Unlocking longevity with proactive care

By Jesse Sanchez.

Industry experts share how inspections and restoration can extend roof life while cutting costs.

In this episode of MetalTalk™, hosted by Karen Edwards, industry experts Tim Overstreet of Gaco and Tom Portaro of NTEC Systems shared their insights on metal roof maintenance and restoration. The discussion revealed actionable strategies to maximize the lifespan of metal roofing systems while reducing long-term costs.

"Metal roofs are by far the best substrate or the longest-lasting substrate that you can ever use in a roofing application," said Tim. Yet, he cautioned that even these durable systems are not immune to environmental factors like rust, fading and thermal shock, which can lead to leaks if ignored.

The key takeaway? Proactive inspections, cleaning and regular maintenance are crucial. "A roof is not going to last forever if you don’t maintain it," Tim expressed, comparing maintenance to changing a car’s oil or rotating tires. Both experts noted that while many building owners assume metal roofs are virtually maintenance-free, neglect often leads to costly repairs.

Tom mentioned the industry’s reactive approach: “Many building owners who have a metal roof, think, ‘I've got this bulletproof forever roof and so I don't do the maintenance, I don't do the inspections. It's a metal roof, what could ever happen to it?’” He encouraged contractors to educate clients about the value of consistent upkeep to prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems. “As contractors, when we're called in, we hope we're called in at a point where we can actually help them. But rarely are we called in as a preventative maintenance call. Hopefully, we get called on a leak call or something benign. We get a chance to look at these roofs before they get too far down the line.”

The conversation also covered common vulnerabilities in metal roofs, including issues with seams, fasteners and previous repairs. Tim noted that many problems stem from poor maintenance practices or temporary fixes that fail over time. He explained that thermal shock or solar shock causes expansion and contraction in metal panels. Adding that this movement often leads to leaks if not addressed. Both experts stressed that restoration, when done proactively, can not only resolve these issues but also provide a cost-effective solution that avoids the need for full roof replacements.

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about the specific restoration techniques, the benefits of different roof coatings and how manufacturers support contractors!