them, and wind damage. There are a number of solutions to remedy a damaged metal roof, among the best-known repair solutions, are metal roof screw sealant. These metal roof repair sealant kits are numerous and easy to find, buy and apply.

Here is the list of the 5 best products, and this review article closes with an FAQ and roof repair 101.

1. Sashco Through the Roof Cement & Patching Sealant

Through the Roof!® is a clear, waterproof, ultra-elastic sealant. This product is best used to stop and prevent leaks, it is waterproof, and since its clear, you can use it over finished surfaces without damaging the design features of color.

Features

Through the Roof!® can be applied in temperatures down to 0°F and sticks to wet surfaces so you can apply this in all weather condition. It is also UV resistant, so it will work well in hot sunny climates as well as cold ones, and where there are extreme temperature changes, this product is superelastic and doesn’t dry and crack.

Specification

Color: Clear
Packaging: 10.5 oz. plastic cartridge, 1 quart and 1 gallon containers
Joint Size: Cartridge – up to 2” wide; Brush grade – N/A
Paint Usage:
latex paint: stain in 24 hours
oil-based paint stain after 1 week
Clarity (NTU): Cartridge grade – < 13; Brush grade - < 15
Application
Range: 0°F to 120°F (-18°C to 49°C) surface temperature

Service Range: -25°F to 180°F (-34°C to 82°C)
Tensile Properties:
Cartridge – Recovery
at 50% stretch: 96% in 1 minute
at 100% stretch: 96% in 1 minute
Brush – Recovery
at 50% stretch: 100% in 3 minutes
at 100% stretch: 96% in 5 minutes

2. Novaflex Metal Roof Sealant

NovaFlex® Metal Roof Sealant comes in a variety of colors including transparent, so you can apply this to any and every application without affecting the overall beauty of your original design.

Features

The NovaFlex® Metal Roof Sealant is applicable in all weather conditions and withstands extreme temperature variances ranging from -40ºF to +400ºF. When you apply this product, you can work in a temperature range between -20ºF to +120ºF.

The product dries within 10 minutes but is fully cured after 2 days and will also adhere to Kynar® coated metals. This is mildew resistant and freezes stable thaw material when fully cured.

Specifications (Read more here)

Now that you know about metal roof problems and how to cope with them before and when they arise, it's time to know how you can provide permanent repairs and solutions to your roof. Unfortunately, even with the right equipment, DIY Denver CO homeowners will find permanent repairs will require several weekends to sacrifice.

When it comes to efficient metal roof problems and repairs needed, you can count on Denver CO's finest metal roofing company, Ropa Roofing. Contact us today!