How to Patch a Metal Roof

A metal roof is a long-lasting roofing material that is easily repaired.

A metal roof will outlast many other types of roofing material. Galvanized tin roofing has a protective coating that inhibits rust and corrosion. When the protective coating becomes damaged, the base metal is exposed to moisture and rust forms. Left unchecked, it will eventually eat through the surface of your metal roof, causing a leak. Beyond holes formed from rust, large tree branches and other debris can puncture the metal roof, also resulting in leaks.

Things You'll Need

• Extension ladder
• Tin patch, four inches larger than the hole
• Permanent marker
• Wire brush
• Rust converter
• Butyl tape
• 5/16-inch hex-head adapter
• Screw gun or 3/8-inch drill motor
• Safety glasses
• #10 self-tapping sheet metal screws

Send to Phone

Brought to you by

Send to Phone

Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.

Send

A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.

Close

Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. Message and data rates may apply.

Instructions

1. Set the extension ladder against the eave of the building, ensuring that the ladder extends at least three-feet past the edge of the eave.

2. Place the tin patch on the surface of the tin roof, centered on the hole to be patched.

3. Trace around the tin patch with the permanent marker to place a reference line all four sides of the tin patch, then remove the tin patch from the surface of the roof.

4. Clean the surface of the roof within the traced reference line, using the wire brush. This will remove any contaminants from the area that will be underneath the tin patch.

5. Apply rust converter to the hole in the metal roof to stop the rust from spreading.

6. Press the butyl tape around the perimeter of the tin patch. Make sure to press firmly, to provide a proper bond between the tin patch and the metal roof.

7. Secure the 5/16-inch hex-head adapter into the screw gun or the chuck of the 3/8-inch drill motor; put on your safety glasses.

8. Put one #10 self-tapping sheet metal screw one inch in from each corner of the tin patch, and then place another screw every two-inches around the tin patch. Make sure that there is not a bulge in the tin patch, as it needs to sit flat to seal the roof from leaks.

References

• My Great Home: Repairing a Metal Roof