(343) 321-0218
info@burnhambrothers.com
Ottawa, ON
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Metal Roof Problems? Expert Repairs for Standing Seam, Corrugated & More

Rust, loose panels, failed seams, and leaks require specialized expertise. Burnham Brothers has 35 years repairing metal roofs in Ottawa—we know every type inside and out.

Get Your Free Estimate Call (343) 321-0218
/ Hidden Problems

Metal Roof Damage Spreads Quickly—And You Might Not See It Until It's Too Late

Metal roofs are tough. They resist wind, hail, and UV damage better than asphalt. But when they fail, they fail in ways homeowners often don't notice until serious water damage appears.

A tiny rust spot today becomes a pinhole leak tomorrow. Failed seams let water run between panels where you can't see it. Loose fasteners cause panels to flap, creating larger gaps over time.

And here's the problem: You often don't see water damage until it's in your attic or ceiling. By then, insulation is rotted, wood is compromised, and mold is growing.

Ottawa's climate accelerates everything:

  • Salt spray from winter roads rusts fasteners and coatings
  • Freeze-thaw cycles break seals and weaken fasteners
  • Heavy snow loads stress panels and their connections
  • Spring ice melt finds every tiny gap

A $600 seam repair today prevents a $10,000+ water damage repair next month.

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Metal Roof Damage

Metal Roof Problems We Repair in Ottawa Homes

Rust & Corrosion

Looks like: Orange/brown discoloration, pitting, coating loss

Why it happens: Salt air, road salt spray, moisture, age

MEDIUM-HIGH

Failed Seams

Looks like: Seams no longer sealed, visible gaps, water entry

Why it happens: Freeze-thaw expansion/contraction, UV degradation, improper original installation

CRITICAL

Loose or Missing Fasteners

Looks like: Panels flap or move, visible fastener holes, leaking

Why it happens: High winds, frost heave from ground freeze, vibration, poor original installation

HIGH

Loose Panels

Looks like: Panels move independently, rattling during wind

Why it happens: Fastener failure, seam separation, wind loading

HIGH

Punctures & Holes

Looks like: Visible holes or dents with water entry

Why it happens: Hail, falling tree branches, poor maintenance

CRITICAL

Flashing Failure

Looks like: Rust or gaps at roof penetrations (chimney, vents)

Why it happens: Same as seam failure; flashing is most vulnerable area

CRITICAL

Coating Breakdown

Looks like: Chalky appearance, color fading, paint peeling

Why it happens: UV damage, moisture, age (10-15 years for typical coatings)

MEDIUM

How to Spot Metal Roof Problems Before They Become Emergencies

On the Roof Surface

  • Visible rust spots or discoloration
  • Coating looks chalky or powdery
  • Visible gaps or separation at seams
  • Loose or missing fasteners (visible screws or holes)
  • Panels that look like they're flapping or moving
  • Dents or punctures visible (especially after hail)
  • Rust around fasteners or flashing

Around Penetrations

  • Rust or discoloration around chimney, vents, or skylights
  • Gaps where flashing meets the roof
  • Flashing that looks lifted or bent

In the Attic

  • Water stains or wet insulation
  • Streaks of water running down framing
  • Rust stains on wood (water dripping from above)
  • Mold or mildew smell
  • Damp spots with no obvious source

Inside Your Home

  • Water stains on ceilings or upper walls
  • Peeling paint
  • Musty smell in rooms below metal roof
  • Water running down interior walls during heavy rain

After a Storm

  • Panels visibly displaced or dented
  • Fasteners missing or loose
  • New rust developing at impact points

Our Expert Metal Roof Repair Process

1

Professional Inspection

Metal roof damage isn't always obvious from the ground. We get on the roof and perform a detailed inspection that includes checking all seams for separation or rust, testing fasteners for tightness and corrosion, examining flashing and penetrations, looking for rust spots and coating breakdown, and checking the underlying roof deck for water damage. We use specialized tools and take photos so you see exactly what we're seeing.

2

Detailed Quote

Your quote will specify which seams or fasteners need repair, rust treatment and coating needed, flashing repair or replacement, whether water has damaged the underlying deck, preventative measures we recommend, materials and labor, and timeline. All before we start work.

3

Seam & Fastener Repair

For failed seams, we remove the old sealant, treat any rust, and apply new sealant that's rated for freeze-thaw cycling and UV exposure. For loose fasteners, we tighten or replace them with stainless steel fasteners that resist corrosion better than the original.

4

Rust Treatment & Coating

For rust spots, we treat the corrosion chemically, prime the area, and apply a rust-preventative topcoat. For larger areas of coating breakdown, we may recommend a full roof coating to protect the remaining metal.

5

Flashing Repair

Flashing is the most vulnerable part of any metal roof. If it's compromised, we repair or replace it with properly sealed connections that'll last 15+ years.

