How to Repair a Metal Roof

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Metal roofing is one of the best investments for any home or business because a metal roof equals a durable roof. It provides better protection against weather conditions and is economical in terms of energy consumption. Even though metal roofs are durable, they can be susceptible to occasional or seasonable damages just like other roofs. In such a case, fixing the metal roof as soon as possible is essential to prevent more mishaps. In this guide, you will learn what steps need to be taken to fix a metal roof, from diagnosing to sealing the repair.

Understanding Metal Roofs

It is practical to consider understanding what comprises a metal roof. Metal roofing is made of steel, aluminium, or copper. These roofs can be mainly corrugated, standing seam, or batten-seamed. There are many types of metal roofing, each requiring a specific kind of repair.

Various Kinds of Metal Roof Damage

There are several ways that a metal roof can be damaged:

1. Holes and punctures
2. Rust
3. Blown-off panels or screws
4. Corrosion
5. Losses at flashings or penetrations

The first stage of metal roof repair involves identifying the damage on your roof. This will be useful for deciding on the right repair method you should use.

Equipment and Items to Collect

Before you begin repairing your metal roof, ensure you have the following tools and materials:

1. Personal Protective Equipment – goggles, gloves and boots
2. Ladder – a strong ladder that should preferably be at least six feet above the roof.
3. Roofing cement
4. Courtesy roofing materials – metal roof repair panel, sheet metal, or aluminium
5. Caulking gun and caulk
6. Hacksaw or tin snips
7. Hammer and nails
8. Drill and bits
9. Screwdriver
10. Color of paint or coating that is best used for the metal roof material

How to Repair a Metal Roof

Now that you have the tools and materials, follow the steps as detailed below for repairing your metal roof.

Step 1: Assess the damage

Is this the original metal roof or is it the second, third, etc.? Once you know, you can visually inspect the condition of the metal roof and see the root of the problem. Make a distinction between the kind of damage and how severe it is.

Step 2: Prepare the area

It is also important to point out that working on a metal roof is precarious so you need to ensure your safety. Wear the proper attire, then use the appropriate ladder, and make sure you’re on the right footing. Secure any ladders so they do not fall.

Step 3: Remove damaged material

For minor injuries such as a puncture or hole, then you must patch the damage as the portion that is sealed may be enough. Clean around the damage and apply roofing cement. Next, sprinkle the patching material and cover it with even more roofing cement.

If the damage is more serious, say, one or more panels have blown off, you will have to take out the damaged part. Saw into the affected area with a hacksaw or tin snip, but make sure that the roofing left behind is healthy enough around that area.

Step 4: Install new metal roofing

Measure the loss area, cut new patching material to its specific measurements, and double check the new portion will fit the loss area. This patch should ideally be larger than the hole or damage for which it’s being patched so as not to experience any future problems. First, screw holes are to be drilled while the patch is to be fixed onto the substrate, using screws.

If replacing a blown-off panel, make sure the new one is properly fitted in place with screws. Ensure the whole panel fits correctly and overlay the adjacent ones to avoid water leakage.

Step 5: Seal the repair

Once you have fixed it properly, again double up around it and put roofing cement over it. This will reduce the chance of water seeping in causing more destruction. Caulk any seam or fastener as required.

Step 6: After repair, apply paint or a layer of matching coat

Last but not least, you may either paint or put on a surface protector depending on the type of metal roofing material your roof has. It will additionally help to avoid a repeat of a similar scenario in the future and will ensure that the fixed region will be secured to permit the metal roofing to last longer.