3 Signs It May Be Time To Replace Your Home's Old Metal Roof
If your home has an old metal roof, you may have started to notice that it has started to look worn. You may also be worried that it has become so worn out that your roof could leak at any time. If so, look for the following signs that it may be time to replace your home's old metal roof.
Water Starts Pooling on the Roof
One sign to look for while determining whether you should replace your metal roof with a new one is for pooling water. When the panels start to warp and deteriorate, the metal can start to buckle.
As the metal buckles, it can create hills and valleys on your roof. Then, when it rains, the water pools within these areas. Since the water has nowhere to go, it could sit on the metal for several days before it dries out. While it sits, the extra moisture then increases the risk of oxidation forming that leads to rust and corrosion of the metal.
To check for pooling water, go outside after a heavy rainstorm. Stand back away from your house so you can clearly see one side of the roof to find out if there is any standing water. Repeat this on all sides of the house to give you a clear, overall picture of the condition of your roof.
Seams Between the Metal Panels Separate
While you are examining your roof for pooling water, also see if you can find any areas where the seams between the metal panels have separated. Over time, these joints can deteriorate and come apart.
If your roof's seams have separated, the gaps in between the panels give water a direct entryway to the wooden underlayment of your roof. Because the panels cover the wood, the extra moisture will not dry out quickly. As a result, the plywood will eventually rot and allow water to leak into your home.
If you cannot clearly see the seams from the ground, you can either use a pair of binoculars to get a better view or set up a ladder on the side of your house.
To fully inspect the seams of your entire roof from the ladder, you will need to move it to each side of the house. However, while you are still on the first side, go on to the next inspection point to check for the presence of rust, as discussed in the next section.
Rust Is Present on the Surface
While you are checking your roof for separated seams, also look at the panels themselves to see if there is any rust present on the surface. Especially if your roof is old, it may not have been treated with a rust-proof coating, making it vulnerable to oxidation.
If you do see any rust, there is a possibility that the corrosion has eaten all the way through the metal of the panels and is allowing water to seep underneath. If this is the case, you will eventually have a leak in your home.
If any of the rusty areas are close enough so that you do not have to go up onto the roof, use the end of a screwdriver and firmly tap the metal. If the metal flakes or the screwdriver penetrates the panel, your metal roof is no longer protecting your home from moisture and should be replaced.
If you find one or more of the above signs, your metal roof will not likely last much longer and will need to be replaced. If you feel this is the case, contact metal roof manufacturers to discuss your options for having a custom roof designed and installed on your home.