Nationwide Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing info@elitewaterproofing.co.uk
Commercial & Industrial Roofing

Metal Roof Repair & Refurbishment

Specialist commercial metal roof repairs, cut-edge corrosion treatment and liquid-applied waterproofing solutions for warehouses, factories and industrial buildings throughout the UK.

Refurbish Rather Than Replace

Extending the Life of Metal Roofing

Commercial metal roofs are durable, but over time protective finishes, roof sheet edges, fixings and weatherproofing details can deteriorate and allow water ingress.

Elite Waterproofing provides targeted metal roof repair and refurbishment services, addressing the defects responsible for leaks and progressive roof deterioration.

Using suitable surface preparation, corrosion treatment and liquid-applied waterproofing systems, we can refurbish appropriate existing roof coverings without necessarily replacing the entire roof.

Our approach considers the complete roofing system, including sheet laps, cut edges, fasteners, flashings, rooflights, penetrations and gutters.

Common Metal Roofing Problems

Where Do Metal Roofs Fail?

Metal roofs can develop leaks at several different locations, often long before the entire covering reaches the end of its useful life.

01

Cut-Edge Corrosion

Exposed sheet edges and overlaps can corrode as protective finishes deteriorate, allowing rust to spread beneath adjacent coatings.

02

Corroded Fixings

Deteriorated washers, fasteners and bolt heads can allow water to enter around fixing positions.

03

Failed Roof Sheet Laps

Ageing seals, sheet movement and corrosion can compromise the weatherproofing of overlapping metal panels.

04

Rooflight Junctions

Failed seals and connections around rooflights may allow rainwater to enter even when the adjoining sheets remain sound.

05

Flashings & Penetrations

Vents, ducting, plant installations and abutments introduce additional details requiring suitable weatherproofing.

06

Gutters & Condensation

Drainage defects can cause water ingress, while condensation from inadequate thermal control may be mistaken for roof leaks.

Metal roof sheet overlap showing exposed edges and cut-edge corrosion treatment
Cut-edge treatment detail from the original Elite Waterproofing website.
Specialist Corrosion Treatment

What Is Cut-Edge Corrosion?

Cut-edge corrosion is a common problem affecting coated metal roof sheets, particularly around sheet overlaps, eaves and exposed edges.

Where the protective coating is damaged or insufficient at the edge of a sheet, moisture can initiate corrosion. This may progress beneath the surrounding coating, causing blistering, peeling, staining and eventual perforation.

Early treatment can help protect suitable roof sheets before deterioration becomes too extensive for refurbishment.

Warning Signs

  • Rust streaks on roofs, walls and gutters
  • Flaking or blistering protective coating
  • Corrosion at roof sheet overlaps
  • Pitting or holes near exposed edges
  • Water ingress during rainfall
Our Approach

How We Repair Corroded Metal Roofs

Effective treatment requires more than covering visible rust. Surface condition, preparation and system compatibility are important to the finished waterproofing treatment.

01

Inspection

Identify corrosion, failed joints, leaks and other defects requiring repair.

02

Surface Preparation

Remove loose contamination and prepare affected areas in accordance with the selected treatment specification.

03

Priming & Detailing

Apply compatible primers where specified and treat vulnerable sheet edges, laps and fixings.

04

Waterproofing

Apply the selected liquid-applied system to create a protective barrier over treated areas.

Severely corroded or perforated sheets may require localised replacement rather than coating alone. The suitability of any refurbishment system must be assessed for the existing roof.
Original Project Photography

Metal Roof Corrosion & Waterproofing Details

Examples of metal roof sheet edges and overlaps from Elite Waterproofing's existing cut-edge corrosion service.

Metal roofing sheet alongside a treated dark waterproofing detail
Liquid-applied protective treatment adjoining profiled metal roof sheeting.
Close-up of a commercial metal roofing overlap with edge treatment
Metal roof sheet overlap and cut-edge waterproofing detail.
These photographs are from the original website. Once the page is approved, upload them to the new WordPress Media Library and replace their URLs to avoid dependency on the old installation.
Comprehensive Roof Repairs

Liquid-Applied Metal Roof Refurbishment

In addition to localised corrosion treatment, suitable metal roofing systems may benefit from more comprehensive waterproofing refurbishment.

