How to Repair Roof Leaks in a Steel Roof
Steel roofs are durable and long-lasting, which has made them a popular choice for homeowners hoping to add value to their home. Regular maintenance of your steel roof by applying roof coatings and making necessary repairs will ensure it remains in excellent condition for many years to come. Steel roofs are often coated with metallic and polymer coatings to help prevent rust, but can sometimes develop leaks, especially in roofs that were not properly installed or are of an older installation. Regular roof inspections are recommended and strict attention should be paid to any areas of deterioration. Always repair roof leaks quickly to avoid further damage to your home and roof. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Ladder
- Tape measure
- Work gloves
- Water
- Mild detergent
- Bucket
- Stiff brush
- Towel
- Putty knife
- Tin snips
- Sheet of galvanized steel
- Sheet metal screws
- Bricks (optional)
- Microsealant Tape
- Roof caulking
- Liquid Rubber roof sealant
- Paint Roller
Instructions
-
-
1
Inspect your steel roof for any damage or holes in the seals, seams, and roof flashings. Large areas that are affected by many small holes can be repaired by covering the entire width of the roof instead of multiple patching. Loose nails should be pulled and re-nailed into place.
-
2
Clean the area you will be repairing with a scrub brush, soap, and warm water. Dry thoroughly. Scrape off any loose or dried coatings with a putty knife before beginning repair. Area should be free of any debris, soiling, or chips.
-
-
3
Surround the entire outside of the area of repair with 2 inches of Microsealant tape. Put on work gloves before working with the galvanized steel.
-
4
Measure the length of the hole including the taped area and cut out a piece of galvanized steel with your tin snips that is large enough to overlap the area of repair. Place the steel piece over the tape, centering it so that it matches equally on all sides.
-
5
Drill holes in both the steel and the roof every one to two inches to accommodate the screws you will be using to fasten the steel to the roof. Fasten the screws in the area you placed the tape, about 1/4 inch from the edge of the sheeting.
-
6
Hold the steel flush with the roof as you affix the screws, making sure to get a tight seal on it. You may place small bricks on top of the replacement steel to help keep it down as you work, if desired.
-
7
Seal up the edges of the steel patch with caulking. Apply a roof coating such as Liquid Rubber over the entire area of repair with a paint roller and allow it to dry thoroughly.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be careful when climbing on top of the roof, as you may damage it. The strongest areas of a steel roof are the trusses---if you must put weight on the roof, try to place it on the trusses.
Always make roof repairs during dry weather.
Avoid drilling directly into roof trusses.
Check to see if your roof is still under warranty before performing any repairs yourself; self-repair may void your roof warranty.
