Problems With Split Metal Roof Seams

Expansion and Contraction

• One of the main causes of split seams in a metal roof is the outdoor temperature. Metal, like many other materials, will expand and contract with such changes. When the weather heats up, the metal on your roof will slightly expand, while colder temperatures will make the metal contract. This expansion and contraction can eventually work the sections loose, causing a split that will allow water through.

Mud Seals

• A mud seal can cause the seams in your metal roof to split apart, causing leaks near the eaves. Mud seals form when light rain washes dirt into the seams, where it builds up as mud. It effectively caulks the seam, particularly near the bottom of the roof slope and water backs up and soaks into gaps in the mud, settling around a fastener hole where the water eventually drips into the home. A similar problem can happen shortly after painting a roof. The new coat will harden in the sun and break as the metal expands. These gaps in the paint will have the same effect as gaps in the mud seal.

Poor Workmanship

• Sometimes the main problem with your metal roof is poor installation, which is true of any type of roofing material. Whether it is a shingle roof that is glued or welded improperly or metal sheets that were installed incorrectly, a lack of care during the installation process can lead to split seams and leaking. If your roof is new and it is leaking shortly after installation, contact the roofer and have him return to check the quality of his work.

Age

• If you had your roof installed many years ago or bought a house with an old roof, you should not be too surprised if some split seams and leaks exist. Age alone can be the culprit of this problem and leaks are not uncommon when a metal roof gets toward the end of its life expectancy. The repeated thermal contraction and expansion combined with the effects of the weather, rusting and other factors can easily be the cause of your split seams and leaking problems. In other words, it may simply be time for a new roof.

Regular Inspection

• Since split roof seams and associated leaks have a chance to cause significant damage to your home, you should stay on top of maintenance and inspections to catch the problem before issues occur. Have your roof inspected in the fall and spring and after bouts of severe weather. Noticing split seams and other damage before the next rains come could be the difference in easy repairs and major damage.