7 Mistakes Caused by Poor Steel Roof Installation

Metal roofs have become a popular solution in many building projects today. This popularity is attributed to the longevity, variety of benefits, and modern appearance compared to shingle roofing. However, installation is an important aspect of metal roofs as it can help property owners avoid headaches in the future. If your metal roof is not properly installed, it can cause several concerns, such as leakages that will overshadow the benefits. Below is an outline of seven common metal roofing mistakes that installers may make and why it’s important to work with a professional.

7 Common Mistakes That Affect Your Steel Roof Installation

Failed Fasteners

One of the common causes of leaking metal roofs is improperly installed fasteners. Fasteners must be screwed with very little resistance. When your fasteners are overtightened or under-tightened, there will be spaces left on the roofing systems, and water can leak into the building. Therefore, you must ensure that screwing is done with very little resistance and the fasteners are tightened properly, but not excessively. If your gaskets are not firmly compressed against the surface, then it means that the fasteners are under-tightened.

Oil Canning

Oil canning or stress wrinkling is the rippling or waviness in flat areas of metal roofing. Oil canning can occur in all metal panels because of the roll form process and can be caused by incorrect placement of clips or incorrect tightening of fasteners. Oil canning can also be controlled by stiffening striations and ribs.

Underlayment

One major installation mistake is skipping underlayment or using the wrong underlayment. Underlayment is necessary as it offers an additional layer of protection against condensation, reducing the probability of damage occurring. Generally, building codes will require the use of underlayment and will even specify the type that should be utilized. The use of a wrong underlayment may also cause the voiding of your metal roof warranty.

Incorrect Sealant

Sealants are important in reducing or eliminating leaking since they keep out elements such as dirt and water. When sealants are not applied correctly or the wrong sealants are used, your metal roofing system will be prone to leaks. If the wrong sealant is used, it will not expand uniformly with your metal roof panels. You must ensure that the sealants used are meant specifically for metal roofing since other types of caulking may not stick to the paint on the metal panels.

Improperly Attached Flashing

Flashing prevents water from entering the building structure at roof joints or penetrations. When the flashing is incorrectly attached, moisture will seep in, causing a leak. You can avoid leaking by ensuring that all areas that penetrate the roof system, such as skylights, chimneys, or ventilation ducts, have flashing installed around them. The right flashing size and type to completely cover the area should also be used. Flashing seams should also be sealed properly to allow water to flow on top of the material and prevent water from flowing underneath the metal roofing.

Scuffing and Scratching

Metal roof systems are also subjected to scuffing or scratching during their lifespan. Most roof manufacturers will take all necessary steps to ensure the metal is not scratched during the slitting or recoiling process and when transported to the buyer. In addition, the panels and handle coils should also be handled with care during the roll forming and installation process. However, scuffing and scratching can still occur because of:

• Improper coiled or recoiled metal panels may run against each other, causing stripping of the coating.
• Lack of edge guards to protect the sheet edges during shipping
• Poor handling of the coil by carriers because of a lack of lifting devices
• Tools or other equipment rubs against or are dropped on the metal panel
• Contractors may walk on panels after installation, and scuffing occurs at spots that experience heavy traffic, such as ladder entries or flashing points.

Most scratches can be fixed with paint or a touch-up pen that blends with the colour of your roofing. However, in cases where the gouge affects the core of the steel metal, then the panel or flashing must be replaced.

Corrosion

Metal roofs are quite popular because they can defend against degradation and corrosion for decades. However, you need to select metal panels that will endure any corrosion-causing conditions in your area. Metal roofs come with protective coatings and paint systems engineered to resist corrosion. Corrosion may occur because of underside corrosion, saltwater, and the presence of cut edges on the roof.

Whether corrosion happens early or in 50 years is based on being educated about various metal types, paint systems, and environments in which they work best. With the right metal roofing for your environment, you can have metals that resist corrosion for a lifetime.

How To Prepare for A Perfect Metal Roof Installation

Now that you know the most common mistakes that may occur during your steel roof installation, there are a few considerations that you should remember before and after buying your metal roof panels. They include the following:

Choose The Right Metal Roofing Contractor

The roof is an important part of your building structure. Therefore, you must ensure that the right roofing professionals install it. Finding the right contractor is important because you are guaranteed a professionally installed metal roofing system.

Ironclad Roofing has over 25 years of combined roof installation experience and will ensure the job is done well. We stand behind our roofing products and provide a 50-year warranty to ensure you are confident with your decision. With Ironclad Roofing, you will have roofing systems made from durable and superior quality steel material and installed skillfully.

Know About Your Roof and Its Environment

Buying new metal roofing panels involves a lot of things. Before making your purchase, you need to follow design considerations as they will affect the panel profile you require or the material that will best suit your environment.

The square footage of the metal roofing is another important consideration. You need to check the number of flashing points available, for instance, skylights, vent pipes, valleys, and chimneys. You should also check the areas of the roofing that may collect debris, moisture, and water. In addition, look at parts of the roof that are constantly exposed to the sun or shade.

We Provide Steel Roof Installations That Last a Lifetime

Ironclad Roofing has revolutionized metal roofing systems with our 25 years of combined roof installation experience. Our team prides itself as Ontario’s leading metal roofing manufacturing and installing company. The metal roof panels we use have industry-leading paint and will not curl, crack, corrode, or lose their aesthetic value. Furthermore, with their low maintenance, you will save money on costly maintenance or frequent repairs associated with other roofing products like asphalt shingles.

At Ironclad Roofing, we are known for our in-depth metal roofing product knowledge and willingness to share this knowledge and expertise to benefit our customers. We use innovative solutions and technology to consistently work towards breaking new grounds in the metal roofing manufacturing and installation industry to deliver unparalleled services to our clients in Ontario and beyond. Contact Ironclad Roofing today at 647-424-0341 to get an estimate or check out our array of metal roofing products and installation services.