You might be looking up at your metal roof and be thinking, "Do I need to replace it?". Maybe someone knocked on your door and said it needs to be replaced.
The truth is, you're metal roof shouldn't be replaced until it's the right time. But how do you know when this right time is?
Because we take such pride in advising you and other metal roof owners, we're going to break it down for you.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been providing the residents of Nashville with high-quality roof replacements since 1990. Our history of strong workmanship and customer service speaks for itself. That’s why we offer a lifetime warranty.
Replacing your metal roof comes down to noticing the signs. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what these signs are.
We're also going to give you two options for your next steps at the end of this article to help you understand your metal roof even more.
What are the two types of metal roof systems?
Before we get to the signs that it’s time to replace your standing seam metal roof, you need to know the difference between the two metal roof systems.
A standing seam metal roof system is a series of panels that are locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. This allows for panels to expand and contract freely when the metal heats up.
A screw down panel (exposed fastener) metal roof is just what it's called; it's screwed down with the fasteners exposed. The panels are fastened down using screws and washers screwed through the face of the metal. This method of screwing the metal down doesn’t allow the metal to expand and contract naturally.
Due to a lack of expansion capabilities on a screw down panel roof system, I do not recommend that you use this type of roof system over any heated living or workspace.
To learn more about the two types of metal roof systems, check out this article on standing seam vs. screw down panels.
4 signs you should replace your metal roof
So, when should you replace your metal roof? Continue reading to learn how damage to the painted finish, storm damage to the metal panels, and more are signs that it’s time to replace your metal roof.
Be aware, some of these signs are based on what kind of metal roof you want.
1. The painted finish on your metal roof panels has reached the 30-year mark (standing seam only)
All of the major steel panel manufacturers use a patented process to apply a painted finish called Kynar 500 to standing seam metal panels. This painted finish protects your metal panels from the elements and keeps the color you choose from fading.
Your standing seam metal roof comes with a 30-year paint warranty on the Kynar 500 finish. After the paint warranty expires, you should start budgeting to replace your standing seam metal roof.
Even though the paint warranty expires, that doesn’t mean the finish is completely gone. When you see a lot of rust or the color extremely fades on your metal panels, you should start considering replacing your standing seam metal roof.
2. Something damaged the painted finish on the metal roof panels (standing seam only)
Remember, the Kynar 500 painted finish protects your metal panels from the elements and keeps the color you choose from fading. Anything that damages, dents, or scratches the painted finish will shorten your standing seam metal roof’s lifespan.
This could be from falling limbs or heavy hail damage. It could also be from other tradesmen walking on your roof or painters spilling paint and using chemicals to clean the paint off the panels.
Whatever the reason, if the Kynar 500 finish on your metal panels is damaged, then your standing seam metal roof will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
3. The fasteners are starting to wallow out (screw down only)
Remember, a screw down metal roof has the fasteners exposed through the top of the panels. Due to its lack of expansion and contraction, these fasteners get wallowed out until they’re too big for the screws that hold the metal panels down.
If addressed quickly, you can put in the larger size screws and get some more life out of your screw down metal roof. On the other hand, if you don’t catch these wallowed fasteners you’re going to start seeing leaks. They’ll also be susceptible to wind getting underneath the panels and lifting them up.
If you wait too long to deal with your wallowed out fasteners, you’re going to have to start replacing the screw down panels. I recommend that even if you’re only replacing one panel, you should go ahead and replace the entire roof.
Did you know your local roofing contractor checks your fasteners for wallowing during your annual maintenance inspection? To learn more about why you should get roof maintenance, read this article on why roof maintenance is important to your roof.
4. Storm damage to the metal panels (both)
This may seem pretty obvious, but if anything damages the integrity of your metal panels it’ll lead to a roof replacement. This is usually caused by acts of God, such as strong storms, hail, and wind.
For example, a tree limb (or even a full tree) falling on your standing seam metal roof could cause serious damage to the metal panels. If these limbs cause large dents and scratches to the metal panels, you should have your roof replaced before causing a costly leak.
Be aware, if your metal roof has storm damage, it could be replaced using insurance. But how do you know if your metal roof is covered?
To learn more about the process of dealing with insurance, read this article on homeowner’s insurance: the process to replace a storm damaged roof.
Do you think it's the right time for a metal roof replacement?
Now you know the 4 signs to help you decide if you need a roof replacement. But what do you do now?
That depends on if you think you need a replacement or not. If you don't think it's time for a roof replacement, check out this article on How Long Your Metal Should Roof Last.
But if you think it is time for a roof replacement, are you curious about how much a metal roof replacement will cost you? The roofing industry doesn't like to talk about price.
But we're not like other roofing companies. That's why we're going to tell you what to expect from a price point for your new metal roof.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been replacing roofs in the Nashville area since 1990. Our workmanship ensures you get a roof that lasts for decades. That’s why when you work with us, you’ll never worry about your roof again.
Check out this article on How Much a Metal Roof Costs to help you find your budgeting number for your metal roof replacement.
