What Corpus Christi TX Homes Need To Know About Metal Roof Corrosion

Metal roofing can withstand multiple hailstorms, the most severe winters, and heavy rainstorms. While trees and heavy debris can damage even the sturdiest and highly durable standing seam variants, metal roof corrosion is a problem that is second to none.

When metal roof corrosion begins, the material begins to turn brittle. In some cases, this is good -- aluminum oxidizes to prevent further corrosion to its core material. However, this is detrimental for tin roofs because over time, the moisture will penetrate your metal roofing material. In turn, it will let water seep into your underlayment.

There's more to know about metal roof corrosion. Stortz has an excellent article regarding metal roof corrosion explaining it in depth. Mind the jargon though, but there's always search engines to help know more about certain terms.

Prevent Metal Roof Corrosion

Not all metals get along!

Metal roof corrosion happens. This idea may be foreign to us guys who don’t recall chemistry class in school, but it is necessary to understand similar vs. dissimilar metals when roofing. Anytime you are selecting metals that are in direct (touching) or indirect (runoff) contact with one another, you should have referenced the “Electrochemical Series” chart. If you have ever heard the term “galvanic corrosion”, this is what it is referring to. When an electrolyte (moisture) is in the presence of two metals, the less noble metal will experience accelerated corrosion. The Electrochemical Series is a chart that orders metals from the least noble (anodic) to the most noble (cathodic). Therefore, the further apart the metals on the chart, the faster/more aggressive corrosion will be.

Examples:

1) Copper and Stainless Steel – Since these metals are next to one another on the chart, they are compatible and therefore commonly paired together for roofing purposes.

2) Zinc and Copper (Read Full Post)

If you've recently had a metal roof installation from the best metal roofers Corpus Christi TX has, then you've most likely heard that acrylic and elastomeric coatings can help reduce metal roof corrosion. In fact, these roofing paints will improve the lifespan and performance of your metal roof material.

While they're not a one-stop shop solution, they do their job effectively. Proof of this is National Coatings' article on how metal roof coating reduces corrosion on metal roofs. Read more about it below.

Does Metal Roof Paint - aka Metal Roof Coating - Reduce Corrosion on my Metal Roof?

To begin this article, we’d like to explain the term metal roof paint and metal roof coatings often referred to each other as the same. While this is fine with us, we will use the term metal roof coating because the word “coating” is the proper terminology as these products are thicker, more flexible and last longer than traditional paint. A paint could not provide the protection and durability a roof needs in order to survive the sun’s UV ray exposure, as well as, other harsh elements a roof endures throughout the year.

Now, back to the question – Do metal roof coatings reduce corrosion on my metal roof? YES! Coatings are excellent at reducing and inhibiting further rust from developing. The RustShield A120 is an excellent primer for metal roofs because it was specifically engineered to combat flash rusting and provide outstanding corrosion protection.

Next you are probably wondering how do you restore a metal roof that has rust corrosion? Well, on a typical aged metal roof, rust exists. In these areas, the rust must be removed either by cutting the sections of metal out that have rusted all the way through or by using a rust-inhibiting primer (RustShield A120) to stop the rust from spreading further. Butyl tape is then placed on all seams and screw penetrations and a polyester fabric is then embedded into the base coat at these areas to ensure a fully sealed and waterproof roof membrane. (Read More Here)

Even with acrylic and elastomeric coats, prevention is always a huge pound against any cure (or repairs). The best way to understand metal roof corrosion is to know which chemical, substances, and materials accelerate the rusting process. If these elements are common in your area, it will be wise to reconsider using a roof material other than metal when you install or replace your roof.

Sciencing has an excellent post explaining how different elements cause your metal roof to deteriorate and corrode rapidly. Read more below.

What Chemicals Rust Metal Rapidly?

Rust is a chemical reaction that involves the exchange of electrons between atoms; certain chemicals can accelerate rusting by increasing the electrical activity between iron and oxygen. Substances such as salts and acids increase the conductivity of moisture around metal, making rust happen more quickly.

Water

Metals deteriorate quickly in damp environments because moist air provides an ideal medium in which rust forms. A water droplet, in effect, becomes a small battery, allowing ions to move freely between the iron and oxygen. Near the point where the water, iron and air meet, an electrochemical reaction pulls oxygen from the air, forming hydroxide ions in the water. Where metal is covered in water, iron atoms lose electrons, which causes the metal to slowly disintegrate; ionized iron dissolves into the water. In the water, the dissolved iron reacts with the hydroxide ions to form rust.

Salt

Salt accelerates the rusting process by lowering the electrical resistance of water. Rust happens through a chemical process called oxidation in which metal atoms lose electrons, forming ions. The more easily the electrons flow from iron to oxygen, the quicker the metal rusts. In those states that use road salt during the winter to melt snow, steel car bodies rust more rapidly than in dry desert states.

Bleach (Read More Here)

At this point, you're knowledgeable about the potential issues you can encounter with metal roof corrosion and cope with the possible issues you can encounter in the near future. However, if you find the difficulty of dealing with metal roof corrosions deterring, you can count on Galvan Builders to help you. Contact us today!

 

See Full Artcile Here: What Corpus Christi TX Homes Need To Know About Metal Roof Corrosion

Galvan Builders Construction Company
4938 Williams Drive,
Corpus Christi TX 78411
361-857-4341
https://goo.gl/maps/hRuKHVsqsXXBvgRK8