A Comprehensive Guide to Metal Roof Repair

Metal roofs offer significant benefits — durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance costs — making them a preferred choice for residential and commercial structures. However, timely repairs are necessary to guarantee these roofs perform effectively over the next five to six decades. Addressing minor issues before they escalate can prevent costly damages and prolong your roof's lifespan.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of metal roofs and their repair, from identifying common problems to understanding necessary tools and selecting qualified contractors.

Understanding Metal Roofs

Metal roofs continue to increase in both popularity and overall market share. Their primary benefits include:

• Longevity-often delivering a 50-60 year life expectancy
• Energy efficiency and reduced energy costs
• Resilience against harsh weather, high winds, and fire
• Minimal maintenance
• Lower long-term costs compared to other roofing materials
• Excellent host for solar applications

While you’ll find hundreds of slightly different panel shapes, don’t be overwhelmed. You’ll need to consider three basic differences to grasp and intelligently discuss your options: panel type, material substrate, and paint finish

Panel Type: There are various types of metal roofs, with standing seam and exposed fastener panels being the most common. Standing seam roofs feature concealed fasteners, providing a sleek look and improved weather resistance, while exposed fastener roofs offer a traditional appearance at generally lower costs.

Material Substrate: Common materials for metal roofing include Galvanized, GalvalumeⓇ Aluminum, & Copper. Steel and Galvalume provide strength and durability, while aluminum can provide better rust resistance. Historically, the superior ability of aluminum to resist rust better made it a favored product for coastal applications; however, lately, many buyers have transitioned to steel products even in coastal areas due to their superior wind uplift performance. Copper, selected for its unique look and life expectancy, tends to be price-prohibitive for most projects.

Paint System: The most popular paint systems for metal roofing systems include silicone-modified polyester (SMP) and Kynar 500Ⓡ. Both types of paint systems provide durability and a protective coating for the raw steel, although Kynar 500 paints offer superior performance in both fade and chalk. Kynar 500 is considered the preferred paint system for metal roofing and siding panels to preserve color and extend your roof’s lifespan.

Signs Your Metal Roof Needs Repairs

Recognizing signs of wear on a metal roof can prevent minor issues from turning into costly repairs. One of the most common indicators is leaking around fasteners or other roof penetrations, which may signal that seals or the washers around fasteners have deteriorated over time. Loose or missing panels are another sign, often caused by high winds or inadequate panel attachment.

Water stains or visible leaks inside the building can also indicate possible damage to the roof’s integrity and should receive immediate attention when noticed. In high-wind areas, metal roofs may also produce excessive rattling or noise, indicating possible fastener or panel attachment issues.

If your roof is in a hail-prone or wooded area, you may also notice denting and damage on roof panels. Finally, rust and corrosion can develop on unprotected or improperly maintained metal surfaces, particularly where water may pool.

Addressing these signs early will help you prolong your roof's lifespan, keeping it a reliable and visually appealing part of your building.

Tools and Materials Needed for Repairs

Metal roofing repairs require having the right tools and materials on hand. Safety gear like gloves, goggles, and harnesses should be prioritized to provide a safe working environment, particularly when working on high, sloped surfaces. Ladders and extension cords are necessary for easy access and mobility on the roof.

Other basic repair tools include drills for installer fasteners, snips for cutting metal, and, of course, tape measures, roofing squares, and chalk lines for precise measurements. A pop rivet gun or caulk gun will also come in handy for securing or sealing repairs, depending on the panel type.

Dektites — also called roof flashings — are also recommended to seal penetrations around vents or pipes. Using high-quality materials and tools ensures durable, reliable repairs and helps maintain the roof’s appearance and functionality over time.

Certain metal roofing styles — like standing seam — may require specialized tools, such as a seaming and unseaming machine, to fasten panels securely.

Step-by-Step Repair Process

The repair process for a metal roof begins with identifying the material type (e.g., steel or aluminum), the panel style (exposed or concealed fastener panels and specific panel configuration), and the color and paint system type of the existing material. Next, locate qualified roofing professionals with metal roofing experience for the project. Check references and reviews, then schedule a roof inspection to assess damage and obtain a repair estimate.

After gathering quotes from your vetted contractor list, compare them for both material quality and warranty options. Carefully review the contract terms, including specifics on repair scope and timelines, before signing. Verify that your contractor will secure any necessary permits for the job.

Before starting, ask for proof of the contractor’s license and insurance for additional protection. Throughout the project, ensure work meets your standards. You may want to consider investing a few hundred dollars to hire a drone photographer to capture video footage during and at the close of your project to ensure your satisfaction. Once the project is complete and you’re satisfied with the work, request copies of all warranties and consider leaving an online review of your experience, which can help others select reliable roofing professionals.

Metal Roof Repair with McElroy Metal

Regular maintenance and timely repairs extend your metal roof’s lifespan and keep it resilient against Mother Nature's abuse. Addressing minor issues early prevents costly damage and keeps your roof functioning effectively. Proactive care both preserves aesthetic appeal and safeguards the building’s overall structure. By staying vigilant with inspections and repairs, you can protect your investment for years to come.

To learn more about metal roofing options for your home or commercial building, contact McElroy Metal today.