Why metal roof inspections can’t wait

By Jesse Sanchez.

Skipping regular checks on metal roofs can turn minor issues into expensive problems.

Many commercial building owners trust metal roofs to be the best choice when it comes to durability. Marketed as a “forever roof,” metal roofing systems enjoy a reputation for longevity and low maintenance. Because of this, owners often think it’s a one and done solution. But as industry veterans Tim Overstreet of Gaco and ER Systems and Tom Portaro from NTEC Systems know, that’s not always the case.  As they shared in this episode of MetalTalk™ with Karen Edwards, that mindset can backfire — and it often does.

It’s a common but dangerous misconception: that metal roofs require little to no ongoing attention. The reality, according to both guests, is that deferred maintenance can snowball into costly repairs or even total system failure. “Building owners who have a metal roof. Your mind says, ‘I’ve got this bulletproof forever roof and so I don’t do the maintenance, I don’t do the inspections,’” said Tom. “That’s not true.”

“A roof is not going to last forever if you don’t maintain it,”  Tim shared. “If trades are going to be on your roof, you want to get up there, take a look at what they possibly have done to your roof, make sure that your gutters are clean.”

Both experts expressed how easily small issues — like backed-out fasteners or clogged drains — can grow into major leaks if left unattended. And by the time contractors are called in, it’s often too late. “We’re only notified when there’s a problem, when we have a fire we have to put out,” Tom said. “Rarely are we called out to do things like, ‘Hey, I just thought you should look at our roof.’”

What makes the problem worse is the complexity of metal roof leak detection. Unlike traditional systems, metal roofs often mask the true source of water infiltration. “I’ve seen problems downhill from the actual leak source,” Tom explained. “Hydrostatic pressures, things that drive you absolutely nuts. We are looking for that proverbial needle in the haystack.”

The message is clear: inspections are not a luxury — they’re a necessity. Tim pointed out that most restoration issues could be avoided altogether with routine checks and proactive fixes. He explained, “The quickest way to increase your business and to eliminate price from the equation is to always be in front of them, always taking care of their problems before they’re too bad.”

The bottom line? Waiting for visible damage could mean the difference between a simple restoration and a full, costly replacement.

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about what to look for during inspections, how contractors approach leak detection and why proactive relationships with clients pay off long-term!