Commercial metal roofs can develop leaks and other signs of wear over time. In some cases, building owners may find themselves repeatedly repairing the same problem areas and wondering whether full replacement is the only remaining option.
Why Does This Happen?
Metal roofing systems are exposed to temperature changes, weather, movement, and aging over their service life. As metal heats and cools, it expands and contracts. Over time, this movement can place stress on seams, fasteners, flashing, penetrations, and other vulnerable areas of the roof.
Leaks can also develop for other reasons, including corrosion, failed sealants, damaged panels, drainage problems, installation issues, or deterioration around penetrations. For that reason, the source of a leak should be properly identified before deciding how the roof should be repaired or restored.
What Can You Do About It?
It may seem like the most obvious solution is to replace the entire roof and start over. In some cases, replacement is the appropriate choice. However, when the existing metal roof is structurally sound and otherwise suitable for restoration, a coating system may provide an alternative to complete tear-off and replacement.
A properly selected roof coating system can help protect the existing roof surface, address appropriately prepared seams and fasteners, and extend the useful life of a metal roof when restoration is suitable. Reflective coatings may also reduce the amount of solar heat absorbed by the roof.
Before restoration is recommended, the roof should be evaluated for severe corrosion, structural deterioration, wet insulation, drainage problems, damaged panels, and other conditions that may need to be corrected first. A coating should not simply be applied over serious underlying problems.
The cost and performance of restoration will depend on the existing roof condition, required repairs and preparation, coating system, installation, maintenance, and other project-specific factors. In suitable situations, restoration may reduce tear-off, disposal, and disruption compared with full roof replacement.
A commercial roofing contractor can inspect the existing metal roof and discuss whether repair, restoration, coating, or replacement is the appropriate approach for the conditions present.


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