Repairing a Metal Roofing Part 2

Continued from Part 1

If the damage to your roof is extensive, it may be best to simply cover your roof with a tarp and wait until you can have your roof professionally repaired. However, if the damage is minor, or if it cannot be repaired for any long period of time, then follow the steps listed below:

Step 1: Clean the area. Using the flexible putty knife, you want to carefully scrape off any flaking or loose coating. Then, apply 1 or 2 wide strips of butyl tape around the perimeter of the section that needs to be patched.

Step 2: Cut and patch. Simply cut out a patch from the galvanized metal, which will entirely covers and overlaps the hole by at least 2 to 3 and place the patch on top of the butyl tape.

Step 4: Using metal screws, you want to screw through the patch, butyl tape, and roofing metal. Make sure that you do not accidentally screw into the trusses and that the patch stays flushed to the surface. You want to place the screws every two inches, and then if the patch isnt tight enough, place the screws every inch.

Step 5: Using the caulk, you want to apply a good seal around the edges of the patch and screws. Allow the caulk to properly dry before you cover it with a matching color of roof coating.

If the your leak is due to a cracked or busted or cracked seam, then the following instructions will help you to membrane the seam. To do this task, you will need the following materials: Aluminum base roof coating, asphalt impregnated glass membrane fabric roof patch, metal coating that matches your roof color, putty knife, stiff bristle paintbrush, or roller.

Many people are tempted to use this simple easy repair on larger holes and tears instead of the metal patch. However, the membrane method of repair is only recommended for small, narrow holes and cracks.

Step 1: As with any repair, your first step is to thoroughly clean the area. You have to remove all dirt and debris from the area before you can make a patch. Using the flexible putty knife, carefully scrape off any flaking or loose coating.

Step 2: Following the directions on the can/bottle, cover the entire area with a coat with the aluminum base roof coating, making sure that you coat both sides of the seam. DO NOT allow the roof coating to completely dry.

Step 3: While the aluminum based roof coating is still tacky, apply the asphalt impregnated glass membrane fabric to patch the broken seam, by placing the patch across the seam. The patch has to be wider than the seam and must also overlap the broken parted seam by at least 2 to 3 on all four sides.

Step 4: Using a pant roller, apply roof coating over the patch. Because some colors have a tendency to slightly fade even though the roof coating is the same color as your roof, it made be a shade or two darker. Over time, the new coating over your patch should blend in with the rest of your roof.

If the damage to your roof is extensive and you must replace an entire metal roof section, it may be best to contact a professional roofer. However, if this is not possible, then the following instructions should help you with the process. Hopefully you still have your manufacturers installation instructions. If you do not have these instructions, please contract your manufacturer, and request a copy, as each manufacturers instructions vary.

The following is a list of tools and materials that you may need: Manufacturers installation instructions, replacement panels, or tiles that are the same part number as the ones on your roofor comparable along with all other specialty parts such as starting strips, clips, edge pieces, caps, etc, if these also require replacing. You may also require: Butyl tape, sheet metal screws, roof coating, silicone sealant, tin snips, flexible putty knife, power screwdriver, flashlight, rubber mallet, according to the manufacturers instructions.

Because different metal roofing manufacturers have different installation methods, you will have to follow your manufacturers instructions for how to remove a damaged panel, so that you do not damage other panels. In some instances, you may be required to remove more panels than what are actually damaged. Before you begin this project, make sure that you have all the replacement parts that are needed.

Before walking on your roof, you must examine the interior of your roof and replace any damaged insulation as well as remove any standing water. If you have damaged trusses or rafters, these also must be repair or replace. Keep a tarp over the damaged area and allow the interior of the roof to completely dry out before overlaying the roof. If necessary, use tin snips and cut away the damaged roof section so that you can gain access to the attic area.