Learning how to find a leak in a metal roof is the first step to saving your home from water damage. Metal roofs are famous for their durability—often lasting 40 to 70 years. But in Central Illinois, even the toughest metal roof faces a unique enemy: our weather.
From the sub-zero freezes of January to the humid heat of July, your metal roof expands and contracts constantly. According to the Metal Construction Association, this “thermal movement” is a primary cause of fastener fatigue.
If you are noticing water stains on your ceiling, don’t panic. Here is the exact method our team at SNS Roofing uses to find a leak in a metal roof and stop the damage.
Step 1: Start in the Attic (The “Inside-Out” Method)
Most homeowners grab a ladder immediately, but the safest way to find a leak in a metal roof starts inside.
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Go into the attic during the day. Turn off the lights and look for “pinholes” of light shining through the roof deck. If light can get in, water can get in.
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Trace the stains. Remember that water travels downhill. A wet spot on your bedroom ceiling doesn’t mean the hole is directly above it. Water often runs along rafters or the underside of metal panels before dripping.
Step 2: Check the “Danger Zones” on the Roof
Once you are safely on the roof (please use extreme caution or contact our team for a safety inspection), stop looking at the flat panels. Metal panels rarely leak in the middle unless punctured.
Instead, focus 90% of your energy on these four specific areas:
1. The Fasteners (Screws)
This is the #1 cause of leaks in the Peoria area. Over years of freezing and thawing, the metal panels expand and contract, which can “wiggle” screws loose.
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What to look for: Screws that are backed out, crooked, or missing entirely. Also, check the rubber washer—if it is cracked, it is no longer sealing.
2. The Flashings and Penetrations
Any area where a pipe or vent pokes through your roof is a prime candidate for a leak.
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What to look for: Check the sealant (caulk) around these pipes. If it is brittle or peeling, it needs to be replaced with a high-grade polyurethane sealant.
3. The Overlaps (Seams)
Metal panels overlap each other to shed water. Ideally, these seams are sealed with butyl tape.
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What to look for: If a heavy wind storm recently hit Central Illinois, it may have lifted a panel slightly. Look for gaps where the metal sheets join.
Step 3: The Garden Hose Test
Still can’t find a leak in a metal roof using a visual check? You may need to simulate a rainstorm.
1. Have one person stand in the attic with a flashlight.
2. Have the other person go on the roof with a garden hose.
3. Start LOW. Begin running water on the lowest part of the suspected area. Run it for 5 minutes before moving the hose up a few feet.
When to Call a Professional
Walking on a metal roof can be slippery and dangerous. If you cannot locate the source, or if the repair requires replacing entire panels, it is time to bring in the experts.
At SNS Roofing, we specialize in both residential and commercial metal roofing. We know exactly how Illinois weather impacts metal systems.
Don’t let a small drip turn into a rotted rafter. Contact SNS Roofing today for a comprehensive leak inspection in Peoria and the surrounding Central Illinois communities.
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