Repairing residential metal roofing can be a crucial part of maintaining the integrity and longevity of your roof. While metal roofs are known for their durability and long lifespan, they can still experience issues such as leaks, rust, or damage from debris and weather. Here’s a detailed guide on how to approach common repairs for residential metal roofs:
At Roofing Solutions, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to residential metal roof repair, so that you can feel confident when choosing a roofing contractor.
Here’s how to repair minor to moderate damages on residential metal roofs.
1. Leaks: Look for signs of water stains on the ceiling, walls, or around the roof itself. Inspect the roof for holes, rust spots, or missing and damaged sealant.
2. Physical Damage: Check for dents, punctures, or tears caused by fallen branches or hail.
3. Loose or Damaged Fasteners: Inspect for screws or nails that have come loose due to thermal expansion or have rusted over time.
1. Sealant: High-quality urethane or acrylic sealant suitable for metal.
2. Metal Patches or Flashing: For patching holes or severely damaged areas.
3. Screws and Fasteners: Replacement screws, ideally the same type originally used.
4. Wire Brush or Sandpaper: For cleaning rust and debris.
5. Drill or Screwdriver: For fasteners.
6. Caulk Gun: For applying sealant.
7. Safety Gear: Gloves, safety glasses, and possibly a harness if working at heights.
1. Safety First: Ensure you have a safe, stable ladder or access to the roof. Consider using a safety harness if the roof is steep or if you’re not comfortable with heights.
2. Clean the Area: Remove any debris, dirt, and rust from the area around the damage using a wire brush or sandpaper to ensure a clean surface for better adhesion.
Replacing Damaged Panels:
a. Remove the fasteners from the damaged metal panels, replace it with a new panel, and secure it with new fasteners.
b. Seal the edges and overlaps between metal roof panels to prevent water ingress.
Tightening Loose Fasteners:
a. Replace rusted or loose screws with new ones. It’s often beneficial to add a little sealant to the screw hole before reinserting to enhance the seal.
Handling Rust:
a. Remove rust using a wire brush or sandpaper.
b. Apply a rust-inhibiting primer to protect the area.
c. Consider repainting the affected area with a paint matched to the existing roof color for aesthetic reasons and additional protection.
1. Inspect the Roof: After repairs, inspect the roof to ensure there are no additional areas of concern.
2. Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean the roof and check for damage, especially after severe weather, to prolong the lifespan of the roof and prevent future problems.
If the damage is significant or if you are unsure about the extent of the repair, it is wise to seek the assistance of a professional roofing contractor who specializes in metal roofs.
A licensed, professional contractor is able to ensure that repairs are completed properly, safely, and affordably.
To speak with a professional roofing contractor about your residential metal roof repair needs, please give us a call at (434) 432-4602 or fill out the form below. We will reach out to you shortly!
Carlisle's Perfection Award is presented to roofing applicator's with roof installation warranty claims that rank in the top 5% of all US and Canada. This shows the awarded applicators are providing exceptional service, and the installed roofs rarely are filed for a claim, ensuring customers they are working with a top-of-the line roofing company.
Carlisle's Perfection Council chooses the most prestigious and highly rated roofing applicators to serve on an advisory board, which provides support roofing installers across the nation. This ensures applicator's are installing the highest quality roofing materials.
The Excellence in Single-Ply (ESP) award is deemed as one of the most prestigious awards in the roofing industry, assuring customers they are working with the most qualified and expert roofers.
The Centurion Applicator award is presented to a roofing company that has achieved 100 'perfect 10' roof installs, meaning that an inspector gave a perfect score of '10' applying new roof systems.