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Metal roofing is an ideal choice for property owners who are concerned about improving energy efficiency, and who want to add a distinguished design element to their homes and structures. Although metal roofing sheets are significantly better than shingles for roofing, these still wear with age and need repairing, patching, and re-roofing, eventually. Metal roofing can last decades, if it is maintained properly, otherwise these can prematurely corrode, rust, and then holes begin to form.

When holes appear in metal roofing, usually due to rust and corrosion, patching can be an effective way to stop leaks, temporarily. However, it might be more affordable to re-roof a section instead of just patching holes, and then having new ones form from older metal sheet roofing later. This is a decision a metal roofing expert can help you – when to repair, patch, or re-roof?

To Patch or to Re-roof?

Have recent winds and rain exposed a few leaks in your roof? Well, it does come as a surprise to most homeowners to discover a rusty roof because the roof is usually out of sight and out of mind, until it begins to leak. It’s true, years pass quickly when you are living in a home you love. Although, patching holes can stop water from leaking, a rusty roof can’t get any better on its own, so replacing old sheets with new ones is the obvious, permanent fix.

The main reason metal roofs begin to corrode and rust is that their protective coating has eroded, thus exposing the base metal to the elements – the sun, wind and rain. There are various grades of metal sheets for roofs available, and when it does come time for re-roofing a home, it is highly advised to always choose the best grade metal sheets possible because they will resist rust and corrosion longer.

However, although replacing metal sheets is the best solution for rusty metal roofing sheets with holes, there are times when patching these is best, and the most qualified person to make that distinction is someone who knows about metal roofing, such as expert roofers at Johnson Roofing.

For a free roof inspection, and available 24 hour emergency service for the whole Auckland region, call Johnson Roofing, we offers roof repair and re-roofing solutions to fix rusty roofs with holes.

Whether you are building a new home, re-roofing, or repairing on older roof, there is one aspect of your home’s roof that must not be overlooked – proper flashing installation. In fact, the main area where ‘undamaged’ roofs will leak is around either improperly installed flashing, or old roof flashing. Unfortunately, improper installation of flashing is not uncommon because it is something a carpenter or other tradesperson may offer to do for you, but may not be as qualified as a professional metal roofer.

When dealing with most other areas of the house, many homeowners will try their hand at DIY projects, or they will hire a local person they know to do ‘simple’ home repair jobs. That’s alright, for other areas of the home, but not the roof. When it comes to ensuring that the largest investment of a person’s life – usually the home – is secure, then only having a professional roofing company to repair your roof, by installing proper flashing, is highly advised. Otherwise, the risk is to your home is too great, an improper installation of flashing can be very costly in water damage inside the areas of the home, if the flashing leaks.

Areas of the Roof that Need Proper Flashing Installation

Basically, wherever there are changes in the roof, either contrasting angles, adjoining slopes, or where different building material meet, flashing is used to protect against seepage of rain water gaining access to underneath the roof. Flashing comes in various materials, depending on the type of roofing, such as copper, galvanized metal, aluminium, plastics, sheet metal flashing, and the most common.

The area of the roof where flashing will be installed is also factors into what type of flashing material is used, it can be any place that requires additional protection, such as around vents, chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys.

Home Roof Inspection is the Best Assurance

Without proper training, improper flashing installation is almost guaranteed, which puts your home at risk. As an example, the wrong type nails can work loose, especially if not anchored properly, this can cause the flashing to pop up and allow rain to enter. So, if you notice moister around areas under your flashing, then you should have a professional roofer inspect your roof as soon as possible, to make sure the flashing is not damaged or improperly installed.

The best solution to ensure you investment is safe is to have your roof inspected, professional roofers can tell you the health and the condition of all your flashing.