Metal Roofs Last, but They Need Care
From farm and equipment buildings out by Defiance and New Melle to shops, warehouses and churches in Wentzville and O'Fallon, metal roofs are everywhere in St. Charles County. They're built to last decades, but every metal roof deals with the same forces: panels expand in summer sun and shrink on cold nights, over and over, thousands of times a year.
That movement is what loosens screws, cracks the washers on exposed fasteners, and works seams and end laps open. Add Missouri humidity and you get rust, usually starting at cut edges, fasteners, and anywhere water sits.
Metal Roofing Services
Metal roof repair
We replace backed-out and stripped fasteners with oversized screws and new washers, seal end laps and side seams, replace damaged panels, and rebuild flashing at ridges, walls, and rooftop penetrations. Skylight panels that have yellowed or cracked can be replaced too.
Rust treatment and coatings
For roofs with surface rust or widespread fastener problems, a restoration system can solve everything at once: the roof is cleaned, rust is treated and primed, seams and fasteners are reinforced, and a coating seals the entire surface. It's a big step up in protection for much less than new panels.
New metal roofs
We install new standing seam and exposed-fastener metal roofs, and can install metal over some existing roofs. We'll help you weigh the cost difference between panel types against how long you plan to keep the building.
Signs Your Metal Roof Needs Work
- Drips that line up with fastener rows
- Screws that have backed out or have cracked rubber washers
- Rust at panel laps, cut edges, or around fasteners
- Loose or bent trim and ridge caps after storms
- Leaks at skylight panels, vents, or HVAC curbs
Good to know: On many metal buildings, the leak you see inside is several feet from where the water gets in, because it runs along the panel ribs and purlins first. We trace it back to the source instead of guessing.
Free Metal Roof Assessment
We'll inspect the panels, fasteners, seams and flashing, photograph the problem areas, and give you written options: targeted repairs, a full restoration, or replacement. You'll know what each costs and what it buys you.
Commercial Metal Roofing Questions
Why does my metal roof leak around the screws?
Exposed-fastener metal roofs use screws with rubber washers. Over the years, heat and cold make the panels expand and contract, the washers dry out and crack, and screws back out. Replacing or resealing fasteners fixes many metal roof leaks.
Can a rusty metal roof be saved?
Usually, if the rust is on the surface and the panels aren't rusted through. We clean and treat the rust, seal the seams and fasteners, and can apply a coating system that protects the whole roof.
How long does a commercial metal roof last?
Metal roofs often last 40 years or more. Standing seam systems with concealed fasteners generally need the least maintenance, while exposed-fastener roofs need periodic fastener and seam work.
Should I coat my metal roof?
A coating is worth considering when the roof has widespread fastener or seam issues or surface rust. It seals everything at once and reflects heat. We'll check the panels first to make sure they're sound enough for it.