Roof Sheet Lap Sealing

Treatment of leaking sheet overlaps and vulnerable joints using compatible sealants, reinforcement and liquid waterproofing materials.

Fixings & Fasteners

Assessment and treatment of deteriorated fastener locations, with replacement of unsuitable components where required.

Rooflight & Flashing Details

Remedial waterproofing around rooflight junctions, penetrations, abutments and other complex interfaces.

Protective Roof Coatings

Broader protective coating systems may be appropriate where the roof substrate remains suitable and the system is correctly specified.

Advantages of Refurbishment

Why Refurbish Your Existing Metal Roof?

Potential Cost Savings

Repairing suitable existing coverings may cost less than extensive roof replacement. Savings depend on roof condition and specification.

Reduced Disruption

Targeted repair works can sometimes be organised around ongoing business activity, subject to access and safety arrangements.

Corrosion Protection

Appropriate preparation and compatible protective treatments can help limit further deterioration of treated areas.

Detailed Waterproofing

Liquid-applied systems can accommodate complicated roofing details where conventional sheet materials may be difficult to apply.

Service Life Extension

Suitable repairs can extend the serviceable life of existing roofing, depending on roof condition and ongoing maintenance.

Project-Specific Systems

Products and application methods can be selected according to substrate condition and the approved specification.

Choosing the Correct Solution

Repair, Refurbish or Replace?

Not every corroded metal roof needs replacement. Equally, some roofs are too deteriorated for coating to be an appropriate long-term solution.

Repair & Refurbishment

Suitable for roofs where the underlying sheets remain serviceable and problems can be addressed through corrosion treatment, detailed repairs or compatible coatings.

A roof assessment helps determine the appropriate treatment areas and required preparation.

Discuss Refurbishment

Metal Roof Replacement

Replacement may be more appropriate where corrosion has caused extensive damage, sheets have lost serviceability or the building requires a new roofing specification.

This may involve individual roof sections or a more extensive roof replacement programme.

Explore Replacement
Commercial & Industrial Buildings

Roofing Work Around Your Business

Metal roof refurbishment can involve occupied factories, warehouses, retail premises and other operational buildings.

Access equipment, material movement, roof-level work, weather conditions and activities below must all be considered during planning.

The preferred repair method will depend on the nature of the defects, the building, the location of work and any restrictions affecting normal business operations.

Where possible, works can be sequenced to reduce disruption, while prioritising appropriate safety controls and installation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metal Roof Repair FAQs

What causes cut-edge corrosion?

Corrosion can begin where the protective finish of a metal roof sheet is damaged, thin or absent, particularly at exposed edges. Moisture can then penetrate beneath adjacent coatings and cause further deterioration.

Can cut-edge corrosion be repaired?

Yes, where the remaining metal is in suitable condition. Repair commonly involves appropriate surface preparation, compatible primers and protective treatment. Severely damaged sheets may need replacement.

Can a metal roof be waterproofed without replacing it?

In many cases, suitable existing metal roofs can be refurbished using detailed sealing and compatible liquid-applied waterproofing systems. An assessment is needed before specifying treatment.

How do I know whether my roof needs repairing?

Warning signs include rust staining, coating delamination, repeated leaks, damaged fixings, perforated areas and deterioration around roof sheet overlaps.

Can condensation be mistaken for a roof leak?

Yes. Condensation can occur when warm, moist internal air contacts colder roof surfaces. Identifying whether moisture comes from condensation or external rainfall is important before repairs.

How long will a metal roof refurbishment last?

This depends on the existing substrate, preparation, system specification, exposure conditions and maintenance. Any product or workmanship guarantee should be confirmed in writing.

Request a Quotation

Is Your Commercial Metal Roof Leaking?

Whether you're dealing with cut-edge corrosion, leaking roof sheet laps, deteriorated fixings or wider metal roof refurbishment requirements, contact Elite Waterproofing to discuss your building.

Call 01509 414300