Did you know that metal materials are used in about fifteen percent of all roofing installations?
Metal roofs are becoming more and more popular, both for commercial roofing projects and for homeowners. The considerations to repair a metal roof, though, are a bit different from those of a shingled roof.
If you’re a homeowner who’s new to having a metal roof, keep reading to learn the signs of potential damage to your roof and what you can do to fix them.
How to Tell If Your Roof Is Damaged
If you notice any leaking through the ceilings in your home, this is a definite sign that there may be damage to your roof. Any rust or corrosion present on your roof are also an indication that your roof will need either a patch or a replacement.
Roof Repair Tools You’ll Need
Depending on the kind of damage your roof is experiencing, you may need any or all of the following roof repair supplies:
- Nails
- Steel wool
- Wire brush
- Hand seamer
- Roof cement or sealant
- Putty knife
- Sheet metal
Take a look at this page to see several options for the tools you might need to repair your roof.
How to Repair Your Roof
Small-scale metal roof repairs are fairly self-explanatory. For example, if nails or bolts are loose, simply tighten and replace them as necessary. For leaks occurring along a seam, just spread some sealant along the seam and allow it to dry.
The process for fixing an issue with a patch is a little more involved. First, you’ll need to clean the area of the roof where the patch will be placed. Use a cleaner to remove all dirt and debris from the affected area of the roof, and make sure it dries completely before moving on.
Measure the area of the roof that needs repair, and cut a patch of metal to the appropriate size. Smooth away any pointed or rough edges on the patch.
Apply sealant to the roof, and lay the patch in place. Remove any excess sealant with a putty knife.
Note that patching a metal roof is only a temporary fix. Because a patch introduces new seams to your roof, there are more opportunities for your roof to develop leaks in the future. Eventually, you should be prepared for a full roof replacement in the future.
Repair a Metal Roof Today
Now you know the signs to look for to know that you need to repair a metal roof. Whether it’s a matter of replacing a few bolts, resealing your seam, or putting in a patch on your roof, there are many small fixes that you can handle on your own. If these fixes aren’t enough, call in a professional to help you with a full roof replacement.
Looking for more advice on home improvement? Take a look at the other Home Tech articles on our site.
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