There are three words that strike fear into the hearts of anyone involved in metal roofs… Cut Edge Corrosion, which, if left untreated, will lead to the exposed metal surface corroding and eventually perforating.

This is the opinion that’s most popular among roof sealant manufacturers.

Simply put, sealing the overlaps between metal roofing sheets will stop water from spreading between them.

It is often argued that a sealant prevents condensation from the cold roof from being released. This will help to prevent corrosion. Let’s look at an example of an old roof where two sheets of metal have been coated and sealed.

As you can see there is visible rust. However, it stops at the place where the seal was applied. This shows that the metal sheets are not being cooled by condensation.

What happens if the metal roof is coated but not sealed?

You can make it worse if you just coat the roof. Any movement between roof sheets on a roof with a coating only can cause cracks in the roof’s coating. Capillary action can cause water ingress and corrosion. Rainwater can also contain pollutants that will accelerate the process.

The treatment of cut-edge corrosion with the Right Sealant

Sealing under the roof overlap is only possible if the sealant used is high-quality. There are many ways to seal your lap, including using tapes or mastics. You can also embed a fleece or glass in a liquid. It is important to choose one that is easy to use and effective.

Lap sealing is often ineffective due to the weakness and flexibility of silicone mastics and tapes that lift at the profile corners, allowing water ingress and retention.

Sealant Application

It is possible for the product to not be installed according to the specification. This could lead to a smaller amount of sealant or insufficient coating. The product wouldn’t have the strength to withstand the roof sheet overlap movement.

Similarly, if too much sealant is used, you’ll end up with significant costly implications, which was explored in one of our recent articles .

This is a great example of the expression, “A product is only good if it’s installed properly.”

Conclusion

Seal or not seal? That is the question.

There are many factors to consider before you make a decision. As you will see, it is not a straightforward yes/no answer.

For you to remember…

You must select the correct product to seal sheets that overlap before applying coating. Also, ensure that your applicators have sufficient training.

This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the premier Clearwater Roofing Contractor! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978.  Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.…

Galvanized steel has been a popular choice for home plumbing lines for many years. But steel is prone to corrosion and rust, so after several decades, pipes within a home will need to be replaced completely. Copper was the preferred material due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. Copper piping is now used in many homes across Florida and throughout the United States.

If you live in Florida, you might be able to get your water from reverse osmosis plants. While there are many benefits to drinking water that is clean, clear and free of mineral inclusions, there are also some drawbacks. Desalination and reverse osmosis water can cause corrosion to copper pipes, which could lead to eventual leaking.

Why R/O Water Corrodes Copper

Copper is supposed to be resistant to corrosion. But what could make it suddenly so vulnerable to falling apart? What happens to water during reverse-osmosis is the answer. Because of the salts and other substances found in water, south Florida’s water is naturally slightly alkaline. Alkaline water is less likely than corroded metal. The salts and other substances that provide alkalinity can be removed and water becomes more acidic. This makes it more likely to corrode and absorb other substances.

Reverse osmosis systems use the same water you would find in a municipal supply network to reduce the alkalinity. This makes it more aggressive on your plumbing, and can slowly eat away at copper lines in your house. You’ll see the effects of this over time in small plumbing leaks and pipe bursts.

Copper Pipe Corrosion: Solutions

What can you do if your house is supplied with water by a massive reverse osmosis plant? You don’t want to worry about your water quality. However, it is impossible to switch water providers or cancel this service unless you are able to move to another service area. There are several options.

You might first consider installing a Calcite filter on your main water supply. Calcite filters are basically blocks of calcium carbonate. They gradually dissolve, increasing the pH and making your water less aggressive to your plumbing lines. This may sound absurd as it would reverse all the hard work that was put into purifying the water. Calcite is not harmful and can be found in water all over the country. However, it can make water taste strange to some people. This means that you might want to filter the water once more to preserve the original taste.

You can also get rid of copper pipes and replace them with plastic ones that are completely free from corrosion. These plastic lines are extremely resistant to corrosion and can last for many decades. They are also extremely affordable. Although copper prices have risen over the years, these plastic plumbing lines are extremely affordable. They only cost a few cents per ft. and are very easy to install.

This post was written by Joey Denick. Joey is the Owner and Operator of Clog Kings. At Clog Kings, LLC, we …

When you own a home, the list of repairs and maintenance items can seem like it’s never getting shorter. Because of this, you might be tempted to push some things to the side to worry about another time. While some things, such as updating the caulking around the sink or running a cleaner through the washing machine, can be pushed back a few weeks, there are others that you will want to address as quickly as possible. Here are some repairs that you should never push off completing.

