How to Repair Corrugated Metal Roof Seams
Corrugated metal roofs are one of the easiest roofs to put on but unfortunately they are also one of the first types to leak. Nine times out of ten it will be due to improper installation of the roof. Thankfully repair is neither costly nor difficult. The hardest part will be locating the leak itself.
Items you may require (whether it is a hole or just a dripping leak makes a difference):
- Ladder and a helper
- Caulk gun
- Spray hose or pressure washer
- Stiff bristled brush
- Hammer and roofing fasteners with washers
- Pliers
- Roofing cement
- Tin snips
- Sandpaper
- Place the ladder on the structure and with the aid of your helper get onto the roof. If you know where the leak is go to that area and look for the reason. Always keep in mind with corrugated roofs it could be coming from somewhere other than where the actual leak is inside.
- Determine if you are simply fixing a leak or going to have to replace a panel of the roof.
- Fix a simple leak from a fastener having worked loose or a panel coming loose by either tightening it back down or replacing the fasteners. Make certain they have washers or they will leak again with the next storm. Before you tighten them back down or replace them clean the area around and underneath the panel well.
- Repair a hole by using your pliers and straightening it out as much as possible. You will need a replacement of corrugated steel at least two to three inches bigger all the way around the hole. Sandpaper all the edges and place roofing cement around all the edges. Place it down over the hole and put something heavy on it to hold it in place till it dries. Put caulk all around the edges to make certain there will be no further leaks.