All Denver CO homeowners are correct to assume that steel roofing is an extremely durable and capable roofing material. However, it isn’t faultless. In fact, it doesn’t last forever. Even with proper regular maintenance, metal roofing deterioration is inevitable. Over the course of numerous decades up to half a century, its signs will gradually present itself.
Homeowners might feel alarmed upon seeing the first few signs. If your roof is five years old and below, your reputable metal roofing contractor in Denver CO can tell your roof still has much life in it. However, if it’s beyond 10 years old, you’ll definitely see some of these signs coming to light. While minor repairs can do some improvements, it isn’t a guaranteed solution to metal roofing deterioration.
When your roof is over a decade old, watch out for the following signs. Thereafter, call a reliable roofing contractor to perform inspections and advise you on the best course of action to improve and lengthen your roof’s lifespan and capability.
Loosening and Leaking Screws
Corrugated metal roofing deterioration is much faster than standing seam. However, its exposed fasteners or nails are the first to deteriorate. These screws keep your corrugated metal roofing in place with rubber washers to allow its expansion and contraction as outside temperatures change. However, these rubber washers wear down over time, which is often the cause for internal roof leaking.
Exterior Pro Roofing considers exposed roofing screw fasteners a common cause of metal roof leaks. You can read more about it below.
Roofing screws are responsible for the majority of leaks on metal roofs. Metal roofing screws seal water out by compressing a rubber washer at the base of the screw head. When the screw is driven into the metal roofing panel the rubber washer forms a “ gasket” between the roofing panel and the screw head. It sounds simple enough but several things can go wrong like under driving screws, over driving screws, driving screws at the wrong angle and screws that missed the framing member.
Over driven screws: In an attempt to ensure a tight seal between the metal roofing and the screw head many roofing companies will over drive the screw. The unneeded torch breaks the rubber washer and tends to spin it out to the side. Under driven screws: These are a result of not enough torch on the screw to properly seat the rubber washer to the metal roofing panel. The rubber washer is never compressed and no gasket is formed.
Screws driven at the wrong angle: These don’t allow the rubber washer to sit flat on the metal roofing. Part of the screw is sealed but part is not sealed. (Source)
Acrylic Elastomeric Paint Disappearing
Protective and reflective paint is a useful roofing material that prevents metal roofing deterioration. It acts as a sacrificial layer that protects even the galvanized or galvalumed layer of steel roofing. Acrylic elastomeric roof paints are meant to last long, but they cannot last as long as the metal roof’s lifespan.
However, they can last for at least two years until homeowners have to recoat their metal roof with the same paint. Despite their capacity to lock out moisture and act as an anti-rust layer, they may let small amounts of moisture come in, which some small form of rust serves as evidence of minor infiltration.
Changing Shades and Colors
Metal roofs such as copper and aluminum change color over time. However, these aren’t signs of metal roof deterioration. This is only oxidation. When oxygen meets your metal roof for the first time, it changes its chemical composition, which leads to the changing colors of your copper or aluminum metal roof during its first few years.
However, if the metal roof shade and color changed and it has an age of 10-15 years old, it’s a sign of wavering quality, which may soon require repairs or replacement ultimately. On the other hand, take note: some corroding and oxidizing metal roofs can use acrylic elastomeric paint to improve its performance despite signs of rusting.
The only way to slow down metal roof deterioration is to use a qualified metal roofing contractor to install your roof properly during its first day. Next, use the same professionals to conduct regular roofing maintenance to prolong its lifespan and durability. You can contact Roper Roofing to receive superior metal roofing installation and maintenance in Denver CO. Talk to us today!