Foundation Issues

It’s virtually inevitable that your home is going to have some kind of issue with its foundation at some point in time.  However, the longer you wait to address the issues, the worse they can become.

If you notice that a once level floor has started to slope down, you could have an issue of settling or sinking into the ground. A foundation repair service can lift and level the home in very little time, saving it from any additional problems.

Water Leaking

When water leaks, it doesn’t just leak out of a pipe and stay in that local area. It spreads as far as it can and can cause an immense amount of damage in a short time. Even something as simple as a leaky sink that isn’t addressed quickly could mean that you have to replace the entire countertop.

Whether it’s an issue with a sink or a water line that has sprung a leak, immediately turn the water off to the issue item. This prevents any further leaking from happening until you can adequately address the situation.

Electrical Problems

Electrical problems are often caused by old, frayed wires. The wires can come loose and stop the switch or outlet from working, but the electricity is still flowing through the wires. Then, the wires slowly fall over time and can touch metal or other exposed wires, and a fire can start. When you first notice that your outlets or switches aren’t working, immediately call an electrician to come and take a look.…

Compressed air is a key component in many manufacturing processes. Since it plays a major role in the function of many types of equipment, it is important that compressed air be both clean and dry.

Protects Against Contaminants

With entire manufacturing processes relying on the quality of compressed air the importance of Donaldson compressed air filters cannot be overlooked. Unfiltered compressed air spreads contaminants like dirt, oil, and water throughout the equipment. These contaminants may cause pipe corrosion or other equipment malfunction. Filters extend the life of equipment by capturing these polluting agents before they become a problem.

Protects Against Pressure Loss

Manufacturers use compressed air for a reason – it improves equipment performance and efficiency. Its power comes from the pressure produced by compressing the air. This means that even the slightest decrease in air pressure can slow or halt production, leading to unnecessary delays and maintenance costs. Proper filtration ensures that air pressure will remain at a consistent level and decreases or eliminates the risk of pressure loss.

Protects Against Moisture

Moisture is the nemesis of manufacturing equipment, and, as a byproduct of compressed air, filtration is necessary to keep the airflow dry and protect against condensation. Like other contaminants, water can lead to equipment corrosion, rust, and higher maintenance costs. Moisture also attracts bacteria and viruses, which could lead to product recall and loss of faith in the product or manufacturer.

Protects the Bottom Line

By protecting against corrosion, contaminants, pressure loss and moisture compressed air filtration decreases operating costs by extending the life of the equipment and eliminating the unnecessary maintenance costs and downtime caused by inadequate filtration. The increase in efficiency and reliability has a significant positive impact on the bottom line.

There is no doubt a quality air filtration system saves time and money while improving efficiency and productivity in manufacturing plants that use compressed air for their processes.…

There’s nothing quite like a blast of cool air on a hot, oppressive day. Imagine how intolerable it would be if your cooling system suddenly broke down. If you’re dependent on your air conditioner every day, here’s why you should have it regularly serviced.

Catches Problems Early

The only thing worse than a sudden loss of air-conditioning is the expense to repair it. If you schedule AC services Pensacola FL at least once per year, they’ll find small problems before they become big ones. Having your cooling system inspected ensures you have fresh air when you need it most.

Improves Air Quality

Keeping your home cool isn’t the only thing that air-conditioning does. It also filters out particles and bacteria from the air you breath and keeps humidity at bay, preventing dampness and mold. To keep your air quality at a healthy level, have your system checked and cleaned every year and get the filters replaced.

Saves Money

An energy-efficient cooling system will save you money but if you neglect to have it cleaned, you’ll see a spike in your power bill. Over time, your air conditioner becomes clogged with dirt, dust and pet dander. This forces it to work overtime which is expensive and can lead to a breakdown.

Prevents Damage to Your Home

If your air conditioner fails, it can get uncomfortable fast and it’s also damaging to your home furnishings. Extreme humidity ruins wooden furniture, carpets and perpetuates mold growth. Not only does this lead to costly repairs, but it’s also unhealthy for you and your family. A quick annual service call is all you need to prevent this disaster.

If you enjoy a cool home on the hottest of days, don’t risk a malfunctioning air conditioner. Regular service improves your air quality, prevents damage and saves you money.

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