Proper Installation Is Key to the Longevity of a Metal Roof
Metal has continued to become more popular in roofing, particularly here in Texas. As a leading San Antonio metal roofer, however, we want to make clear that the lifespan of a metal roof depends strongly on the quality of its installation.
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, our focus in metal roofing is squarely on building a complete roofing system that will last for decades, maximizing the return on investment over the 50+ year lifespan of the roof. Unfortunately, we’ve come across plenty of metal roofs that were not properly installed, reducing the longevity of the roof and creating unnecessary expenses.
To help ensure you’re getting the most value from your metal roof installation, here are the most common mistakes to be aware of.
Mistake 1: Not Completing a Tearoff
In some cases, a new layer of roofing can be installed over the top of an existing layer. This is particularly common with asphalt shingles, where most building codes around the country allow for up to two layers.
However, with a long-lasting material like metal, it’s critical to know the condition of the underlying structure of the roof. Without fully tearing off the roof, there’s no way to see damage to decking, rafters, and other key layers of the roofing system. This damage could compromise the structure of the roof, requiring a roof replacement within the next 10 years. Even roofs that look to be in good condition from the attic may have hidden damage or deterioration elsewhere.
Sometimes, a roofing company will attempt to forgo a tearoff to save on costs. However, with a roofing system that is intended to last for 50 years or longer, tearing off the existing roofing is an essential part of the process to make sure the underlying structure is sound. 
Mistake 2: Measuring Incorrectly
Unlike many other roofing materials, metal roofing is difficult to resize. This means taking precise measurements of a roof before beginning the installation of metal panels is crucial.
Many times, roofing companies with less experience in metal roofing will move quickly and without the precision needed to install a metal roofing system. This leads to using the wrong size metal panels, which creates delays and may even require the roofer to start over on certain areas of the roof.
As an experienced metal roofing company, our team at Dolan Roofing firmly believes in the “measure twice, cut once” mantra, particularly when working with a more expensive material like metal.
Mistake 3: Improper Fastening
Metal roofs are designed to be watertight, but the entire system depends on fasteners that hold the roof together. To ensure the metal roof will perform well and reach beyond its expected lifespan, proper fastening is among the most important parts of the entire installation process.
Improper fastening can occur in a number of ways. For example, the roofer may not adequately tighten fasteners, or they may used the wrong type. In addition, depending on the type of metal roof, it may have exposed fasteners. These require additional steps such as sealing to ensure the roof keeps out moisture.
Ensuring each panel of the metal roof is properly fastened, and each fastener is properly installed, will directly impact the performance of a new metal roof.
Dolan Roofing: San Antonio’s Metal Roof Installation Experts
Not all metal roofing mistakes occur during installation. For homeowners, in fact, the biggest mistake is to work with a roofer that lacks the necessary experience and skill to successfully complete a metal roof installation.
At Dolan Roofing & Construction, we’re the leading roofers in San Antonio for installing metal roofing systems. Our team plans out every detail of your roof installation from start to finish, completing a thorough inspection, evaluating the condition of the underlying structure, and moving deliberately and efficiently to ensure every fastener is properly installed.
Metal roofing can protect your home against our area’s strongest storms, but it takes a skilled roofer to ensure your roof lasts as long as it should. If you’re considering making the switch to metal roofing, reach out to Dolan Roofing today to get started!
