Similar to any product, a metal roof presents potential drawbacks:
- Metal roofing necessitates a skilled installer, a dedicated contractor, and meticulous installation. Not all contractors are willing to learn to install them correctly.
- Not all residences are suitable for metal roofing.
- Substandard metal and metal panel designs plague the market.
We’ve been producing quality metal roofing systems since 1980 and we’ve encountered projects with all sorts of existing issues and assisted thousands of customers in avoiding roofing errors. Here, we’ll share some ways a metal roofing project can encounter challenges.
10 Ways a Metal Roofs Can Be Challenging
- Improper placement or failure to meet pitch requirements – First, an improper placement is the vulnerable point of many unsuccessful metal roofs. Metal roofing systems require a lot of knowledge of trims, details, and incorporating other roofing materials. Manufacturers commonly offer training, but contractors are prone to errors and imperfections without it.
- Inadequate consideration for ventilation and attic condition – A reputable contractor should inspect your attic and ventilation early on. It’s important to know that roofing materials interact differently with your home and attic, potentially leading to condensation and leaks. Proper ventilation will enhance your roof system’s energy efficiency and ice dam resistance.
- Unexpected or swift colour change or fading – Metal roofs are coated with one of several finishes, some lasting much longer than others. Polyester coatings are more affordable but fail quicker than Kynar® coatings do—the lower the quality of the coating is, the shorter the aesthetic and functional life.
- Production defects – Production defects range from scratches to flawed finishes. Jagged edges, streaky paint, and even wavy metal are all possible. Some manufacturers perform stringent quality control on their raw materials and fabricated panels, while others do not.
- Buildup of organic growth from nearby plants – While metal won’t produce mould growth as quickly as asphalt, long-term buildup of plant material without rain to wash it off can cause streaking or even damage the coating. Cleaning based on your local weather conditions may require special detergents.
- Loss of granules from stone-coated steel – Stone-coated steel panels are susceptible to the same flaw as many composition shingles, the loss of granules over time. Like asphalt, your gutters will eventually catch hundreds of these little bits. While stone-coated steel may be your desired look, it is important to consider the long-term performance of any roof system.
- Limited energy savings from a solar reflective coating – Metal roofing manufacturers often boast about energy-efficient reflective coatings on their products. Saving money passively from your new roof sounds great, but the final savings might be mediocre depending on the coating, location, and previous roof. Metal roofs over properly vented attics with integrated thermal breaks offer increased energy savings.
- Exposed screws rusting, popping out, or loosening – Screws fastened directly through the panels might represent a metal roof to you, but they introduce thousands of potential failure points. As temperatures change, metal flexes, putting pressure on the fasteners. The rubber seals will crack and fail over time, and sometimes screws even loosen and back out, requiring tightening or replacement.
- Dead valleys or improper valley integration – Valleys can be a source of trouble for any roof system, especially ‘dead’ valleys where shedding rainwater is difficult. Experienced contractors can handle the challenge, but not everyone has the training and know-how. The lining for dead valleys should be the same metal as the rest of the roof rather than an inferior material. Similarly, transitions from metal roofs to flat roofs need extra care.
- Rust, especially on cut edges and with inferior coatings – Rust is an evident weak point. While aluminium, copper, and zinc metal roofing largely avoid it altogether, steel can be prone to rust damage from deep scratches, jagged cuts, or tight bends. For some climates, even steel roofing of excellent quality isn’t suitable.
These pitfalls can incur costs, consume time, and lead to the hassle of repairs and warranty claims. How do you evade these issues and select a metal roofing solution suitable for your home and budget?
A Rapid Tool to Assist You in Choosing
Our Roofing Needs Profiler asks you questions about your home and situation, then calculates a recommendation for the type of roofing product best suited for your application. It’s an excellent place to begin, it’s free without obligation, and it takes about 10 minutes to complete.
How a Metal Roof Can Succeed
Our team concentrates on providing reliable education and trusted information to guide you to the right decision for you and your home. There’s no “one size fits all” answer. The best answer is based on your unique needs.
Opt to collaborate with the industry leader: Toms. When you converse with our amiable and knowledgeable staff of metal roofing experts, you get the assistance you need to ensure you choose the appropriate roofing product for your home.
In addition to avoiding what can go wrong with a metal roof, you’ll enjoy peace of mind with investment protection, durability, and a lifetime warranty.
So don’t wait. Contact us today and share information about your roof. We’re here to help and look forward to your radiant roofing future!
