How to Find a Leak in a Metal Roof

Metal roofs are consistently growing in popularity because of their durability, longevity, and energy efficiency. However, even with all of this, it doesn’t mean that they are immune to damage and leaks. A metal roof is not designed to be waterproof, but rather it is designed for water flow. That means there should never be standing water for an extended period on the metal roof. So what are some methods on how to find a leak in a metal roof? With the help of Roof Right, roofing experts in Hampstead, Maryland, we can take a closer look.

Finding the Leak

Although metal roofs will leak for various reasons, the key source of the leak will probably be in a few places: the body of the roof, the transition points of the roof, at roof penetrations, or in the termination details.

Body of the Roof

Leaks in the body of the roof can typically be found through a visual inspection. When looking for a leak in the body of your metal roof, check for:

• Puncture holes from weather or debris
• Rust damage
• Missing, misaligned, loose, or overly tightened screws
• Metal roofing panels that have shifted out of place

Transition Points

Transition points are areas of the roof where one section connects with another. Pay close attention to the valleys of your roof, and check for:

• Missing sealant or missing butyl tape
• Loose trim or gaps
• Missing, misaligned, loose or overly tightened screws
• Misalignment, where panels overlap

Roof Penetrations

The penetrations of a roof include any place where pipes, vents, skylights, chimneys, or any other type of mechanical support passes through the roof. Check for:

• Cracked seals on flashing
• Gaps in trims, especially around the corners of penetrations
• Decaying sealants

Termination Details

A termination detail is any place in the roof where the metal roofing stops. This includes gaps and trims of the roof. Check for:

• Loose or missing caps
• Water running under the caps
• Gutter damage
• Flashing damage
• Decaying sealants

About Roof Right

At Roof Right we have realized customer service and trust are poorly lacking in the roofing industry. That is why our roofing company takes pride in our exceptional service which includes showing up when we say we will, providing a thorough 17-point inspection, listening to you so we can make a quick and thorough diagnosis of your roofing problem, and cleaning up after ourselves as we work. In addition to offering residential roofing services and roof repairs in Maryland. Roof Right is proud to offer the following services:

Roofing & Gutter Maintenance – Your roof, just like your car, should get routine inspections. Your roof gets more abuse from the elements than any other part of your home and preventative maintenance is a key element to a longer service life. Protect your home with the Roof Right Shield Program. Every year, our expert roofers will climb up on your roof and into your attic to ensure that your roof is providing you with the maximum protection for your home. Learn more about roofing & gutter maintenance. 

Skylights & Solatubes – Brighten your home with natural sunlight with skylights & solatubes installed by the team at Roof Right! Sunlight in your home can transform a dark room into one that is bright and full of natural light. It can also highlight textures, and bring out the vibrant colors of your furniture. And that is a beautiful thing! Skylights allow you to light your home for free during the day using natural sunlight. That means you can spend less on electricity and more on you! Roof Right offers a complete system of skylight products for any kind of roof. Learn more about skylights & solatubes.

Gutters – Installing a new seamless gutter system is one of the most critical aspects of all home repairs. Improving the drainage around the home can have a significant impact on the stability of the foundation and the life of your home. Roof Right installs gutters and gutter guards that will efficiently channel water away from your home. Learn more about gutters. 

Siding – Looking to add curb appeal along with improving your homes energy efficiency? No paint. No stain. No hassles. Vinyl siding delivers strength, durability, and beauty of real wood with a variety of design options and multiple color options. Based on an average size home, repainting can cost thousands of dollars every few years. Vinyl siding never needs painting, caulking or patching because, unlike wood, it won’t crack, peel, rot or split. Roof Right carries siding from the best manufacturers in the industry, including Mastic, CertainTeed, James Hardie. Learn more about siding. 

Windows – Reduce your energy bills & increase the curb appeal of your home with energy efficient windows installed by Roof Right!  There are hundreds of vinyl window brands on the market today – but they are not all created equal. Many ordinary vinyl windows are designed only for low cost, not for value. We install top-of-the-line, energy efficient windows for long-lasting great looks. We carry a wide selection of energy efficient products from trusted manufacturers. Learn more about windows. 

Doors – Roof Right and ProVia® are dedicated to making entry doors the professional way. ProVia entry doors are energy efficient, built to quality standards and gives you many choices to entry-level doors that are sold through box stores. Roof Right installers have attended entry systems and storm door training with ProVia®. We have software that will allow you to build your new entry door on our computer so you can see the many different options and price ranges available. ProVia® builds their doors with care in every detail. They don’t cut corners and pay attention to the smallest details. The replacement doors can be customized to your individual taste and style. They are an industry leader in building residential doors. Learn more about doors. 

Decks & Patios –  We can help you design a deck for your home that can bring you many years of enjoyment and improve your home’s value. Let us guide you through the design and construction of your dream deck. From designing the deck for your needs and budget, to getting all the necessary permits, we will make the construction process as pleasant as possible. Choose Roof Right to build a custom deck that will increase your living space and become your favorite relaxation and entertaining spot. Learn more about decks & patios.