Metal roofs are great looking and extremely long lasting roofs, however they are not indestructible. Like all other roof types, metal roofs can get leaks or need roof repairs.
If a leak starts on a metal roof leak, poor installation from the roofing company is likely to blame. This can occur when screws, fasteners, or seams are improperly installed, since installing metal roofs is not like installing typical asphalt shingle roofs, you need to have your metal roof installed by a local roofing company that has experience with metal roof installation. Sometimes the problem is the product itself from the manufacturer and not from installation. Metal roof damage can also occur during a severe weather event (like hail damage) or impact damage from a tree or other falling object.
A metal roof may also begin to leak due to deteriorating sealant or fasteners. Roof sealants and roof coatings have an expiration date and need to be reapplied. As a result of long periods of expansions/contractions, and roof movement, screws, seams, and attachments will deteriorate over time and require regular roof maintenance.
Metal Roof Maintenance
Damage to a metal roof may include loose attachments or panels with rust spots, wrinkling, buckles, tears, cracks, and holes. Moisture and leaks can be caused by a variety of issues, including loose attachments, cracks, and holes.
Options for metal roof repairs include:
- Panel patching
- Attachment replacements or fixes
- Panel replacement
- Replacement of the roof
Spot treatments and patches can be used to fix minor issues such as rust, cracks, or tears. Other issues, such as larger holes or holes accompanied by buckles, should be addressed by replacing the affected panel. In addition, it may be necessary to reseal certain areas or repaint the roof.
Homeowners should carefully consider undertaking this type of home repair work. Metal roofing may be durable, but it does not tolerate foot traffic well; therefore, it is not recommended to walk on a metal roof.
Anyone working on a metal roof must use a ladder, be comfortable working at heights, navigate on slippery surfaces, and understand the roof’s underlying structure.
How to Repair a Leaking Metal Roof
Equipment / Materials needed:
- Metal Shears
- Putty Knife
- Cordless Drill or Impact Driver with Phillips Head Bit
- Caulk Gun
- Wire Brush or Metal File
- 600-grit sandpaper
- Sheet Metal or metal roof panel
- Metal Roof Sealant (be sure to match your roof’s color and style)
- Compatible paint (if needed, metal and exterior/weather proof paint)
- Metal Sheet Screws
- Clean up materials
Steps to repairing a metal roof leak
Start the project by inspecting and cleaning the damaged area of your roof.
First, check to see if any surrounding metal roofing is lifting up. The damaged roof may be raised, curled, jagged, or protruding. Cut them off or hammer them down so the area is completely flat if you find any.
Then, clean the area using a multipurpose cleaner, such as Simple Green. Utilize the cleaner to eliminate any dirt, grime, film, or algae growth. Again, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Then, dry it using a dry, clean cloth.
Cut and measure a repair patch for metal roof
Measure the damaged portion of the roof. Then, cut a sheet metal piece that is at least 2 inches larger on all sides.
Use an emery cloth or metal file to round and smooth the edges and corners. This step is essential for preventing snow and ice from adhering to the metal, so be sure to take it.
Outline the patch and scratch the area’s surface
Place the patch over the damaged area and trace its outline with a pencil.
After this, lightly scuff the surface of the repair area with a wire brush. Scuffing it will help the repair sealant adhere to the metal, but it will also remove a portion of the protective coating from the roof. Therefore, you should only brush within the area that will be patched and avoid going beyond it.
Apply caulk to the area of the metal roof
Apply urethane caulk to the surface that requires repair. Sealant must be applied within the first two inches along the inside edge of the outline.
The sealant must ooze out along the entire perimeter from underneath the patch. Wherever it does not exist, moisture will be able to penetrate. Ensure that the application is uniform and generous.
Apply the patch panel to the roof
Apply the metal patch to the damaged area and press it down firmly. Ensure that the sealant is leaking from all sides. If there are areas where the sealant is not penetrating, apply more to those areas.
Secure the Fix to stop the roof leak and weather proof the metal roof
Use the sheet metal screws with pan-heads to secure the hold. The screws should be positioned approximately one inch inside the edge and every three to four inches apart.
Ensure that the screws only penetrate the underlying roof panel. Screw into neither the decking nor the rafters.
Once you have completed screwing, use the putty knife to smooth the sealant along the patch’s edges so that they are completely covered.
Paint or seal the repaired area of the metal roof
Not all repair patches must be painted. If the patch is not visible or is already the same color as the roof, you can skip this step.
If you intend to paint the metal patch, you must wait until the sealant has dried. In addition, paint must be compatible with the sealant.
Utilize the wire brush to lightly scuff the surface of the patch and the surrounding roofing. Next, paint it.
Professional Roof Repairs for Metal Roofs
Metal roof repair is somewhat more complex than other roofing projects. For long-lasting repairs, it is best to hire a professional roofer. Temporary fixes can be made, but for permanent repairs, it is best to work with a local Des Moines roofing company, you might need to to keep your roof’s warranty or homeowner insurance policy coverage
A local roofing company will conduct a comprehensive roof inspection to determine the full extent of the roof’s damage and assess the roof’s structural integrity. Then, they will provide you with a report detailing the situation and recommendations for the most effective method of repair. Metal roofs are pretty common in the Des Moines area, most Des Moines roofing companies should have experience installing metal roofs, but be sure to ask about their experience to be safe.
A professional metal roof repair may be slightly more expensive than a do-it-yourself repair, but it is significantly less expensive than a roof replacement or interior restoration.
