What to Do About a Metal Roof that is Getting Old?

Commercial and industrial building owners frequently fret over the aging of their metal roofs because of the high costs associated with putting off necessary repairs and upkeep.

In this post, we at Gen819 Roofing & Solar, a premier commercial roofing business in the San Diego region with deep expertise in metal roofing solutions, will walk you through your many alternatives for bringing new life to a weathered metal roof.

Options For Fixing or Replacing a Metal Roof

Roofing systems made of metal are highly recommended for brand-new construction. They are durable, can withstand the weather, and last for many years. However, when metal roofs age, problems such as loose fasteners, deteriorating sealant and flashing, rust, and cracking caused by constant temperature changes become increasingly common. At some point, patchwork fixes won’t cut it and you’ll have to put money into a more permanent fix.

Budget, issue severity, and the building’s unique requirements are all things to think about when determining the best line of action for your metal roof. To assist you in making an educated choice, we’ll go through the benefits and drawbacks of four different types of metal roofing:

• Coating
• Tear Down and Replace
• Over the Existing Metal, Install a Metal Panel Retrofit System
• Replace the Existing Metal with a Single-Ply Retrofit System

If you weigh the pros and cons of each solution, you can pick the one that works best for your structure. Although metal retrofitting will be slightly emphasized as the best option for older metal roofs, this post will offer a thorough overview of all metal roofing solutions.

Gen819 Roofing & Solar is dedicated to supplying building proprietors with metal roofs with insightful and knowledgeable advice.

With the knowledge you get from this post, you’ll be prepared to make an informed decision about the metal roofing for your commercial structure.

Coatings for Roofs: A Low-Cost Option for Minor Problems

Applying a protective coating is one of the most inexpensive ways to fix problems with old metal roofs. Coating solutions are engineered to protect your roof from the weather, preventing corrosion and tiny leaks and therefore extending the life of your metal roof.

Primers and specialist coating materials are used after a thorough cleaning of the metal roof surface, which is the first step in the coating process. These substances are designed to permanently bond to the metal surface, so creating a waterproof barrier and fortifying the material against the effects of the elements. Numerous coatings serve various purposes and can be found on the market. Fabric-reinforced coatings can seal seams and tiny holes, while corrosion-resistant lightweight coatings are also available.

Coating Pros

• Cheapest possible solution: Coatings are an affordable option for property owners who need to fix minor concerns but don’t want to break the bank doing so.
• Useful for preventing corrosion and mending minor leaks: Coating methods may protect your metal roof against corrosion and minor leaks, increasing its durability and useful life.
• Can improve the roof’s reflectivity: It can decrease the amount of energy used for cooling by applying a coating to the top that increases its solar reflectivity.
• Suitable for extending the service life of a roof with minor defects: Coating a metal roof that is only slightly damaged might extend its useful life, putting off the need for costly repairs or replacement.

Coating Cons

• Restriction on  Warranties:   in general, don’t include labor to fix leaks that may develop during the guarantee term; they simply cover the coating’s integrity.
• Failure to Stop Big Leaks: Coating methods are not intended to repair big leaks caused by thermal movement, corrosion, or huge holes. If the issues in a building are severe enough, the owners may need to look elsewhere for answers.
• The effectiveness of subsequent coatings is low. Due to lower adhesion and an increased likelihood of coating breakdown, the efficiency of successive coatings may deteriorate over time as they accumulate.

Commercial and industrial building owners looking for a low-cost option to fix minor metal roof concerns may want to consider coatings. It’s crucial to understand the constraints of this approach.  since coatings may not be able to fix more serious issues or provide lasting protection for older metal roofs.

The Total Makeover Consists of Removing and Replacing

When metal roofs have major problems, such as extensive degradation or loss of structural integrity, building owners may need to completely remove and replace the present roofing system. By removing the existing metal roof and replacing it with a completely new one, this choice provides a clean slate and secures your structure for the long haul.

Removing and replacing a metal roof is an involved operation that must take into account a number of considerations, including building rules, insulation needs, and structural compatibility.

Removing and Replacing – The Pros

• An all-new roofing structure: Putting up a brand-new roof involves starting from scratch by removing the old, worn-out shingles and replacing them with shiny, new metal panels.
• Extended longevity: A new metal roofing system will safeguard your building reliably for many years to come because of its long service life.
• Fixes the roof’s most pressing problems: Removing and replacing a roof can fix big difficulties, such as a roof that has deteriorated so much that its structural integrity has been threatened.

Removing and Replacing – The Cons

• Usually the most costly option: Metal roofing is one of the most costly materials due to the high price of removal and replacement.
• Weather conditions: Removal and replacement work exposes a structure to the elements for a short period of time, which might affect business as usual.
• Restrictions on Warranties: When it comes to new metal roofing systems, warranties often only cover the metal finish and the absence of leaks. Some waterti​​ght guarantees can be found on the market, but they are not common.
• Impractical for establishments that do regular business: The removal and replacement process can be somewhat disruptive and may not be appropriate for buildings housing continuous activities or delicate machinery.
• There is no enhancement in insulation or reflectance: When compared to the old roof, the new metal roofing system does not significantly enhance insulation or reflectance.

