How To Fix A Metal Roof Leak

How to fix a leaking metal roof efficiently.

How to fix a metal roof leak.

You should always attempt a mechanical leaky roof fix whenever possible. These roof systems are capable of holding water without the roof system leaking. That means replacing or repairing existing flashing instead of using any type of sealant as a leak stopper. When installed properly metal roofing screws will seal out the water by compressing a rubber washer down at the base of the screw head.

When the screw is driven into the metal roofing panel the rubber washer forms a gasket between the roofing panel and the screw head. Hydrostatic metal roof systems are designed to hold water until it can drain. Check plumbing vent boots and roof vents if water is entering from that area to cause the leaking roof. Typically these metal roofs are found on larger pre engineered metal buildings.

Roofing screws are responsible for the majority of leaks on metal roofs. The rubber gasket that surrounds the vent pipe could be rotted. Metal roofing screws seal water out by compressing a rubber washer at the base of the screw head. Instead create a screw hole using a cordless drill with a screw drill bit.

Only use caulk for very small holes and when flashing isn t an option as a leak stopper. Remove debris remove all debris from roof valleys so nothing is touching your roof. Remove debris and rust from the surface of the panels at the area of a gap using the wire brush. These larger structures are more costly to design with a steep sloped roof assembly.

Re shingle roof valleys install ice and water shield under shingles or install metal roof flashing and re shingle the valley. If you find trouble removing rusted screws do not attempt to remove them. Other roof designs call for metal roof valley flashing to form a solid metal water barrier. Rarely will caulk or roof cement cure a leaky roof at least for very long.

When the screw is then driven down into the metal roofing panel the rubber washer will form a gasket of sorts between the roofing panel and the screw head itself. Then drive a 1 inch galvanized steel screw to secure that section of the metal roof and avoid further nail loosening or rusting. Look for cracks in the base of flexible rubber flashing or broken seams in metal varieties of vent pipe flashing. More often than not if you have a leak in your metal roof a metal roofing screw is the culprit.

How to fix roof valley leaks.