Checking sheet metal roofing for winter damage

Start by walking around the building in good light. Look for deformed gutters, loose downpipes and sections of flashings that have come away from the edge. Watch for signs of water overflowing onto the façade. Photos taken from a safe position will later allow you to point the roofer to a specific section. Do not lean the ladder against a damaged gutter.

Also inspect the attic if you have safe access to it. Water stains, wet timber and damp insulation require the cause to be established. The stain does not have to be directly below the leak, because water can travel through the layers. Note whether the problem occurred after rain, thaw or during frost. This helps identify the source of moisture.

Leaves, twigs and deposited debris can hold water in the gutter. In winter, snow and ice add load. After the thaw, it is worth checking that the outlets are clear and the joints are in good condition. Cleaning should remove blockages without damaging the coating. Do not push waste into the pipe in the hope that the next rain will carry it away.

If the gutter has shifted, cleaning it alone is not enough. The contractor should assess the brackets, the fall and the connection to the eaves according to the given system. In a concealed drainage system, inspection access and checking places not visible from the yard are important. A trace of moisture on the façade may be a reason to check a pipe hidden behind the cladding.

During an inspection, particular attention is paid to roof valleys, chimney flashings, the ridge and service penetrations. These are where different elements and directions of water flow meet. It is worth checking the condition of seals and fixings. A loose screw or damaged washer requires proper repair, not random covering with a thick layer of sealant.

On T18 and T35 trapezoidal sheets, the overlaps and cut edges are also checked. On tile-effect metal roofing, attention is drawn to the joints between panels or sheets. Do not tighten all screws with great force as a precaution. Excessive compression of the seal or deformation of the sheet can worsen tightness. The method of correction depends on the cause and the type of fastener.

A dark streak may be deposit, and a rusty spot may be a remnant of a metal filing. Assessment requires cleaning by an appropriate method and inspecting the surface. Do not immediately use a coarse brush, aggressive chemicals or a random solvent. The preparation and washing method should be approved for the specific coating, including at its edges.

If a scratch or a loss of protective coating is visible, determine the scope of repair according to the supplier’s recommendations. A large area should not be painted over on a trial basis. A touch-up may have a different gloss and is not suitable for repairing every type of damage. Dents from snow, branches or improper walking require a separate assessment of the condition of the covering and its supports.

Moisture can also come from condensation. The risk increases when warm, humid air meets cold surfaces. Ventilation, the airtightness of the layers from the interior and the condition of the insulation must then be checked. Sealing only the outer sheet metal will not fix an error in the layer build-up or excessive humidity in the room.

After winter, do not close off ventilation openings yourself, even if they seem to be a source of cold. Their role depends on the roof construction. Damp insulation must be assessed before it is closed up. A well-described inspection should separate repairs to the covering from measures concerning ventilation and the thermal properties of the entire assembly.

Record the date, inspection conditions and locations requiring intervention. Add a description to the photos: for example, the eaves on the garden side or the flashing at the chimney. Determine which works are urgent and which can be combined with planned servicing. Documentation allows the condition of the roof to be compared in subsequent years and clarifies whether a given defect is increasing.

Entrust work on the roof slope to a team with appropriate equipment and protection. Wet sheet metal can be slippery, and not every roof element is suitable for walking on. After the repair, ask for confirmation of the materials used. Also ensure that filings and installation residues are removed. A good inspection ends with a concrete plan and documented repair.