Metal roofing is the fastest-growing residential roofing material — and when you hear that it has the potential to cut your energy costs by up to 40 percent, or that it can easily serve your home well for 45 to 70 years, it’s obvious why.
It might have some very clear advantages, but metal roofing isn’t indestructible. When you spot the tell-tale signs of trouble and start wondering how to repair metal roof leaks, it’s time to put the pedal to the metal. Roof leaks can, when you ignore them, do some serious damage.
If you just came here for some handy metal roof maintenance tips you can easily implement, you’re in luck — but if you’re already dealing with a leak, you’re in a hurry. (In that case, skip the tips and call Severe Weather Roofing for metal roofing services right away. We’ll come over and fix it.)
What Causes Metal Roof Leaks?
Metal roofs have a reputation for being strong and durable — and while that’s well-earned, they still, unfortunately, can’t quite weather any storm and escape unscathed. One of the most common culprits also happens to be easily preventable, and that’s having your roof installed by unqualified roofers who don’t know what they’re doing.
Assuming pros like Severe Weather Roofing & Restoration installed your commercial or residential metal roof, we can safely rule that one out. That leaves a few more options.
If you’re scrambling for “metal roof leak repair near me,” the Colorado weather has to be the worst offender. We know tourists love it, but your roof often has other opinions.
The sudden temperature ups and downs force that metal to expand and contract quickly, loosening seals over time and potentially sprouting leaks in the process. Heavy hail can cause dents (you already saw that one coming!), and snow may leave you in search of sealant for metal roof leaks, especially around your roof’s valleys and seams.
Then, there’s age-related damage. Your metal roof can keep going strong for decades, but the same isn’t true for your flashing and sealants. Metal roof sealing products have to be replaced well before your roof does, and it takes regular roof inspections to understand when the time’s right.
How Do You Know If Your Metal Roof Is Leaking?
The good news? If you’re asking, you don’t have a total disaster on your hands (and your Colorado home isn’t a swimming pool). It’s a great question, though, because leaks can sneak up on you. It may take some metal roof leak detection sleuthing to find out you have one, and pinpoint where it’s coming from.
Ugly yellow stains on your walls and ceilings are often the first obvious sign that you need metal roof seam leak repair. If you have a keen eye (and a good nose), however, you can often spot moisture build-up, musty smells, and even outright mold colonies in the attic well before it gets to that point.
In some cases, you might also see rust on top of your roof — which often shows some of those fasteners have become loose or gone AWOL, causing metal roof leaks around screws. Loose flashing around roof penetrations (anything that “punctuates” your roof, like chimneys, skylights, and so on) is another problem that shows you might need some metal roof repair products.
The best way to find and discover how to repair metal roof leaks, though, has to be committing to regular roof inspections. Have metal roofing pros take a good look at your roof at least once a year, and ideally twice, as a form of preventative care. If there’s any sign of trouble, your roofers can recommend metal roof leak repair products or go about waterproofing a metal roof with a (commercial) coating.
How to Fix a Leaking Metal Roof — and How to Prevent Leaks in the First Place
So, you’ve spotted water in a place where it shouldn’t be, and you’re now wondering how to fix a leaking metal roof? Calling a roofing team you trust is often the most obvious answer, but in some cases, the issue is minor enough that you can learn how to repair metal roof leaks on your own, too.
- First, you’ll need to figure out where the leak is coming from. Look for signs of trouble around your roof’s valleys, edges, and seams. If you have localized water damage inside, try to follow it back to its source.
- If damaged sealants are the issue, metal roof waterproofing products can help you fix that. Sealing metal roof valleys isn’t that difficult if you’re skilled at DIY, and you can always try videos that show you how to seal metal roof seams.
- Metal roof flashing repair can also be a DIY project, but only if the flashing is loose but not damaged, and you have the right products.
Mind you, if you’re not absolutely sure you know how to repair metal roof leaks, or you’re looking for commercial metal roof leak repair, there’s absolutely no shame in calling in the pros. The different types of metal roofing might be challenging to pick apart on your own, and a professional fix always offers more peace of mind than a DIY job.
Table 1: How to Fix a Leaking Metal Roof
| Step | Details | DIY Suitability |
| Identify the Leak | Determine the source of the water leak by tracing localized water damage to its origin. | Yes, requires careful observation and tracing. |
| Inspect Trouble Areas | Examine roof valleys, edges, and seams for signs of trouble. | Yes, involves visual inspection. |
| Fix Damaged Sealants | Use metal roof waterproofing products to repair damaged sealants or seal valleys and seams. | Yes, if comfortable with sealing techniques. |
| Repair Metal Roof Flashing | Repair loose flashing if it is not damaged, using appropriate tools and products. | Yes, if the flashing is loose but undamaged and proper tools are available. |
Don’t Know How to Repair Metal Roof Leaks? Severe Weather Roofing & Restoration Does!
A small leak can sink a great ship — and yes, that includes your Colorado property! Got stray water sloshing around? Don’t panic. If you’re after a residential or commercial roofing contractor in Fort Collins, Severe Weather Roofing & Restoration is your team. Whether you already know you need help sealing metal roof edges or you have no idea where the leak is, pick up the phone and tell us where you need us. We’ll get that roof fixed up in no time.
