Is Metal Roof Restoration Possible in Springfield?

Is your metal roof starting to fade or rust? Do you have leaks or ceiling watermarks? It could be time for a new roof.

Or, you may be able to benefit from a metal roof restoration.

Restoring your Springfield roof is a cost-effective option that can add years to your roofing system. Find out more about roof restoration and learn if it could be the right solution for you.

Signs You Need a Metal Roof Restoration

Metal roofs are very durable and long-lasting. However, several issues can be a sign that your roof needs restoration.

Leaks are one of the most common problems with metal roofs. Wear around the neoprene washers or the skylights can let water in. Leaks often develop at the seams between metal sheets.

You may also see rotting woodwork at the roof edges.

Corrosion and rust are other signs you need to restore your roof. Corrosion and rust will eventually damage the roof and cause leaks.

Faded or dull metal sheets and fungus or moss on the roof mean you should consider roof restoration. Loose or damaged metal sheets and flashings are another reason to restore your roof.

Any of these issues means that your roof needs attention. Waiting too long lets the damage continue. You may have to replace your roof instead of restoring it.

Is Your Roof Eligible for Restoration?

Roof restoration is possible. If your roof is too damaged, though, you may not be a good candidate for restoration. A contractor can evaluate your roofing system and tell you whether restoration or replacement is the best option.

The roof needs to be in relatively good condition to be eligible for restoration. It should be structurally sound. The seams of the existing membrane should be fairly well intact.

If you have leaks, wet areas should make up less than 25% of the substrate and insulation.

Restoration is possible no matter which type of metal roof you have. You can restore a steel roof as well as other kinds of metal roofing like zinc or aluminum.

Restoration Coatings

One popular method of metal roof restoration is to apply a membrane coating. This type of restoration is easy to apply. It protects your roof from weather and UV rays.

Several types of coatings are available for metal roofs. Acrylic and silicone are two of the most common coatings. SEBS coatings are also a good option in Springfield.

Acrylic

Acrylic coatings are durable and relatively inexpensive. They’re easy to work with. Acrylic will apply smoothly even on rough or textured surfaces.

Acrylic coatings are highly reflective, which helps keep your building cooler in the summer.

Acrylic coatings are highly resistant to mildew. They’re waterproof, but they aren’t a good choice if your roof has problems with standing water. They offer good protection against hail damage.

Silicone

Silicone coatings are highly elastic. They expand and contract with the roof. This is an important benefit in a climate like Springfield’s with significant changes in seasonal temperatures.

Silicone coatings are one of the few that will handle long-term exposure to standing water. They provide good weather resistance. They offer excellent UV protection and solar reflectivity.

One downside of silicone is that it’s a more expensive coating option. It also attracts dirt, which can lower its reflectivity over time.

SEBS (Thermoplastic)

Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (SEBS) is a newer roof coating option. SEBS coatings are also called thermoplastic.

SEBS coatings are an economical option for metal roofs. SEBS coatings are more durable than acrylic or silicone.

They’re highly resistant to moisture penetration. They will withstand ponding water. They’re also resistant to algae and fungi.

SEBS coatings are reflective with a high UV resistance.

Your roof restoration contractor will work with you to determine which type of coating is best for your roof.

Restoration Process for Metal Roofs

The process to restore a metal roof using a coating has several steps. The entire process typically takes from 3 to 10 days depending on the size of the project.

Your commercial roofing contractor will first inspect the roof. Then they will repair any loose or damaged components of the roofing system. For example, workers will refasten loose panels and replace missing fasteners and washers.

The next step is to remove any rust and then clean the entire roof surface. Traces of rust left on the roof will cause more rusting later.

After that, the roofers will seal all the seams, fasteners, and other penetration points.

Before applying the protective coating, a primer coat may be necessary. Primer prepares the roof surface and helps the coating adhere better.

Finally, the roofers will apply the coating. Most products need a base coat and a top coat.

An airless sprayer is one of the most common ways to apply coatings to metal roofs. A roller is also a possibility for small roofs or areas where access is limited.

Benefits of a Metal Roof Restoration

Restoring your metal roof instead of replacing it has several advantages.

Roof restoration saves you money. Restoring a roof is much less expensive than replacing it. Restoration can add up to 20 years of life to your roof, which delays the cost of replacement.

You’ll save money on your utility bills as well. Reflective coatings reduce heat transfer to your building. You can reduce your interior cooling costs.

In fact, many roof coating products have earned an EnergyStar rating because they reduce your energy consumption.

Restoration is less disruptive to the occupants of the building. It takes much less time than a roof replacement. It minimizes the effect on your business operations.

Finally, roof restoration is more environmentally sustainable. Roof replacement sends a large amount of waste to the landfill. Restoration has a much smaller environmental impact.

Restoring Your Metal Roof

Metal roof restoration is a good option in Springfield. If your existing roof isn’t too damaged, you can take advantage of the many benefits roof restoration gives you.

You have many choices for commercial roofing contractors in Springfield and the surrounding areas. When you compare the options, you’ll see why Williams Roofing and Construction is the local leader in flat metal roof restoration. We’ve been serving customers in central Illinois since 1985.

We use only high-quality commercial roofing products. Our professionals can handle any type of roofing system.

Contact us today for a free inspection and a no-obligation estimate. We look forward to helping you solve your roofing problems.