A leaky roof is a showstopper when you consider the damage it can cause to your home. Whether it's during or after rainfall, a dripping ceiling (or stained plaster) has a way of stopping you in your tracks.
According to an NRMA study, close to 40% of Australians have had a water leak in their home, while 21% have experienced it more than once. If you’re among those who have been troubled with a roof leak, you’re probably wondering where the leak came from, whether it could have been prevented, and how to fix it.
For those with metal roofs, leaks often stem from very specific causes. But don’t worry–we’re here to help. In this guide we'll answer all your questions about metal roof leaks and how to fix them.
How to Detect Roof Leaks
When was the last time you had your roof checked out? If it’s been over a year, you’re not alone. In fact, 59% of Australians have not inspected their roofs in more than a year. But with more than 40% of all building problems linked to water infiltration, regular roof inspections are vital. Catching small issues early can help prevent them from turning into major repairs.
Metal roof leak detection: 4 easy steps
A leaky roof isn’t always obvious, but if left undetected it can lead to extensive (and often costly) damage down the road. To catch a leak early, you’ll need to play detective. Take these four steps to figure out if your metal roof is leaking.
1. Check the interior of your house
Look for signs of a leak inside your home.
- Check your walls and ceiling for water stains that are typically brown or yellowish in colour.
- Take note of any mould or peeling paint, as it could indicate water seepage or trapped moisture.
2. Inspect your roof from the exterior
Examine the roof for visible damage.
- Look for damaged panels, loose flashing, or missing fasteners.
- Watch out for any excessive movement of the metal panels when inspecting the roof (for safety, consider hiring a professional to conduct the inspection).
3. Examine gutters and downpipes
Assess the condition of your drainage system.
- Look for rust, holes, or sagging gutters that can cause water to overflow.
- Ensure downpipes are channeling water away from your home’s foundation, to avoid water gathering at the base
4. Conduct a water test
If you’ve completed all the other steps and are still unsure of the leak’s source, try a water test.
- This involves spraying water on different parts of the roof to help you identify where the water is getting in.
What Causes Metal Roof Leaks?
Metal roofs are incredibly durable, strong, and visually appealing. In fact, many roofing professionals claim that metal roofs are less prone to leaks compared to tile roofs. As one contractor on Reddit shared: “Metal, hands down…You will have less worries of a leaking roof (especially if you have a lot of valleys and hips).”
However, improper installation, subpar repairs, and extreme weather conditions can make metal roofs susceptible to leaks. The good news is that by understanding the cause of the leak you can address the issue immediately. Here are the top reasons why metal roofs might leak.
Roof penetrations
Roof penetrations, such as vents, skylights, and AC units, can be a common source of leaks in metal roofs if the flashings or seals deteriorate or aren’t installed properly.
A couple of years ago, our team revisited a commercial property where we had installed hopper flashings to address previous leaks. We had received reports of new leaks in the same area. Upon site inspection, we identified one of the leading causes of metal roof leaks: penetrations added after the roof was installed.
In this case, the air conditioning units had been poorly installed, causing significant issues with flashings. The flashings were too short to adequately cover the ribs of the metal roof sheets, and they weren’t properly sealed. In addition, the trays of the metal roof sheets hadn’t been bent up to prevent water seeping in at the front of the penetration.
At the rear of the penetration, the flashings–intended to redirect the water away from the air conditioning unit–had been lapped the wrong way. It was a poor job that didn’t meet Australian Plumbing Standards and resulted in consistent leaks.
Our solution: We installed wider, longer flashings and ensured proper sealing at the joins. We also advised changing the direction of the laps over the roof sheets so that the upper lap overlaps the under lap, preventing water from seeping in.
Misaligned metal screws
Roofing screws that aren’t aligned properly cause the majority of roof leaks. Their job is to hold the metal panel in place and create a tight seal with a rubber washer to prevent water from entering. When screws are overdriven (too tight), underdriven (too loose), or misaligned, they compromise the seal, allowing water to enter and cause leaks.
Seams and overlaps
When two metal panels overlap small gaps can form, creating a risk of water leaking. This is called a capillary draw, where water travels between the tiny gap where the panels meet. During installation sealant is typically added between the two metal pieces, but this can wear down over time.
Missing or failed sealant
During roof installation, sealants are used under areas such as ridge caps, flashings, pitch pans, and reglets to keep water out. However, these sealants degrade over time and require regular maintenance. If sealants are missing or failing, water can seep in through the trims.
Can You Prevent Roof Leaks?
Yes. In fact, 93% of water leaks can be minimised or prevented altogether. So, what can you do to help prevent your metal roof from leaking? Focus on ensuring proper flashing, using waterproof products, and maintaining your roof regularly. Responding quickly at the first sign of a leak or after a big storm is also crucial.
“Sometimes the difference between no damage and severe damage can be in how quickly a householder responds,” said Arron Mann, General Manager, Short Tail Claims at QBE in a 2021 press release. “Many people are unaware that much of this damage - and the stress and cost that comes with it - is often preventable.”
How to Repair Your Metal Roof Leak
So, how do you fix a leaking metal roof? It depends on what was causing the leak in the first place, and prior to conducting any repairs at home, it’s best to consult with a metal roof leak repair expert first. Let’s dive into what the repairs might look like.
Roof sealant
Roof sealant can work as a quick, temporary solution for small leaks. They’re a great solution for addressing minor problems immediately before they can cause mould or more serious damage.
Remove or replace screws
As explored earlier, roofing screws that aren’t properly aligned can cause water entry points. This can be fixed by removing and replacing the screws. As one contractor on Reddit wrote, “The thing about metal roofing is you can extend the lifetime of your roof by changing out the screws every 5-10 years, as the rubber on them eventually dries out and allows seepage.”
This repair method can often be incredibly labour intensive and time consuming, making it a less-practical solution for larger repairs or severely damaged roofs.
Roof replacement
If your roof is at the end of its lifespan, or requires extensive repairs, replacing individual metal panels–or even the entire roof–may be a more efficient and cost-effective solution in the long run. This option, while the most costly, provides a fresh start with a new roof that can offer durability and peace of mind for years to come.
Does Your Metal Roof Need Leak Repair?
If your house is filled with buckets and DIY patch jobs every time it rains, it’s time to consider if your metal roof needs to be repaired.
What will it cost to fix a metal roof leak?
We get it, repairing a leaking metal roof can be complicated and potentially costly, but addressing the issue now will save you a lot of stress down the road. As one user on Reddit pointed out, “Water damage is even more costly, so taking the time to rectify the issue correctly now will be cheaper in the long run.”
The cost to fix a metal roof leak depends on the type of repair and the extent of the damage. If you’re dealing with a leaking metal roof, we’re here to discuss your options over a friendly chat. We’ll assess your roof’s condition, provide a detailed quote, and answer any questions you may have.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s a review from a satisfied customers we helped with their roof leak:
“I finally found a decent business to replace rusted box guttering as well as repair a separate roof leak next to the air conditioning unit. When it rained hard enough, water would pour into the ceiling and exit through the downlights. Fortunately I found Roofrite. The whole process was well managed from start to finish. I no longer need to race for the buckets when there is a downpour!” – D G, Roofrite Google review.
Contact us today on (03) 9499 8059 for a casual, no-obligation chat to find out how we can help patch up your leaky roof.
