Commercial metal roofs offer a long list of advantages for any business, including sturdiness, durability, and resistance to elemental damage. However, they’re not completely indestructible. Every so often, you may need to invest in some new roofing materials for problems that come up. To know when it’s necessary, learn about some clues to look out for. 

How to Tell if a Metal Roof Needs Repairs

1. Blemished or Distorted Sheets 

Although metal is tough, it can be torn, punctured, scratched, bent, and warped, usually by impacts from heavy, sharp, or forceful objects. Any of these problems could allow water to flow through the roof, but they can also decrease the roof’s overall effectiveness. They make the sheets more vulnerable to additional damage and compromise the insulation.

2. Water Damage 

Metal roofs can handle a little water. However, the metal may start to corrode if there are any serious leaks or a clogged gutter, spout, or flashing that can’t drain or redirect the water efficiently. Eventually, the rust and deterioration could progress to the point that the roof could sag or break.

Mold can also grow on the metal or in the insulation material. If you notice a sudden rise in your energy bills, drop in air quality, bubbles of trapped moisture in the metal sheets, or general rust and deterioration, it’s time for repairs or even a replacement. 

3. Pest Infestation 

Rodents, insects, and other pests can easily infiltrate your metal roof and build nests in the insulation or frame of your business if there are holes, gaps, or missing parts on your system.

After getting rid of the pests, you may need to fix the issues that allowed them entry. There’s also a possibility that the pests caused further damage to the roof parts, which could mean that it needs to be replaced entirely. 

4. Broken or Lost Parts 

The fasteners could be knocked out of place or lost interiorly by an impact. Perhaps even a metal sheet or two could go missing if it becomes loose due to deterioration. The flashing could also be poorly installed. If any part of a metal roof fails, the rest of the aforementioned issues could quickly follow. 

 
To get the materials for repairing your metal roof, go to Dixieland Metals of Alabama in Dothan. With nearly two decades of industry experience, they have all the metal roofing and siding panels and other parts that your contractor could possibly need. They’re also proud to provide top-notch recycled metal roofing materials to help you be eco-friendly without sacrificing quality. For details, call them today at (334) 678-0038 or message them online.