Owners of commercial and industrial buildings with serious metal roof problems that less invasive treatments cannot handle should consider a complete removal and replacement. This solution may be expensive and inconvenient, but it will last for the lifetime of your structure and protect your metal roof from further damage.

Retrofitting Metal Panels: Keep That Cool Metal Look

Metal panel retrofit systems may be the best option for building owners looking for a way to fix major roofing problems without compromising the roof’s aesthetic appeal. Rather than removing and replacing the entire roof, one alternative entails adding a new metal panel system on top of the current one.

In order to retrofit metal panels, the existing roof structure must be evaluated thoroughly, and a new metal panel system must be designed and installed that is compatible with the old one.

​​Metal Panel Retrofit – The Pros

• Conserves the look of metal roofing: The visual beauty of a metal roof may be preserved with a retrofit system that uses metal panels, which is an important factor for some property owners
• Longevity: A metal panel retrofit system, much like a complete replacement, provides dependable protection for your structure over many years.
• Significant roofing difficulties are addressed: Significant roofing issues, such leaks and deteriorating panels, can be efficiently resolved using a metal panel retrofit system.
• Less costly than metal replacement: Building owners looking for cost-effective solutions may find a metal panel retrofit to be an appealing alternative to a full removal and replacement because it requires less effort and is generally more economical.
• There’s no need to expose the structure to the weather: Because there is no need to remove the current metal roof during the retrofit procedure, your building is kept dry throughout the installation.

Metal Panel Retrofit – The Cons

• Although a metal panel retrofit is less expensive than total removal and replacement, it may still be quite a pricey endeavor.
• Installation issues may arise when attempting to retrofit a metal panel system onto a roof with multiple penetrations or a complicated design.
• Most metal panel retrofit system guarantees only cover the metal finish, while there are various weatherproof warranties on the market.It’s possible that a metal panel retrofit system won’t increase the roof’s insulation or reflectivity significantly compared to the old one.
• There may be no noticeable difference in insulation or reflectance between the new metal panels and the old roof after installation of the retrofit system.

If you own a commercial or industrial property and want to fix serious roofing concerns without changing the roof’s aesthetic, consider a metal panel retrofit. This solution may be more costly than others, but it is a long-lasting one that will not compromise the aesthetic value of your metal roof.

The Membrane Retrofit: A Comprehensive Approach

Single-ply membrane retrofitting is a flexible and dependable option for building owners seeking to solve the problems associated with an old metal roof. By covering the old metal roof with insulation to create a flat roof, and then with a high-performance membrane like TPO or PVC, you may avoid leaks and other problems while also enjoying a number of other benefits.

A successful membrane retrofit depends on a careful assessment of the existing roof, an appropriate choice of membrane, and a meticulous installation.

For your membrane retrofit project, Gen819 Roofing & Solar offers expert advice and installation services.

Membrane Retrofit – The Pros

• eliminates the majority of roofing problems: Leaks, corrosion, and deteriorating flashings are just a few of the roofing issues that membrane retrofit systems are intended to fix.
• Roof leaks are often covered by membrane retrofit warranties, and there is often no financial restriction on the length of the guarantee, giving building owners piece of mind.
• You may increase your building’s energy efficiency by installing a membrane retrofit system, which provides insulation to your roof.
• Selecting a white membrane for your retrofit system can increase your roof’s reflectivity and emissivity, which might result in less energy being used to keep the building at a comfortable temperature and lower cooling expenses
• There’s no need to subject the structure to the weather: You can keep your facility dry and comfortable during the retrofitting procedure.
• Membrane retrofit systems are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a waterproof roof because of their ability to effectively seal existing roof penetrations.

Membrane Retrofit – The Cons

• A membrane retrofit is often less expensive than replacing metal panels, although it is still more expensive than applying a coating.
• For certain property owners, there may be an aesthetic shift: Some building owners may be wary of a membrane retrofit because it might affect the visual appeal of a metal roof, which is important to them.

An old metal roof might benefit from a membrane retrofit due to its adaptability and efficiency. For many commercial and industrial building owners, the additional expense of a membrane retrofit is justified by the added value they receive in the form of extended warranty protection, enhanced insulation, and enhanced reflectivity.

Metal Roof Selection: What to Look for

Owners of commercial and industrial properties have a vested interest in solving the problems that come with an old metal roof. We’ve broken down the ins and outs of four common metal roofing retrofit strategies for you to consider: coating, removal and replacement, metal panel retrofit, and membrane.

There are benefits and downsides to each potential choice; carefully considering those factors is essential before settling on a solution for your project.

Metal retrofitting, and particularly membrane retrofit systems, provides an outstanding blend of cost-effectiveness, performance, and long-lasting protection for old metal roofs, which is why we at Gen819 Roofing & Solar. recommend them. Although it isn’t the cheapest choice, many business and manufacturing space owners see the extended warranty, better insulation, and higher reflectivity as being well worth the cost.

Expert advice and high-quality roofing solutions, specifically designed for your building’s needs, are what our team of specialists is dedicated to giving. Get in touch with us if you want an honest evaluation of your metal roof and a tailored solution that fits your demands and budget.

It is up to you, the building owner, to decide what to do about your rusting metal roof. With the knowledge gained from reading this piece and consulting with a reputable commercial roofing contractor, you will be able to make a choice that will safeguard your roof for years to come.