Cut-edge corrosion treatment
Roofline treats cut-edge corrosion on metal roofs across Barnsley. The rusting edges of profiled steel sheets are cleaned back, primed and sealed with a purpose-made system, stopping the corrosion that turns a sound roof into a replacement job.
The most common fault on metal roofs
Profiled steel roof sheets are coated at the factory, then cut to length. The cut edge exposes bare steel, and at the eaves and at every end lap it sits in water. Over 15 to 25 years the steel rusts, the corrosion creeps back under the coating, the coating peels and the edge thins until it holes. It happens on almost every metal roof of that age in Barnsley and it is entirely treatable if caught in time.
- Inspection and mapping of corroded edges, laps and fixings
- Mechanical removal of rust and loose coating
- Rust-inhibiting primer to the bare steel
- Edge-sealing coating or tape to the manufacturer's system
- Lap sealing and fixing replacement where needed
- Full roof coating where the whole sheet coating is failing
- Honest advice on when replacement is the better spend
Owners and managers of steel-clad industrial and commercial buildings built in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, which is most of them.
Treat, coat or replace
The honest answer depends on how far the corrosion has gone.
Treat the edges
Where corrosion is confined to the edge and the sheet is sound. Clean, prime, seal. The cheapest and most common outcome.
Treat and coat
Where the sheet coating is also chalking or peeling. Edges treated and the whole roof coated, adding 15 to 25 years.
Replace sheets
Where the edge has thinned or holed. Individual sheets or the eaves course replaced, then the rest treated.
Re-roof
Where corrosion is widespread and structural. We will say so, and price the options on our industrial roofing page.
Questions we are asked about cut-edge corrosion
What is the honest lifespan of treated edges versus new sheets?
A properly treated and coated edge should last 10 to 15 years before it needs looking at again, and a full roof coating over treated edges typically carries a 15 to 25 year guarantee. New sheets last 30 to 40 years but cost several times as much. For a roof with life left in the sheets, treatment is nearly always the better spend.
Can cut-edge corrosion be left?
Not indefinitely. Once the edge holes, water gets into the insulation and liner and the repair becomes sheet replacement plus the wet insulation below. Treating early is a fraction of that cost.
Does it need scaffolding?
Edge protection is required at the eaves under the Work at Height Regulations, so yes, some form of edge protection or a scaffold along the eaves is normal. Netting is used under fragile rooflights. It is all included in the quote.
Book a site survey
A survey and written condition report is the starting point for every commercial job. It tells you what you have, what it needs and what it will cost, so you can plan and budget properly.
We plan the work so the premises stay operational: phased areas, sealed off zones, dust and noise controlled, and out-of-hours or weekend working where the site needs it.
Book a site survey
Tell us about the building and we will arrange a survey at a time that suits the site.
