Sealing Your Metal Roof: Tips for the Spring Rainy Season

As the winter chill fades away, commercial building owners are turning their attention to maintenance tasks to prepare for the upcoming season. One crucial aspect is the protection of your metal roof. With the spring rainy season ahead, making sure your metal roof is properly sealed becomes paramount. In this blog post, we’ll explore why sealing your metal roofis essential and share the best practices and products for metal roof waterproofing.

Why You Need To Seal Your Metal Roof Before Spring

Commercial buildings with metal roofs face unique challenges when it comes to weatherproofing. While metal roofs are durable and long-lasting, they are not immune to moisture infiltration. Without proper sealing, metal roofs are vulnerable to leaks, corrosion, and structural damage, which can compromise the integrity of the entire building.

Preventing Leaks

The primary purpose of sealing a metal roof is to create a barrier that prevents water from penetrating the roofing system. Spring rains can be relentless, and even the smallest gap or crack in the roof can lead to significant leaks inside the building. These leaks cause property damage, disrupt business operations, and pose safety hazards.

Extending Roof Lifespan

Investing in metal roof waterproofing can significantly extend the lifespan of your roofing system. By sealing the seams, fasteners, and other vulnerable areas, you protect the underlying structure from corrosion and deterioration. A properly sealed metal roof can withstand the elements for decades, saving you money on costly repairs and replacements in the long run.

Maintaining Energy Efficiency

A well-sealed metal roof contributes to the overall energy efficiency of the building by preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. By eliminating drafts and air leakage, along with a coating system that has an 85% reflectivity, you can reduce the workload on your HVAC system and lower energy bills. Our highly reflective coating systems reduce heat stress of the entire building envelope. Additionally, proper insulation and waterproofing helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment year-round.

Metal Roof Waterproofing Solutions

Now that we understand the importance of metal roof waterproofing, let’s explore the techniques and products available to protect your commercial building.

Coating Application

One of the most common methods of waterproofing a metal roof is by installing elastomeric coating systems. Proper cleaning with Rust Off and pressure washing, priming with a high quality, rust inhibiting metal primer, reinforcing all the seams, vertical and horizontal by installing a kevlar mesh embedded in Base Coat, sealing all fastener heads with a flexible caulking compound, and finally installing the white reflective top coat. Due to their flexibility, durability, and weather resistance, acrylic elastomeric sealants are popular choices for metal roofs. These adhere well to metal surfaces, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction without cracking or peeling.

Flashing Installation

Flashing is a critical component of any roofing system, including metal roofs. It’s installed around roof penetrations like vents, chimneys, skylights, and HVAC units to divert water away from these vulnerable areas. Properly installed flashing acts as a secondary barrier against water intrusion and reinforces the roof’s waterproofing. When sealing a metal roof, it’s essential to inspect and repair any damaged or deteriorated flashing to maintain its effectiveness.

The Best Sealants for Metal Roofs

When selecting a sealant for metal roof waterproofing, a high-quality product that offers long-lasting protection against the elements is essential. Here are some of the best sealants recommended for commercial metal roofs:

Acrylic Elastomeric Roof Coating

Acrylic Elastomeric Roof Coating is a premium sealant formulated for metal roofs. This high-performance coating provides excellent adhesion, UV resistance, and weatherproofing. It forms a seamless, waterproof membrane that protects the roof against moisture, rust, and corrosion. Acrylic Elastomeric Roof Coating is available in various colors to match your building’s aesthetic.

360 – S

360 – S is a tough urethane sealant ideal for sealing metal roof joints, seams, and flashings. This versatile sealant features superior adhesion to metal substrates and withstands extreme weather conditions, including temperature fluctuations and UV exposure. 360 – S is available in bronze and white colors and can be easily applied using standard caulking guns, making it suitable for new construction and maintenance projects.

Affinity

Affinity is a one-component, polyurethane-based sealant renowned for its durability and flexibility. This multipurpose sealant adheres well to various substrates, including metal, concrete, and masonry, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Affinity forms a resilient, watertight seal that resists cracking, peeling, and shrinking over time. With its high-performance formula and ease of application, Affinity is an excellent choice for metal roof waterproofing projects.

Metal roof restorations are another popular way to avoid leaks in the rainy spring. See how you can transform your building.

Our Metal Restorations

Your Complete Checklist To Prepare for Spring

Aside from sealants, there are a few other steps you can take to properly prepare your roof for spring:

Inspect metal roof seams, joints, and flashing for signs of damage or deterioration.
Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage.
Check for debris and vegetation on the roof surface that could obstruct water flow.
Verify the condition of skylights, vents, and HVAC units and repair any damaged flashing.
Schedule a professional roof inspection to identify and address potential issues.
Install additional drainage systems or protective barriers for added resilience.
Create a maintenance plan to address any recurring issues throughout the season.

Partner With Nisley Commercial Roofing To Prepare Your Building for the Spring Rainy Season

Partner with Nisley Commercial Roofing, North Carolina’s trusted roofing experts, to make sure your building is ready for the spring rainy season. With our comprehensive inspections, repairs, and waterproofing solutions, we’ll safeguard your investment and provide peace of mind. Reach out to get started.