Metal roofs are a great option for most households. Ticking not only the vanity boxes - they look great and provided a custom look to your house – but they are also lightweight and have a long-life expectancy.
However, despite these - and many other - benefits, there are some things any homeowner with a metal roof or those considering a metal roof should be aware of.
-
Roof Leaks
A leaking roof is something no one wants. Not only will that annoying drip, drip, drip start to drive you up the wall, but leaking roofs can also cause water and exposure damage to the inside of your house.
Roof leaks can happen for a bunch of reasons but are usually related to either extreme weather conditions or faulty installation. Luckily, as this is one of the most common issues related to roofs, it is one of the easiest to get fixed – just make sure you pick a reliable repairer to undertake your metal roof repairs. -
Corrosion
As with any metal product, your metal roofing will be prone to rust. This can happen despite the metal being treated with protectants to prevent this from happening. Although for many people, this will never be an issue as properly treated metal roofs can last for over 60 years. This may be a particular issue for people living in coastal regions, because of the higher concentration of salt present, which can help fast-track the rusting process.
In order to stop corrosion in its tracks, make sure that you trust the contractor doing your metal roofing installation . They will be responsible for making sure everything is properly painted (including the inside of your metal roofing) to make sure that everything is protected against rust. -
Chemical Reactions between Metals
Mixing the metals used in your roofing system can lead to chemical reactions between the metal over time. This can be another cause of corrosion and can significantly weaken your roof.
Again, the best way to combat this is to make sure your roofing contractor specialises in metal roofs and is well-regarded in your area. -
Oil Canning
Oil canning is basically just a fancy way of saying that the sheets on your metal roof are buckling and producing visible waves i.e. your roof is no longer flat.
Prevention is the best way to manage oil canning. For example, purchasing a thicker metal for your roof helps to reinforce its strength and hold its shape for longer. Tension-levelled metals are another good option, as they have already undergone significant processing and won’t try to bend back to their original shape. -
Paint Damage
As metal roofs lend themselves so well to customisation, it can be really frustrating when your roof colour starts to change.
Paint damage can be fairly common amongst metal roofs and can occur in a variety of ways. Extended exposure to UV rays can cause a visible whitish sheen (called chalking) to appear on your roof as a result of sun damage. Fading is another common occurrence, due to UV, water and pollution.
Prevention of these is tricky, but most metal roofs will come with a warranty to ensure you are able to get proper repairs. -
Dodgy Installation
Perhaps the biggest issue with a metal roof is dodgy installation, which can cause a lot of major problems for your roof - lifting, rusting, weakening, buckling.
Basically, the best way to avoid and fix this is to get a reliable contractor you can trust to complete the works.