DIY Metal Roof Repair

Keep your metal roof in good condition to avoid extensive repair work.

Along with slate and tile, metal is one of the most durable roofing materials available. Metal roofs also resist fire and mildew, conduct heat and install quickly. Although metal roofs require minimal maintenance, they occasionally require minor repairs. Rust and harsh weather conditions can produce holes in metal roofs, causing leaks. Failure to repair damaged roofing eventually causes structural damages, so address metal roof damage promptly. Basic supplies are effective for repairing metal roofs.

Things You'll Need

• Work gloves
• Safety goggles
• Sturdy ladder
• Wire brush
• Roofing mesh
• Metal shears
• Urethane roof cement
• Putty knife

Instructions

1. Put on work gloves and safety goggles for protection. Use a sturdy ladder to access the damaged area of the metal roof.

2. Scrub the damaged metal with a wire brush to remove all dirt and debris. Cut out two squares of roofing mesh, using metal shears. Make sure the roofing mesh can cover the hole by at least 3 inches on all sides.

3. Spread urethane roofing cement over the hole or damaged area, using a putty knife. Lay one of the squares of roofing mesh over the roofing cement.

4. Spread urethane roofing cement over roofing mesh, using the putty knife. Press the roofing cement into the roofing mesh to bond with the first layer of roofing cement.

5. Press the other square of roofing mesh into the roofing cement. Spread roofing cement over the additional layer of roofing mesh, using the putty knife.

6. Press the roofing cement into the roofing mesh, using the putty knife, to combine the layers of cement. Allow the roofing cement to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

Tips & Warnings

• You can substitute self-stick waterproof flashing membrane for the urethane roofing cement.

• Never try to repair metal roofs during windy, rainy, icy or snowy weather conditions; you could fall off of the roof.

References

• Don Vandervort's Home Tips: Metal Roofing Repairs
• Creative Homeowner: Repairing Metal Roofs