Can the roof be repaired or does it have to be replaced?
Corrugated roofing was developed in the mid 19th century. Made of iron and manufactured to provide a strong yet lightweight and durable roofing material from then cheap materials, it was often installed on commercial and industrial buildings. The waves designed into the corrugated roof meant less standing water. Standing water is a haven for mosquitoes and a recipe for roofing leaks as well, so corrugated roofing materials were ideal for rolling water off buildings.
In the latter half of the 20th century, corrugated fiberglass roofing replaced the now expensive iron roofing materials as an equally durable option that was even lighter in weight and allowed near perfect water drainage while allowing light to pass through too. The translucent capabilities of fiberglass corrugated roofing often meant it was the perfect option for greenhouses, atriums, and other commercial spaces where light, but not water, was desired.
Managing Leaks in Corrugated Roofing Material
Identifying and isolating the source of leaks in corrugated roofing material can be frustrating and time-consuming, and many business owners regretfully take the most expensive route and choose to replace the roof. Often, this is unnecessary because the leak can be managed and overcome with an acrylic roof patching compound and stitchbond polyester fabric that will solve the leaking problem which almost always is from loose or missing fasteners (grommeted screws). Simply replace the fastener (grommet screw) with a new oversized screw and 3-Course over the fastener with the acrylic gel (roof patchingcompound) and the stitchbond polyester fabric for a permanent repair. An acrylic roof coating will extend the life of the corrugated roof as well.
Solving Corrugated Roofing Leaks with Acrylic Coatings
Corrugated roofs typically leak as a result of one or more of the following:
- Missing or loose fasteners
- rusted metal roof panels
- expansion/contraction of panels due to temperature fluctuations
- traffic on the roof weakening the material
- faulty gutter systems
- hail, wind, and storm damage
While one common factor of corrugated roofing materials is that they are durable, when they start leaking, it can be frustrating and expensive to replace the roof. Luckily, commercial property owners have some eco-friendly options to seal their corrugated roofing instead of replacing it. Thus, you’ll extend of the life of the roofing material while improving energy efficiency in the building. Acrylic coatings also offer tremendous fire resistance and sun damage proofing as well.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development recommend Metacrylics products for the highest-quality waterproof commercial roofs. The company’s acrylic roofing products are installed at universities, ski resorts, airport terminals, etc. Metacrylic’s clients include companies / organizations such as Hewlett Packard, NASA, IBM, the U.S. Navy, and many more.
What to do when a Corrugated Roofing Material Leaks