Problem: a leaking standing seam metal roof

The ridge cap of the original roof was not properly installed and the roof was constantly leaking.

Side view of the existing roof. The space between the ridge cap and metal panels was open. This allowed wind blown water to enter the building.

Installing a standing seam roof over the original roof

Hat channels were installed to support the new roof. The building is in a windstorm area and so extra attachments are required at the edges of the roof.

Insulation is added over the new hat channels to prevent condensation.

New standing seam roof panels are laid over the insulation.

The new roof panels are secured using clips at every hat channel/purlin.

Metal closure at the eave. This closure keeps water from backing up from the gutter into the building.

Back-up plates are installed at the ridge cap. They are fastened to the hat channel/purlins and hold the ridge cap metal closure in place.

When the metal closures are installed butyl caulk tape is installed between the closure and the panel.

The closures are fastened in place. The fasteners are installed in an area that won’t leak.

All the fasteners are hidden. A properly installed standing seam roof should not leak.

A panel seamer is used to seal the panel seams.

The electric seamer folds the top seam over the bottom seam so it won’t leak.

The closures are installed, and the roof is ready for the ridge cap.

Caulk tape is installed on top of the closure.

The wrapper is pulled away from the butyl caulk tape as the ridge cap is being installed.

The ridge cap seams are sealed using two rows of caulk tape and urethane caulk.

Finished installation of the ridge cap.