Low Pitch Steel Roof Leak

It s the same piece.

Low pitch steel roof leak.

Failed sealant or butyl tape sealants and butyl tape are used to seal out water dirt and other debris that could compromise a metal roof. Their fasteners are either concealed or screwed at the top of a ridge which makes them less likely to leak. On a low pitch roof an end lap can easily leak though as water will be driven back up the sheets in strong wind. This provides a weathertight seal between all the gaps.

Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. As well seams are often elevated at least 2 off the surface of the roof and thus away from moisture. Metal roofs can handle lower pitches anywhere from 12 on up. I would not contemplate trying to modify the existing roof.

Isolate areas when you run the hose. There are some opinions that standing seam metal roof minimum slope is 12 but it increases the possibility of leaking on the few first days of snow arrival. Low slope metal roofs have simple geometries and are easier and less expensive to install that medium to steep slope roofs. In country with heavy snow and tough winter days the metal roof minimum slope is recommended to be 1 12.

If these are damaged missing or applied incorrectly leaks could occur. Actually when a standing seam metal roof has a leak it is commonly at some type of flashing area. The piece that s going to allow us to join the panels on the lower slope and the panels on the higher slope is the pitch transition flashing or the pitch change trim. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose.

A low pitched corrugated roof with many valleys is a problem. But the taller profiles like standing seam and pbr shown below can be installed on roofs with as low as 1 4 or 1 2 in 12 pitch. Fairly steep pitch roof an end lap will not leak providing there is sufficient lap. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides.

Metal roofs also have seams but many manufacturers recommend connecting their panels with screws and sealant. Full length sheets should always be used where possible. In my experience even low pitched kliplok roof with valleys are prone to leakage along the valleys. Low slope metal roofs require less material which reduces the overall load on the building s structure.