Cut Edge Corrosion Repair
Cut edge corrosion is rust that starts at the cut ends of profiled metal roof sheets, usually along the lower edge where water runs off, and creeps back under the coating until it peels away. It is the most common fault on metal-clad industrial and commercial roofs. Caught early, it is repaired by cleaning the affected edges back to sound metal, treating and priming them, and sealing them with a coating system designed for the job, which stops the rust spreading without replacing the sheets.
- Metal-clad industrial and commercial roofs
- Corroded sheet edges cleaned and treated
- Primer and edge sealing system applied
- Roof lights and fixings checked at the same time
- Access planned around the business
- Photographic record of the work
Why cut edges corrode
Profiled steel sheets are coated at the factory, but when a sheet is cut to length on site the cut end is left as bare steel. Water runs down the roof and sits at the bottom edge and at overlaps, and the exposed metal begins to rust. As it does, the coating lifts and the corrosion travels back along the sheet.
Left alone, the edges thin and eventually perforate, and the sheets themselves have to be replaced. That is why it is worth treating at the first signs: peeling paint and brown staining along the eaves and laps.
How the repair is done
Access is planned first, because metal roofs need safe working platforms and protection at roof lights. The corroded edges and laps are cleaned back, loose coating is removed, and the steel is treated and primed. A reinforced edge coating system is then applied over the cut edges and overlaps to seal them from water.
While we are on the roof we also check fixings, washers, roof lights and gutters, since those often need attention at the same time. Work is programmed around the business, including out-of-hours where needed, and you receive a photographic record afterwards.
Repair, overclad or replace?
Where corrosion is limited to the edges, treatment is the cost-effective fix. If the sheets are perforated across large areas, replacing or overcladding them may be the better long-term answer. We look at the roof and give a costed proposal for the options that genuinely apply. Many clients add metal roofs to a planned maintenance schedule so corrosion is caught early in future.
Other metal roof repairs
We also deal with leaking laps, failed fixings, damaged sheets and roof light replacement on metal-clad buildings. See commercial roof repairs and industrial unit roofing. Call 07840 996627, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.
Cut Edge Corrosion Repair FAQs
What is cut edge corrosion?+
Rust that starts at the bare cut ends of coated metal roof sheets and spreads back under the coating, most often along the eaves and at overlaps.
Can cut edge corrosion be repaired?+
Yes, if caught before the sheets perforate. The edges are cleaned, treated, primed and sealed with an edge coating system.
Why is my metal roof turning black?+
Dark staining is often dirt, moss or algae held on the surface, particularly under trees. It can hide coating damage, so it is worth checking when the roof is inspected.
Why does my metal roof make so much noise?+
Metal expands and contracts with temperature, and loose or worn fixings let sheets move and tick. Checking and replacing fixings often quietens it.
Need Roofing Work You Can Rely On?
Contact Stoker Property Solutions for new roofs, flat roofing, repairs and maintenance across Newcastle, Sunderland and the wider North East.