METAL RESTORATION

SPATCO Energy Solutions

Seam and penetration repairs with a coating restoration

Project Overview

SPATCO Energy Solutions occupies a building at 5223 Klockner Drive in Richmond with a standing-seam metal roof surrounded by a parapet wall.

Earlier patches on the roof had failed. The owner needed those leak points fixed properly and the roof protected so it would stay sealed.

Job Photos

Standing-seam metal roof inside the parapet wall before repairs (SPATCO Energy Solutions, Richmond, VA) — Standing-seam metal roof inside the parapet wall before repairs

Old patch material on a standing-seam cross seam before removal (SPATCO Energy Solutions, Richmond, VA) — Old patch material on a standing-seam cross seam before removal

New white sealant applied across a cross seam on the metal panels (SPATCO Energy Solutions, Richmond, VA) — New white sealant applied across a cross seam on the metal panels

Seam end sealed with white sealant where a failed patch had been (SPATCO Energy Solutions, Richmond, VA) — Seam end sealed with white sealant where a failed patch had been

Coated standing-seam roof in a light gray-white finish (SPATCO Energy Solutions, Richmond, VA) — Coated standing-seam roof in a light gray-white finish

Finished coated metal roof along the parapet wall (SPATCO Energy Solutions, Richmond, VA) — Finished coated metal roof along the parapet wall

The Challenge

Patches over seams and penetrations had been applied on this roof before, and they had stopped doing their job. Old patch material sat at seam ends and cross seams, and some of it was lifting or worn. A patch that has lost adhesion can trap water against the metal instead of keeping it out.

Putting new sealant on top of a failed patch usually fails the same way, so the old material had to come off before the seams and penetrations could be sealed again.

Our Solution

We removed the failed patches, sealed the seams and penetrations, and coated the roof. White sealant went on at the seam ends and cross seams, and the finished roof is coated in a light gray-white color.

1We removed the failed patch material from the seams and penetrations.
2We prepared the bare metal where the old patches had been.
3We sealed the seams and penetrations.
4We coated the metal roof.

Why This Approach

When a standing-seam roof is structurally sound and the leaks are at seams and penetrations, a restoration targets the actual problem without the cost of replacing the metal. The important step is taking off the failed repairs instead of building on top of them, so the new sealant bonds to clean metal. A coating over the whole roof then protects the panels and the new seam work from sun and weather.

Results

Failed patches removed
Seams and penetrations sealed
Coating applied over the standing-seam metal roof

Common Questions

Why do patches on metal roof seams fail?

Metal expands and contracts every day with temperature changes, which works on any sealant or patch. Patches also fail when they are applied over dirty or rusty metal, or with a material that is not made for metal roofs. Proper surface prep and a flexible, compatible sealant make a big difference.

Should old roof patches be removed before coating?

Yes, if they are loose, cracked or lifting. Coating over a failed patch just puts new material on a weak base. Sound, well-bonded repairs can sometimes stay, but anything that is not firmly attached should come off.

Can a standing-seam metal roof be coated?

Yes. Standing-seam roofs can be cleaned, have their seams and penetrations sealed, and receive a roof coating, which protects the metal and gives it a fresh, reflective surface.