Pre-engineered metal buildings are often constructed with a fluted-steel roof deck which is a Metal roof with exposed fasteners. In this configuration, the metal acts as the waterproofing layer fastened to the purlins with exposed fasteners.
Exposed fasteners rely on the integrity of a gasket at every fastener to prevent water penetration. Many fastening points means many possible points of possible/eventual failure. Often, failure accelerates by UV degradation of this seal.
Maintenance is extraordinarily critical on this type of roof. Sometimes maintenance leads to removing/replacing all of the fasteners and gaskets.
The Problem of Movement
With metal buildings, the roof panels can expand and contract up to 3/8” with variations in temperature, putting a tremendous amount of pressure on the exposed fasteners. Also, metal buildings flex and move a great deal due to the wind. As the panels work back and forth, fasteners loosen and do not hold the metal panels firmly in place, creating an opportunity for leaks. A majority of these fasteners then lose their neoprene washer.
Aging and Leaking
When metal roofing systems age, penetration flashings are notoriously problematic. As the seams age, gaskets become brittle and shrink, eventually opening seams to the elements. Attempts to remedy this deficiency by applying different types of roofing mastic to the penetrations don’t prove successful for the long term. Each subsequent layer of mastic becomes increasingly less effective as it relies on the previous mastic application to adhere to the flashing.
Insulation and Ice
On these types of buildings, a great deal of heat escapes through the roof because of the building’s insufficient insulation. This leads to severe ice buildup in the winter. In addition to the ice problem, the inadequate insulation also causes the heating bills to be much higher than if the building was adequately insulated.
Damage and Hazard
As the heat escapes through the decking, it causes any accumulated snow to melt. The snowmelt runs down the roof to the eave, which is outside the exterior wall and below freezing. The water freezes and creates an ice dam which continues to grow as more water runs down the roof. As water builds up behind the ice dam, it begins to flow into the fastener holes and between panels that are missing mastic. This causes water to leak into the building and run down the inside of the wall. The ice, along with attempts to remove it, typically cause severe damage to the roof edge.
Under the Roof
Internal condensation is also a concern, as the metal deck is much colder than the air inside the building. As the warm moist air rises, it condenses on the underside of the roof deck (ceiling) and drips into the insulation and room below. Water damage and mold concerns are natural consequences.
Our Best Recommendation
For a permanent, warranted solution, we recommend installing a complete mechanically-fastened Springfield SmartRoof™ System.
The Springfield SmartRoof™ System is entirely maintenance free.* Certified Springfield technicians will install this system, and completed in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. It will be 100% inspected by the Springfield Team, and then by an inspector from the manufacturer. The manufacturer will then award a full 20-year warranty, which is the best on the market.
*Annual inspections and debris removal are recommended and included at no charge for the first two years of your roof’s life. These inspections help us track the performance of your roofing system and also keep abreast of any new developments that could occur over time. Please contact your Project Manager to schedule your inspections.