Do you know how many roofing installations currently use metal roofing materials?

15 percent. While that might not seem like a lot, more and more homeowners and property managers are starting to recognize the benefits of metal roofs. These include durability, cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and so on. 

A metal roof is also fireproof, impervious to rot and insect damage, and recyclable. It’s not without downsides, though, if you count the need for maintenance and repair as a disadvantage. That being said, if you own a building with a metal roof, here’s what you need to know about commercial metal roof repair. 

Proper Installation Is Crucial

Metal roofs can last 50 years or more when installed properly. So if you’re thinking of replacing your old commercial roof with metal roofing materials, it’s best to hire professionals.

Going the DIY route is not advisable for two reasons. First, only select retailers carry metal roofing options. Their technicians use specialized skills to install and repair metal roofs.

Second, if your commercial metal roof requires repairs, you’ll have to call a specialist. You see, it’s not often you’ll need to call a roofing technician for a metal roof installed by a professional. Other than severe hail, there’s not a lot that can damage a properly installed metal roof.

Suppose you didn’t invest in professional installation. In that case, you’d likely end up spending more on commercial roof repair if your metal roof becomes leaky. Combining different metal roofing materials can also contribute to the early degradation of your roof–a mistake a pro installer will never make.

Avoid Expensive Commercial Metal Roof Repair With Routine Inspections

Metal roof repair can be pretty costly. To avoid expensive repairs, you should have your metal roof inspected every two years. 

Regular inspections can help spot minor structural issues, including leaks that could become more significant problems later on. For example, fasteners that are becoming loose or sections showing signs of oxidation are easier to fix. Left alone, these could require extensive repairs or even total replacement.

See here for more information on roof inspections and metal roof retrofits. 

Be On the Lookout for Some Common Metal Roof Problems

Let’s say the building you bought has a faulty metal roof because of poor installation. You want to know if it’s more cost-effective to do repairs or replace the whole roofing system. 

Roof replacement may not be necessary. You can consult a metal roofing contractor if patching certain sections will work. Of course, this won’t be viable for roofs with excessive leaks, blow-offs, and ponding.

Extensive rusting is also an issue that can affect the whole metal roofing structure. If your contractor spots these problems, roof repair wouldn’t be an ideal option. Consider roof replacement, but be sure it’s correctly installed to avoid problems down the line.

Roof, There It Is

Now that you know more about commercial metal roof repair, do you need to hire a roofing contractor for your property?

For more roofing tips and advice, you can check out our other posts. We also have articles on property management that might interest you.