Reasons to Leave Metal Roofing Tasks to the Professionals In Ohio

When it comes to roofing options for your Columbus home, few choices have better overall value than metal roofing. With its exceptional lifespan of 40 to 70 years, it’s unlikely that you’ll have to go through more than one roof replacement during your time in your home. Metal roofing comes in a wide array of colors and designs, making it a perfect match no matter your home’s design aesthetic.

Because these roofs are made largely out of tin, zinc, and aluminum, they are usually made out of recycled material and recycled again at the end of their lifespan. This makes metal roofs ideal for the eco-conscious consumer. Though they do cost slightly more upfront, the advantages outweigh the investment for most Columbus homeowners. Metal roofs offer more longevity, improved durability, and are a better environmental option.

Achilles’ Heels for a Roof

Though these roofs do seem like a dream come true, they’re not without flaws. Just like any part of a home, metal roofs need occasional upkeep and repair. However, metal roofs and traditional asphalt roofs can suffer similar fates in difficult weather, though asphalt roofs tend to suffer the most. Bad storms and hail can potentially cause damage, and poorly installed sealant can lead to rust and corrosion. As with any roof, it’s possible for destruction to occur and for repairs to be necessary. Though some of the damage to a metal roof may seem easy to fix, it’s never a good idea to attempt roofing repairs on your own. To preserve the roof’s integrity and your own safety, call a professional.

Signs a Metal Roof Needs Repair

The signs that a metal roof needs repair differ from the signs from roofs of other materials. It’s important to be aware of the clues, so you can repair any problems before they get bigger.

Punctures

Punctures or tears in a metal roof can occur for a few reasons. Storms are a major culprit, with high winds and falling debris capable of creating abrasions in your roof. Another major cause of tearing is foot traffic. Though metal roofs can be walked upon, it’s entirely possible to damage the roof in the process without the proper training. It’s always best to hire repairmen who have experience walking on metal roofing and avoid going on the roof yourself.

Blow-Offs

In high-wind regions of the world, metal roofing can be susceptible to blowing off with intense wind gusts. If installed properly, this should not happen. However, because metal roofing is installed in larger units than shingles, gusts can remove larger pieces of a roof at a time.

Worn Paint and Sealant

Your Ohio metal roof’s paint and sealant act as a protectant for the entire roof. Though metal roofs themselves are generally sturdy, there are ways to compromise the paint or sealant. Hail and falling debris can once again be the culprit for these damages, as well as quickly fluctuating temperatures that cause the paint and seal to crack. It’s best to have regular maintenance done on the sealant to avoid long-term damages or leaks.

Uneven Seams

Metal reacts strongly to temperatures, expanding and contracting with heat and cold. In some cases, especially in climates with extreme weather, this yearly expansion and contraction can cause gaps between metal roofing pieces. These gaps can cause leaks that could further damage your roof and home if left unnoticed. Luckily, this issue is generally easy to fix if caught soon enough, making regular maintenance your friend.

The Risks of DIY

Many homeowners like to make repairs themselves. With the advent of YouTube and the expansion of the internet, there are tutorials online to do just about anything. In many cases, this saves you money and gives you valuable knowledge about your home. However, in the case of metal roofing, the risks far outweigh any benefits of doing the work yourself.

Personal Safety Hazards

From the moment you leave the ground, you’re at risk of hurting yourself with a roofing project. Ladders must be precisely placed at the correct angle to support an ascent to the top of your home. If set at the wrong angle, you risk the ladder slipping from beneath you. Even if you manage to safely get on the roof, there is no good way to secure yourself without the proper professional equipment. Tying oneself to the chimney can seriously damage the chimney and is generally not a reliable method for countering missteps.

Roofing Damage

Though your intentions are probably good, you’ll likely create further damage and issues simply by walking on your roof. Professional roofers know precisely how and where to walk, whereas a homeowner probably does not. It’s entirely possible to make cracks and dents in your roof just by walking around up there.

Overlooked Issues

Roofing issues can be subtle. The untrained eye easily overlooks even serious problems. Whereas you may not see anything but the problem at hand, a professional will fix your current problem and inspect the rest of the roof for problems as well. This gives you the added security of knowing that your issue is properly fixed and that there aren’t any other issues that need attention.

Poor Installation

If you’re looking to install a new roof altogether, it’s doubly important that you don’t try to do it yourself. Metal roofs need to be installed precisely, and if not done well, you will likely face issues like blow-offs and leaks. Additionally, not all homes can handle a metal roof. The structural integrity of support beams and attic spaces needs to be inspected before proceeding. If support beams have sagged, it’s possible to damage the structure of your home with a DIY roofing installation or project.

Metal roofs are a wonderful alternative to traditional shingles. Known for their durability, sleek aesthetic, and eco-friendly materials, these roofs act as sustainable options for many homes. If you’re considering a metal roof for your home, be sure to contact a professional. The right roofer will be able to help you choose the roof that’s right for you and install it safely and securely, giving you peace of mind for years to come.