A metal roof is hands-down one of the strongest, longest-lasting roof styles available for commercial, industrial, and residential applications alike. That does not mean it is infallible. Like any other material, metal can develop leaks and begin to fail.
Leak issues can be caused by a multitude of things. Age, adverse weather conditions, poor installation and inadequate maintenance will all contribute to a metal roof failure. Many people believe the only options to a leaking roof are to repair it or replace it. Fortunately when it comes to metal roofs, there is a third option; it can be restored.
What is a Metal Roof Restoration?
A metal roof restoration involves removing rust, corrosion, and other contaminants from the metal roof surface. Basic repairs are made, such as connectors replaced or re-tightened, panels re-attached, and hole patched.
Once the roof is in the best condition possible, a protective layer is sprayed across the entire surface. This coating serves as a seamless layer of additional waterproofing, encasing the entire roofing system, including any protrusions like A/C units, skylights, or vents, in an unbroken layer of protection.
We prefer to use Conklin products, due to their quality and long warranty options. A metal roofing restoration using Conklin products includes:
- Prepare the metal roof. This step includes making basic repairs such as ensuring panels are firmly attached and any size holes are patched.
- Power wash the roof. High pressure water with Rust Off® is used to clean the entire roofing structure and ensure as much rust as possible is removed. A clean roof is paramount. This step allows for better adhesion of the restorative coating.
- Prime the roof. Conklin’s Encase® metal primer is applied to the clean metal roof. This primer contains any remaining rust, helping prevent it from spreading in the future.
- Seal all seams. Vertical and horizontal seams (areas where the panels come together) are covered with tape or fabric and then sealed with Conklin’s base coat for additional waterproofing.
- Seal all fasteners/connectors. With an average of 20,000 fasteners per mid-sized metal there are always a lot of fasteners. Each of these have the potential for leak development. With a metal roof restoration, each fastener head is covered with a layer of Kwik Kaulk to waterproof them
- Foam application (optional). Spray foam may be applied as part of the system to add additional insulating properties to the roofing system, keeping the building more comfortable. It can also prevent condensation issues as well as prevent as much expansion and contraction during extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Topcoat application. A premium topcoat is then applied in a seamless fashion over the entire roofing structure. As a fluid applied system, it is sprayed or rolled up the side of protrusions, across flashings and over every square inch. As the fluid dries, it forms a single layer. The lack of seams, combined with the durability of the coating is what makes this a true restoration process.
7 Benefits of a Metal Roof Restoration
- Cost-effective. The cost of a restoration versus a tear off and replacement isn’t just
- Return on investment. The average metal roof restoration pays for itself in savings in just a few years when you consider the cost differential with a replacement.
- Energy efficiency. Many of Conklin’s premium topcoats offer reflectivity levels up to 85% of solar rays. This reduces your cooling costs up to 50%.
- Renewable. Assuming the roof is maintained and suffers no significant structural damage, the restoration is renewable an unlimited number of times.
- Warranty. Conklin offers up to a 20-year non-prorated warranty on its Metal Roofing Restoration products.
Want more information on this cost-savings way to save and extend that metal roof? Call our metal roof restoration specialists at 660-412-2023 and schedule your free consultation.