Common Mistakes Newbie Roofers Make When Replacing Metal Roofing Panels

29 October 2019
 Categories: , Blog


It is estimated that metal roofing is designed to last for decades with proper installation and maintenance. No wonder galvanised steel is one of the most common types of metal roofing, especially if you consider its low price and high resistance to corrosion. However, any experienced professional roofer will tell you they have seen their fair share of improper metal roofing replacements. Therefore, any new rookie roofer should do their best to learn from these mistakes. This write-up highlights some of the most common mistakes roofers make when replacing metal roofing.   

Incorrect Lapping of the Panel -- Roofers often make the mistake of lapping metal panels incorrectly. It can lead to a whole host of problems once the replacement is done. Some new roofers forget to look at the ends of the metal roofing panels and end up placing them the wrong way. To be consistent when replacing the roofing panels, make sure that the fat lip of each panel -- the part with the extra leg -- goes under the short lip. That way, the short lip will always be showing some form of continuity. If the fat lip goes over the short lip, you will end up with metal roofing that has an uneven edge.   

Setting Screws Incorrectly -- Paying close attention to how you set the screws goes a long way in determining the service life of metal roofing. Over-tightening the screws is all too common, and doing so can damage the roof even before your client starts using it. Therefore, make sure that you do not over tighten the screws when replacing metal panels. Washers play a significant role in ensuring screws are not tightly attached to the metal panels. Additionally, ensure you drive the screws right in the middle of the roof panels. It helps in eliminating the chances of gaping spaces created by an elevated section under the screw.   

Applying Excess Sealant -- Some roofers identify mistakes once they are done with the installation and rely on extra caulk to correct the error. If you think that it is the best way to solve an error, then think again. Merely applying a thick layer of sealant on spaces or imperfect areas on a metal roof will not solve the problem. Your goal should be to water-proof your client's metal roofing using the panels and trims correctly. Caulk and other sealants should only be used as secondary means to water-proof the replacement metal panels. When using a sealant, ensure you apply it underneath the trim or panel and away from direct sunlight. The sealant will last longer that way.

For more information on metal roof replacement, consult a roofing contractor in your area.


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