Options for Addressing Your Aging Metal Roof
Rusty standing seam metal deck, in need of attention.
Metal retrofit system installed by UNITED.
Standing seam metal roofs are common structural elements of commercial buildings, with billions of square feet in place. There are basically two types of standing seam roof systems.
Architectural systems are on steep-sloped roofs, visible from the ground, and designed to be an aesthetic feature of the building’s appearance.
Structural standing seam metal roofs are very common on flat commercial buildings. They are practical and economical to install at the time of construction, and provide effective weather protection for decades.
But eventually, like all roofing materials, metal roofing systems will deteriorate because of the impact of weather over time. Here are some of the most common structural standing seam roofing problems that lead to leaks and high repair and maintenance costs.
Seasonal temperature extremes cause thermal expansion and contraction of metal roofing panels. These forces pull at seams, loosen fasteners, and cause separations to form around through-roof penetrations.
Snow, rainfall, and standing water can eventually cause rust and corrosion to form and holes to appear. This can be especially true in coastal areas near salt water.
If your metal roof is not insulated properly, cold outside temperatures can cause warm, moist inside air to condense on the underside of the roof within the building. This can cause water drips or even frost to form inside, even when the weather is dry outside.
Patching may work temporarily on small rusted sections but over time the cost and hassle of maintenance is going to escalate. There are several more permanent ways to address these aging metal roof problems.
Sealing and coating is an inexpensive approach that, like it sounds, re-seals exposed roof panel seams and includes a waterproof coating. However, this is not a long-term solution. The sealant that’s applied is thin and the metal roof underneath will continue to expand and contract with weather changes. The new seals will eventually crack, once again exposing the metal surface to weather and the potential for leaks.
Similar to sealing and coating is a process that covers the metal roof surface with urethane foam and a sealant. This method is a longer-lasting solution and does a good job of providing weather protection and preventing interior drips. However, foam roofs require regular re-coating and usually have an irregular surface that can collect water. If you choose this approach, make sure that the foam warranty covers damages as a result of ponding water.
Completely replacing the old system with a new metal roof and adequate insulation will effectively address your current roof woes. But it’s very costly, requires heavy equipment and will likely disrupt your building’s day-to-day activities. The building interior might even be exposed to weather while the job is in progress. Also, eventually, the same problems that created the need for a re-roof will pop up again.
A Better Choice
UNITED’s preferred option is to retrofit the deteriorating metal roof with a new single-ply membrane roofing system, manufactured by Duro-Last Roofing. It’s a cost-effective solution that’s installed without disruption right over the existing roof deck and includes layers of insulation to provide energy efficiency and to prevent interior condensation drips.
The new metal retrofit roofing system is a flexible thermoplastic membrane that expands and contracts as outside temperatures change. It will protect your building against all types of precipitation in all seasons, eliminating the risk of leaks. It’s also highly reflective, will help lower your summertime energy bills and will cost much less to install than a replacement metal roof.
Installed by UNITED with our commitment to detail and quality, our metal retrofit solution will provide long-term, watertight protection for your facility. It’s backed by Duro-Last’s 20-year No Dollar Limit (NDL) labor and material warranty that covers the membrane as well as the metal edge and flashing components that are part of the roofing system. If you’re looking for a permanent, cost-effective solution to your metal roof problems, we would be privileged to discuss our metal retrofit option with you.