Exploring yet another roof system in our “What is a Substrate?” series, this blog will answer the question, “What is a metal roof?” A metal roof includes molded metal sheets installed in an overlapping pattern. The metal sheets can be various colors and can be cut into different shapes, sizes, and lengths. This blog will explore the pros and cons of metal roofs. It will also show how Progressive Materials’ silicone roof coating restoration can come in handy when a metal roof shows signs of failure.
Advantages
A metal roof’s No. 1 advantage is its longevity. A properly installed metal roof can have a lifespan of more than 40 years. For comparison, traditional asphalt roofing materials have an estimated life expectancy of roughly 20 years. Durability is another advantage for metal roofs. If installed correctly, some metal roofs can withstand wind gusts of up to 140 mph. Additionally, metal roofs offer safety advantages. Unlike some other substrates, metal roofs will not spark and ignite into flames during a wildfire or lightning strike.
Disadvantages
The biggest drawback to metal roofs is almost always cost. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials.
Once a metal roof is on your building, it should remain structurally sound for decades. However, some of these disadvantages can come into play:
- Seams can fail, resulting in leaks.
- Fasteners can back out, causing leaks and allowing heat loss from the building.
- Rust can lead to roof failure.
- Roof can wear down as it expands and contracts with temperature swings.
- Areas around flashings can deteriorate and leak.
How PM Can Help
Leaks on a metal roof can lead to its premature replacement and damage to the building it’s covering. However, a PM silicone restoration can improve a metal roof’s performance and extend its life.
As we pointed out earlier, a metal roof’s seam failures will lead to leaks, putting the roof structure and building contents at risk. A PM silicone roof coating is 100% seamless. This makes it impossible for water to get into the building through these seams.
Additionally, PM silicone will completely encapsulate fasteners on a metal roof, preventing them from backing out. Silicone’s elasticity ensures no gaps in roof coverage even as the natural expanding and contracting takes place.
Finally, PM’s P-130 Rust Inhibitive Primer is designed for metal roofs and stops current and prevents future rusting. That helps keep your roof more structurally sound and your building’s contents safer.
Conclusion
Metal roofs are a good choice for commercial buildings because of their many advantages. However, metal roofs eventually begin to leak or show other problems. That’s when a PM silicone can help extend your roof’s life and improve its performance.
Tune in next time as we answer, “What is BUR, or built-up roofing?”