6

Final Inspection & Protection

We inspect all our work, clean up completely, and run through everything with you before we leave. We also discuss preventative maintenance to keep your metal roof problem-free. <strong>Timeline: Most metal roof repairs are completed in 1-3 days depending on complexity.</strong>

Every Metal Roof Type. Every Problem.

Standing Seam Metal Roof

The most common in residential applications. Vertical panels connected by raised seams. We repair seam separation, fastener failure, and rust issues.

Corrugated Metal Roofing

Wavy pattern provides strength. We repair punctures, rust, and fastener problems. These are tougher than standing seam but still vulnerable to seam failure.

Metal Shakes & Shingles

Individual metal pieces designed to look like cedar or asphalt. We repair rust, coating failure, and fastener issues on both the metal and the overlaps.

Architectural Metal Roofing

Premium metal roofing with hidden fasteners and more sophisticated seaming. We repair these with the same attention to detail they were built with.

All Types: We understand the installation method, fastening system, and sealing requirements for every metal roof type. We don't treat them all the same—because they're not.

Why Metal Roofs Need Special Care in Ottawa

Road Salt & Winter Corrosion

Ottawa's winter road maintenance uses massive amounts of road salt. That salt becomes airborne and lands on roofs, accelerating corrosion of fasteners and metal coatings. This is especially severe for homes near major roads.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles (The Killer)

Metal expands and contracts with temperature swings. Ottawa's 50+ freeze-thaw cycles per winter create constant stress on seams and fasteners. Seals that work fine in Florida fail in Ottawa within 5 years.

Heavy Wet Snow

Spring snow is heavy and wet. That load stresses fasteners, causing them to work loose. Loose fasteners allow panels to move, which breaks seals and creates gaps.

UV & Coating Degradation

Summer sun is intense, but metal roofs are also vulnerable in winter. UV breaks down coatings year-round. In Ottawa, a quality coating might last 12-15 years before significant breakdown.

What This Means for Your Metal Roof

You need seams sealed with products rated for freeze-thaw cycling, stainless steel fasteners instead of standard galvanized, more frequent inspections (every 2-3 years), and a coating maintenance plan to extend the roof's life.

Our Approach

We repair metal roofs with Ottawa's climate in mind. We use premium sealants, stainless fasteners when possible, and recommend preventative coatings before problems appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on what's wrong. A single failed seam costs $200–$400 to repair. Loose fasteners run $100–$300 per area. Rust treatment and coating start at $500. The only way to know is a detailed inspection. Get your free estimate → or call (343) 321-0218.
Not if you want it to last. Rust spots need proper treatment—removing corrosion, priming, and coating with products rated for roofing use. DIY solutions typically fail within a year. Professional rust treatment lasts 10-15+ years. It's worth the investment.
Failed seams either separate visibly (you see a gap), or they fail silently and water starts leaking into your attic weeks later. The safest way is a professional inspection. We can tell you exactly which seams are at risk before they fail.
If your roof is 10-12 years old and the coating is breaking down, a full roof coating can add another 10-15 years of life for $2,000–$4,000. If your roof is already 20+ years old, replacement might be smarter. We'll give you an honest recommendation.
Yes, especially in Ottawa. Stainless fasteners cost 20-30% more than galvanized but resist salt corrosion much better. In a climate like ours, they're the smart choice. They can save you repair costs down the road.
Sealing a seam means cleaning it and applying new sealant. This works if the seam structure is intact but the seal has failed. Replacing a seam means removing the old panel connection and installing a new one, sometimes with new materials. We'll tell you which approach your roof needs.

Why Ottawa Homeowners Choose Burnham Brothers for Metal Roof Repair

⭐

35 Years of Metal Roof Experience

We started our business before metal roofs were common in residential. We've watched them evolve and we know how to repair every type.

✓

BP Platinum Installer Certification

We're certified by BP Canada for metal roofing installation and repair.

🔧

Specialized Tools & Expertise

Metal roof repair isn't the same as asphalt shingle repair. Our crews train specifically on metal systems.

❄️

Ottawa Climate Knowledge

We understand how freeze-thaw cycles, road salt, and heavy snow affect metal roofs. We repair with these conditions in mind.

💼

Honest Assessment

If a repair will solve the problem, we'll recommend repair. We don't replace metal roofs just for profit.

🛡️

Quality Materials

We use premium sealants, stainless fasteners, and coatings rated for our climate.

⚡

Fast, Professional Service

Most metal roof repairs are completed within 1-3 days. We show you our work before we leave.

📋

Licensed & Insured

Full liability and WSIB compliance. You're protected.

Metal roofs are sophisticated systems. You need experienced technicians. We are.

Get Your Free Estimate Today

Contact Burnham Brothers for professional service and expert assessment.

Get Your Free Estimate Call (343) 321-0218
Get Free Estimate (343) 321-0218
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