Does your metal roof have faded or rusty panels? Are there holes in the sheets and rust stains on the fasteners? If so, the structure requires restoration. Metal roofs can withstand inclement weather for many years. However, weather elements can cause wear and tear on the structure, increasing the risk of roof leaks and poor performance. Therefore, if your roof is showing signs of wear, take these four steps to restore it.
Inspect Your Roof
Before restoring your roof, you need to assess the damage, so you can define the scope of the project. Carry out an extensive professional inspection, and look out for the following problems:
- Rusty panels and fasteners
- Missing fasteners
- Rotting woodwork
- Leaks in the metal sheets
- Watermarked ceiling
If your roof has extensive damage, you must fix it to avoid roof leaks in the future. Therefore, establish the amount of work your roof will require. This will help you set a realistic budget for the restoration project.
Remove Corrosion on Metal Panels
Most metal roofs are made of aluminum, zinc, copper, or galvanized steel. These materials can corrode when exposed to the elements for a prolonged period of time. Galvanized steel metal contains iron; thus, it can rust if the protective zinc layer wears out. Similarly, aluminum corrodes when its oxide breaks down due to weather damage. Copper roofing can wear out if it comes into contact with aluminum, steel, or zinc components.
Painting on corroded metal sheets won't stop the damage from worsening. Therefore, you must remove the corrosion to prevent further wear and tear. This process involves scrubbing the roof and pressure cleaning it to remove the stains. You should also apply a rust primer to the surface to keep corrosion at bay.
Replace Worn and Missing Components
After removing rust or corrosion stains from your roof, the next step is to replace worn or missing components. These include fasteners, roof flashing, and woodwork. Also, replace leaking panels to curb roof leaks. If there are water stains on the ceiling, a more extensive restoration may be necessary. Water stains on the ceiling mean your deck is damaged and should be repaired.
Apply Quality Roof Coatings
Once you have repaired your roof, you need to paint it to give it a fresh look. Use a high-quality sealant or primer to allow the paint to adhere properly to the surface. Also, opt for quality roof coatings that will last longer without chipping. If you wish, you can change the color of the roof to meet your style preferences.
A roof restoration can extend the lifespan of your metal roof and save you from spending money on a re-roof. Contact a roofer for metal roofing restoration services.
Very few roofers would say their job is easy. In fact, many describe the work as downright tough! But that does not mean that roofers do not enjoy or value the work that they do. Many workers get satisfaction from working with their hands, and they really enjoy creating a roof from simple materials. They also like the logistical challenges, such as figuring out how to get shingles up on a tall roof, or how to most safely repair a damage gutter. If you'd like to learn more about roofing as a profession, then you've arrived at the right blog.