A metal roof can be a big investment, but it is also worth the cost. It lends a modern look to your home and can last for up to 20 – 30 years. Therefore, more and more U.S. homeowners install metal roofs to protect their property from harsh weather conditions and external elements. Despite its sturdiness and longevity, various factors can impact the performance of metal roofs. As a result, some of the common problems you may face are:
- Leaking
- Corrosion
- Stress wrinkling
- Fading and chalking
- Scratching and scuffing
Therefore, it is important to regularly inspect for the conditions and consider metal roof repair to avoid bigger problems and costly re-installations. However, when looking for repairing or installing metal roofs, here are some common mistakes you should avoid.
Mistake #1: Trying to repair the roof yourself
When you find a small leak or damage in your metal roof, you might get intrigued to repair it yourself. But that would be the biggest mistake you could ever do. Firstly, you may not have all the tools or equipment required to repair a metal roof.
Secondly, metal roofing repair or installation is somewhat different from other roofing systems such as asphalt shingles, etc. So, you may lack the specialized knowledge & expertise required to repair even the smallest damage in a metal roof.
DIY roof repair may eventually end up with grave roofing problems, added costs, and unwanted delays. Hence, it is ideal to hire professional metal roofing contractors who have in-depth experience in metal roof repair and installation.
Perform thorough research and talk to several metal roofing companies to ensure you work only with the best one. Check if the contractor is fully insured and licensed to operate in your state. Read customer reviews and go through their portfolio of past work to understand their quality of work. Get multiple quotes, which will help you pick a metal roofing contractor with good competencies and affordable prices.
Mistake #2: Coating the leaks instead of fixing
Another big mistake that many would do (especially in DIY projects) is to simply give your metal roof leak coat protection. This happens when you work with a dirt-cheap roofing contractor or try to finish off the job yourself at the earliest possible.
However, not fixing the leak before giving it a coating may eventually result in the same problem. The leak will get bigger over time and the coating will not be able to hold it for long. It will result in bigger and more costly repair work in the future.
Mistake #3: Using poor-quality roofing materials
When it comes to repairing a metal roof, homeowners become somewhat negligent. They tend to use poor-quality materials to fix the damages. But don’t be shocked if you have to do the same repair work in the near future. It is because inferior materials are unable to withstand daily wear & tear from external elements.
So, your metal roofing contractor should use only premium-quality materials to ensure the newly-repaired roof can withstand the test of time.
Mistake #4: Paying exorbitantly higher for your metal roof repairs
If you have even the slightest idea about metal roofing damages, you’d know how much it should cost you. But if you find you are paying too much for it, then there might be something wrong. So, before you get on to working with a roof repair contractor, inspect the type and scope of the damage.
Do a little homework about average repair costs in your locality and then take price quotes from different companies. You do not necessarily have to settle for the cheapest rates, but you should compare the price quote with the existing rate in your region to understand if you are paying right.
Mistake #5: Repairing a metal roof that should be replaced
Installing a new metal roof can be a huge investment. That doesn’t mean you will cut down your costs by repairing a completely worn-out roof that is on the verge of its life. After 20 years or so, metal roofs will start to give up. In such cases, replacing the roof can be more cost-effective than getting it repaired over and over again.
The Final Words
For high-quality and cost-effective metal roof repair, it is crucial that you avoid common mistakes and work only with an experienced metal roofing contractor.
