Have you had someone come over to “fix” your roof more times than you’d like to admit, and somehow, it still leaks?
While metal roofing in Long Island is a solid choice – it’s durable, it looks good, and it’s supposed to last for decades – it can start acting up if it wasn’t installed correctly or hasn’t been maintained properly.
We’re going to walk through some of the most common issues people encounter with metal roofing, what you can fix yourself, and when it’s time to call in a professional. We’ll also touch on what should be covered under warranty. Why? Because sometimes the installer should absolutely come back and fix it.
Let’s get into it.
Have You Faced These Metal Roofing Issues?
Sometimes it’s a little drip. Other times, it’s a full-blown leak. Either way, let’s break down a few common things homeowners notice and what’s probably going on behind the scenes.
It Leaks Again and Again
You patch it. It stops. The month is back like clockwork. We often see this issue with older metal roofing in Long Island, particularly if it’s around 15-20 years old.
What’s probably happening:
- The rubber washers on the screws are failing.
- The screws themselves may be backing out, which lets water sneak in.
- Or worse, the wood underneath may have rotted and can’t hold new screws properly anymore.
Solution?
- Replacing fasteners with larger dome cap screws can work. They bite into the wood better and protect the washer from UV damage.
- But if you’re doing this every few months, it’s probably time for a more lasting solution, like calling the roofing contractor.
The Skylight Area Is Leaky
Skylights are great for bringing in natural light, but not when the flashing around them isn’t done correctly. You would see drips or stains under or around the skylight. Sometimes the shingles around that area look rough or messy. Or, it’s hard to tell if the water’s sneaking in through the skylight itself or the nearby roofing section.
What’s probably happening:
- In some cases, shingles were reused during installation, which is not standard practice.
- Alternatively, caulking was applied to seal the metal panel ends above the flashing.
Solution?
- DIY fix? Probably not. A proper roofing contractor needs to inspect the flashing, check if the caulk is failing, and see if there’s any structural damage under the surface.
- If someone tells you they “reused” shingles or sealed something with caulk around critical areas like skylights, the original installer cut corners. Bring in another roofing company for an honest estimate to identify any issues they may have missed or caused.
Screws Keep Popping Out
If you’re finding screws on the ground or noticing raised fasteners, it’s not just annoying – it’s letting water in every single time it rains.
Why it’s probably happening:
- Expansion and contraction of the metal with weather changes loosen the screws over time.
- If it’s an exposed fastener metal roof (not a standing seam), this is normal but needs regular attention.
Solution?
- If the roof’s still in decent shape, go ahead and replace the old screws with larger ones.
- You could also do a full re-screw job; it’s tedious but doable if you’re careful and don’t mind getting up there.
- Or, if you want an even better fix, a silicone coating over the whole roof can buy you another 10‐15 years of leak-free life.
ALSO READ: How Gutter Installation Prevents Water Damage
It is Rusting
Metal roofing in Long Island isn’t supposed to rust. So when you start seeing reddish-brown spots, it’s a little alarming.
Why it’s probably happening:
- If your roof is aluminum, it shouldn’t rust. That means it’s probably galvanized steel instead.
- Over time, the galvanized coating wears down, especially with Long Island’s moody climate.
- And if it was installed with exposed screws, water and UV exposure start breaking down the screw gaskets, speeding up the rusting process.
Solution?
- You can paint over rusted areas or roll on a roof coating. It might help for a year or two, but it’s not a long-term fix. Expansion and contraction will eventually cause the coating to crack.
- If the rust is spreading or eating through the panels, it might be time to replace the affected sections or even the whole roof.
- A two-ply membrane or a properly installed standing seam system is way more reliable if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term.
When is it not a DIY situation?
Some roofing problems really do need a professional, especially if you’re dealing with metal roofing in Long Island, where weather and roof design can complicate things fast.
Here’s when to pick up the phone:
Flashing Is All Wrong
Common signs:
- Water stains on ceilings near edges, skylights, or chimneys
- Metal panels or shingles look crooked or poorly sealed at joints.
- You find a messy caulk job where flashing should be
Flashing is the thin metal installed to direct water away from openings and seams. When it’s misaligned, poorly fitted, or missing altogether, water slips right in. Especially around high-risk areas like chimneys or valleys.
A proper roofing contractor will custom-cut flashing, remove the surrounding panels or shingles, and reinstall everything with precision. That’s the only way to stop repeat leaks at those joints.
If you have metal roofing in Long Island, it’s especially important to get someone who understands local building codes and how seasonal weather impacts water flow and flashing performance.
Mysterious Leaks Are Showing Up
Common signs:
- Dripping or staining inside your home, but the roof above looks fine
- Leaks that seem to move or appear in different rooms over time
- No obvious damage from the above
Water from a metal roof can travel. That means the entry point might be several feet away from where you’re seeing the damage. Sometimes it’s a subtle flashing issue, a bad fastener, or underlayment failure hiding underneath solid-looking panels.
A qualified roofing contractor can trace the path of the leak, inspect the panels, and diagnose the root cause. They’ll look for things the average homeowner just can’t spot, such as failed seals, faulty installation, or compromised underlayment.
