FAQ: How Do You Prevent Leaks on a Metal Roof?

Leaks on metal roofs are almost always the result of poor installation, not the material itself.

At The Roof Champion of Columbus, we take leak prevention seriously. Here's how we do it right the first time:

✅ Hidden Fasteners

Visible screws can back out, rust, or crack the washer over time—leading to leaks.

We use hidden fastener systems to eliminate that risk. These systems keep all hardware protected and secure under the metal panels, drastically reducing exposure to wind, rain, and UV.

✅ Double-Lock Seams

Where two metal panels meet, we don’t just overlap them—we double-lock the seams.

That means:

• Tight compression at every joint

• No gaps for wind-driven rain to get through

• Long-term durability against freeze-thaw cycles

This is a standard best practice in architectural metal roofing, especially important for Ohio’s unpredictable weather.

✅ Continuous Panels

Fewer seams = fewer chances for leaks.

We run full-length panels from ridge to eave whenever possible. No horizontal breaks. No unnecessary joints.

This is especially important over valleys, dormers, and long roof spans.

✅ Expert Flashing on Every Penetration

Most leaks happen around:

• Pipes

• Skylights

• Chimneys

• Dormers

• Vents

We custom-fabricate and install flashing around every penetration with:

• High-grade butyl or polyurethane sealants

• Premium pipe boots and collars

• Mechanically fastened flashings that don’t shift over time

We never use caulk alone to "seal" anything.

✅ No Shortcuts. Period.

We’ve repaired too many metal roofs in Columbus where the original installer skipped the basics—like proper underlayment or backwater laps.

Our team is trained to follow (and exceed) the metal roofing standards from the NRCA and MCA.

Real Talk from Travis

"Most leaks I fix on metal roofs were avoidable. Someone used the wrong fastener, skipped flashing, or just got lazy. We don’t take shortcuts. Ever."

– Travis Haessly, Owner

FAQs

How long should a properly installed metal roof last?
50+ years is normal when installed correctly. Regular inspections help it last even longer.

Do all metal roofs use hidden fasteners?
No. Many cheaper systems still use exposed screws. Hidden fastener systems are a premium upgrade—but well worth it.

Can you fix a leaking metal roof, or does it need replaced?
That depends. If the roof was poorly installed, leaks often come back. We’ll inspect it and give you an honest recommendation—repair if we can, replace if we must.

Will a metal roof be louder in the rain?
Not if it’s installed with proper decking and insulation. Most homeowners say they can’t tell a difference.

Need a second opinion on your metal roof?

Call or text Travis directly: (614) 639-3422
Or schedule a free inspection at www.roofchampcolumbus.com