Maintenance, chemistry and the “forever roof” myth

By Jesse Sanchez.

Restoration pros break down why metal roofs fail — and how to save them without a tear-off.

In this MetalTalk™, host Karen Edwards is joined by Tim Overstreet of Gaco and Tom Portaro of NTEC Systems for an eye-opening conversation that strips away the illusion of the “forever roof.” The guests share compelling insights as to why metal roofs fail and provide practical strategies to helping maintain metal roofs,  which offer serious value for both contractors and building owners.

Metal roofing is known for its long lifespan and because of its durability, some people think it will last a lifetime without intervention, which is simply not true. While the metal itself may hold up, the components that keep water out, like seams and fasteners, often don’t. This is why regular maintenance is crucial to monitor the health of the roof. Oftentimes when a roof is neglected, roof restoration might not be an option and instead a whole reroof must occur, which is costly and time consuming for the building owner. As Tom states, “We’re not in the resurrection business, we’re in the restoration business.”  

Both guests stress that by the time most contractors are called in, they’re responding to a leak — not performing preventative maintenance. That delay in action, as Tom put it, forces roofers into “needle in a haystack” territory when tracking leaks. He added, “I've seen problems downhill from the actual leak source, wicking, hydrostatic pressures, things that drive you absolutely nuts.”

Tim gives a detailed breakdown of the chemistries at play when leaks like this occur—especially when the damage shows up far from the original source. “Silicone is the only metal roofing material that is truly non-sacrificial in nature,” he noted. But when other materials are applied improperly or when they break down under constant exposure to sun, rain and temperature swings, the results can be misleading. Water can travel great distances under the roof before finally surfacing, making the actual source hard to trace. This often leads to costly delays and equipment failures. That’s why Tim favors a hybrid approach: urethane on the seams for its flexibility and adhesion and silicone on the field for its long-term resistance to the elements.

More than just chemistry, the two experts highlight the business strategy behind restoration and why relationships and preventative maintenance are key. Contractors who build ongoing relationships with clients, even showing up just to walk the roof, are positioning themselves to be the go-to call when major work is needed. “You want to be the only roofer on that guy’s desk,” said Tom. And restoration work, especially when proactively maintained, becomes a renewable opportunity.

According to Tim and Tom, mastering restoration isn’t optional, it’s essential for staying competitive in today’s roofing market. “If you’re not doing this, somebody else is,” stated Tom. And with manufacturers like Gaco stressing training, oversight and partnership, the path is clear for roofing professionals ready to take the leap into restoration. Tim expressed, “We want to be involved throughout the entirety of the process.”  

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about how contractor strategy and the truth behind the “forever roof” can reshape your approach to metal roof restoration!