If your metal roofing in Long Island is harboring rot or mold under the panels, a pro will find and fix it before it becomes a major and expensive issue.
Poor Installation
Common signs:
- Panels look uneven, or you’re seeing gaps and loose fasteners
- Caulking was used where metal should’ve been sealed with a system
- Leaks keep happening, no matter how many patches you’ve done
Bad installation is one of the leading causes of metal roof failure within the first few years. Panels may have been misaligned, over-tightened, or installed without proper overlap or spacing.
A roof repair expert will assess whether the problems can be solved with sectional repair or if a more extensive redo is needed, especially if your roof is still under warranty. They’ll also spot any areas where shortcuts were taken and help you plan a fix that lasts.
If your home has metal roofing in Long Island, it’s critical to work with someone who doesn’t just patch up the surface but actually understands the right way to install and maintain these systems in the long run.
Steps to Take When Your Roof is Damaged
If you have been dealing with a leak, this is your way forward:
See if it’s Something You Can Handle Yourself
Can you see the problem? Is it a few loose screws or a small leak after a storm that you’re comfortable patching? If you’ve got a safe way to get on your roof, and the issue is straightforward, like replacing some fasteners, applying sealant, or even coating a well-prepped surface with silicone, you might be able to take care of it on your own.
If you’re not 100% sure about what you’re doing or don’t feel safe, it’s not worth the risk. Even if it’s technically a “DIY-able” fix, it doesn’t mean you personally have to do it.
Call a Pro When Things Just Feel Off
If you’ve tried patching leaks over and over again, or you’re seeing water damage but can’t pinpoint where it’s coming from, that’s your cue to call someone. The same goes if the flashing looks suspicious or if panels seem crooked, reused, or weirdly sealed with caulk. These aren’t things you want to guess your way through.
Getting an inspection from a reliable roofing contractor can give you clarity, and in a lot of cases, you might even find out the issue is easier (and cheaper) to fix than you expected, especially if your roof isn’t that old and could be under warranty. Even better if the contractor specializes in metal roofing in Long Island and actually knows what the local weather can do to your setup.
Check Your Warranty
This part gets overlooked way too often. If your metal roof is still within its service warranty window, there’s a good chance the problem isn’t even yours to fix. If installation issues are causing leaks or misaligned fasteners, your roofing company should be the one coming out to make it right.
So dig up that paperwork, check the fine print, and make the call. You’re not being annoying. You’re just asking them to do what they promised.
When in Doubt, Just Get an Honest Opinion
Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is get a second set of eyes on the problem. Maybe you’re not sure if the fasteners are the issue, or if you should go the DIY coating route, or consider a rescrew job. Maybe you’re debating whether to keep patching your old roof or finally invest in a replacement.
Professional roofers won’t scare you into a replacement. They actually take a look, walk you through what’s happening in layman’s terms, and give you realistic options. Whether it’s a simple repair, a rescrew, or something more involved, they’ll tell you straight without any weird sales tactics.
How to Make Your Metal Roof Last
With just a little care here and there, your metal roof in Long Island can easily last you for a couple of decades.
Inspect it Seasonally
Walk around the house or safely use a ladder if you’re up for it and look for anything odd: leaves clumped up in the gutters, a branch hanging out, or a screw doing the bare minimum. The sooner you spot it, the cheaper it is to fix.
Clean Off Gunk and Debris
Metal roofs don’t love piles of wet leaves, seed pods, or bird “offerings.” They all hold moisture and can cause staining, corrosion, or even mess with how the water drains. Grab a broom or leaf blower and clear it off before the next storm comes.
Don’t walk on it with Spiky Shoes
Walking on a metal roof is doable, but only with the right shoes. Soft rubber soles are good. Spiky shoes like cleats or even hiking boots can scratch the finish or dent panels, especially on a hot day. If you need to be up there, do it gently or call someone who does it for a living.
Keep an Eye on the Fasteners and Sealant
Fasteners can back out over time, and sealant eventually ages out. Just scan the roof for any lifted screws, cracking caulk, or rust spots. If anything looks suspicious, a quick repair now saves you from big, expensive repairs after.
Recoat When the Time Is Right
If your roof is getting up there in age but still structurally sound, a fresh silicone coating can add another 10–15 years of life. It adds protection, boosts reflectivity, and keeps the elements out. Plenty of pros offering metal roofing in Long Island do this kind of work, and it’s usually quicker and cheaper than you’d think.
Stop Second-Guessing and Call Delta Roofing Long Island
If you are tired of dealing with the weird leaks, sketchy installations, or the persistent problem that never seems to go away, let the pros handle it.
While sometimes a few new screws and a solid sealant job will do, other times, you’ll need a pro to step in and clean up what the last guy messed up.
No matter what your situation is, just know you’re not stuck. At Delta Roofing Long Island, we know metal roofing in Long Island inside and out.
Whether it’s an honest inspection, a full repair, or a second opinion on what’s going wrong, you’ll be glad you called.
So contact us now! Let’s fix that leak.
