Sometimes the "leaky" roof problem is as obvious as the above two photos, but not always.
The two photos below illustrate the most likely entry points for moisture on a metal roof
The three places to check first on a metal roof are as follows: 1. Protrusions. 2. Valleys. 3. Chimneys.
On the first photo above, there are three protrusions--a stack, a vent and a dish network installation. On the second photo above, there are two valleys framing the porch and there is a chimney. Strange as it may seem, I have rarely seen problem where the standing seam is crimped along its vertical roof line or where the panels are soldered along the horizontal line. (To identify a horizontal seam, swipe your finger along the horizon, then repeat the same movement along your roof--horizontal lines run parallel to your bottom roof edge or top roof ridge.) Do you know why the panels have those soldered seams?
The steps are easy, if a little messy. You will need mesh, scissors, acrylic and brush. If there is rust, apply a primer to work area. Coat the work area, place the mesh over the wet acrylic, smooth in the mesh to the profile, neither too tight or too loose. Finally coat mesh with acrylic insuring all mesh is covered and adhered.
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Is the water drip condensation?
There are two materials to avoid: silicone and asphalt. First, silicone caulking may appear like a good choice--convenient, clear, inexpensive. But silicone possesses a characteristic that makes its selection a poor choice. Nothing sticks to it! Imagine your tin roof with silicone caulking on exposed fasteners and some seams. If you plan to coat the roof anytime in the future, the paint or acrylic or solvent-based material just will not adhere well. So avoid silicone if you want to prevent problems with future applications.
Second, asphalt also appears like an attractive choice--widely available and inexpensive. The problem with asphalt is that the material lacks elasticity. The metal roofs expand, then contract as the temperature changes. Asphalt does not follow that movement. As the asphalt begins to crack, moisture seeps into these cracks. If the asphalt has separated from the metal, then the water sits under the asphalt. So avoid either of these products.
In the photos below, the crew illustrates the long-term solution to preventing leaks in tin roofing. Any holes in your tin roofs are thereby repaired and you receive a ten year warranty against leakage. For a more detailed series of photos of this solution, click here for a project in Cape May. In the example below, we used a white primer since we performed this project during the hot summer days.
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Apply base acrylic over roof to begin leak repair.nbsp; Note that the wet acrylic is approximately the same width as the mesh. |
Before the acrylic dries, embed mesh into the acrylic basecoat. Immediately, remove wrinkles gently, avoiding any stretching of the stitchbond mesh. |
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The mesh has settled into the basecoat acrylic. The lines of the tin roofing are clearly visible. Indeed, the system fits over the roof like a skin. All holes are repaired. |
This base of fully reinforced restoration system is ready for the three additional coats--one base coat and two top coats |
In reality, my crew, with its 25 year plus experience using acrylics on metal roofs, encounter few problem resolving leaks. Both the crew and I are oriented toward resolving leak problems first, then addressing rust and appearances. In my 20 plus years of working on metal roof restoration, my observation is that after leaks are resolved, then the roof's appearance emerges as the most important issue. For that reason, there are numerous pages here on tints and other techniques to improve a vintage roof's facade.
If you are seeking an experienced company to offer an estimate to preserve your existing roof, one of us would be delighted to visit your residence, discuss the alternatives available and, if requested, submit a quote for restoring your tin roofs. Click here for a map of our geographical work area.
Beyond information about our contracting services, this site is designed for individuals interested in tin roofs--photos, technical tidbits and history. These web pages are prepared by the same contractor that specializes in the restoration of these tin roofs. She enjoys dabbling in website construction, therefore photos and articles are simply presented. All pictures are from Roof Menders projects, the same contractor. If you have questions, just call 610-941-1051 for a chat.