How to Repair Roofing for a Quonset Hut

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Commercial household cleaner

  • Scrub brush

  • Wire brush

  • Rag

  • Work gloves

  • Goggles

  • Galvanized steel sheet

  • Work bench

  • C-clamps

  • Permanent marker

  • Electric sheet metal shears

  • Fine-grit sandpaper

  • Double-sided butyl tape

  • 2-inch metal screws

  • Drill with screwdriver bit

  • Silicone caulk

Quonset huts are rounded, prefabricated metal structures that are often used as storage facilities. The hut is based on the British Nissen hut that was mass-produced during World War I. Today's structures are durable but not entirely impervious to damage, which can cause water leakage. You can repair your Quonset hut's corrugated metal roof with a metal patch. You will need to clean and prepare the metal roof properly to ensure an effective patch repair and use butyl tape to compensate for the roof's curve.

Advertisement

Step 1

Remove any dirt or debris from the damaged area with a commercial household cleaner and scrub brush. Use a wire brush to remove any loosened or damaged metal coating. Wipe down the area with a rag before continuing.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Measure the damaged area and add 4 inches to this number. Slip on a pair of work gloves and safety goggles before securing the galvanized steel sheet to a work bench with two C-clamps, one on each side.

Advertisement

Step 3

Draw a template, according to the measurement taken earlier, with a permanent marker. Cut out the galvanized steel sheet with electric sheet metal shears. Work a piece of fine-grit sandpaper over the sharp edges of the newly-cut galvanized steel sheet.

Step 4

Mask the area around the damaged section with double-sided butyl tape. Butyl tape provides a moisture barrier around the damaged area of the curved roof section.

Advertisement

Step 5

Center the galvanized steel sheet over the damaged area so that it also covers the butyl tape. Attach the steel sheet to the roof with 2-inch metal screws and a drill equipped with a screwdriver bit. Space the screws at least 1 to 2 inches apart to create a tight seal.

Step 6

Run a bead of silicone caulk around the sides of the patch to form a waterproof seal. Smooth down the caulk and work it into the gap between the metal roof and steel patch with your finger.

Tip

Work the sheet metal shears slowly through the galvanized steel to prevent injury and to create a straight line.

Advertisement

Video of the Day