Metal roofs are common. You find them in homes or buildings in your neighborhood. They are strong, durable, and come in different colors. However, they can leak due to nail holes or old age. The roofs also tend to rust quickly, which causes perforation. This article will teach you the tricks a roofer uses to repair metal roofs.
Steps for Repairing Metal Roofs
First, before you start the repairs, you need equipment such as
- A ladder
- Hammer
- Trowel
- Sealant
- Wire brush
Step 1: Inspect Your Roof
Before you call any of the roofing companies near me, inspect your roof for holes, split tiles, or shingles, among other issues. This will help you determine the extent of damage, the urgency of repairs, and the roof repair estimate. During the inspection, search for:
- Loose nails
- Misaligned gutter
- Rust patches
- Mistakes in the design and installation
- Horizon seams openings
- Penetration flash openings
- Metal oxidation
- Open ridges
If you can’t do it yourself, you can contact a roofing company or contractor to help you conduct an extensive roof inspection.
Step 2: Fix Loose Nails and Align Gutters
Once on the rooftop, fix all the loose nails using a hammer and new fitting nails. Next, move close to the gutters and ensure they are aligned properly. If not, align them well to curb the leakage issue. It’s important to note that your gutter repair method depends on the level of damage. If the gutter is old, you need to replace it with a new one.
Step 3: Repair Metal Oxidation
Metal oxidation is a common issue and requires extensive manual work. You need to brush off the rust with a metal brush. After that, coat the roof using a metal primer followed by a topcoat. This protective layer will minimize oxidation and improve your roof’s longevity.
Step 4: Fix Any Design and Installation Problems
If the cause of the roof leakage is a design and installation problem, try to fix it on your own or ask for assistance from a professional roofing contractor or metal roofers. After that, you can handle the rest of the repairs on your own.
Step 5: Repair Penetration Flashings and Openings
After fixing all other issues of your rooftop, inspect the penetration flashings and openings on the metal roof. Fix these openings using high-grade silicone caulk and waterproof sealants. You can also use surface coating products such as polyurethane or bituminous membranes. Another option for this kind of roof repair is hiring a commercial roofer to do the roof repair for you. With such problems, it is prudent to contact a roofer near me for help since they are knowledgeable about the unique metal roofing issues within that locality. This influences their choice of products, such as sealants, when repairing your roof.
Step 6: Apply Caulk at the Seams and Ridges
Apply caulk at all seams and ridges of your rooftop to prevent water from flowing into the inner parts of your building. Use tape when applying caulks for a better finish to your roof.
Metal roof repair can be complex, depending on the extent of the damage. If the roof damage isn't far-reaching, you can do it as a DIY project. However, in case of emergency roof repair and serious roof damage, you should consider hiring a seasoned roofing company like Blue Ribbon Roofing. They will handle the roof repair project from start to finish at an affordable rate and reasonable time. Contact Blue Ribbon Roofing at (910) 483-7663 or info@blueribbonroofing.com to book an appointment. You can also visit the company's offices at 1740 Owen Dr. Suite C Fayetteville, NC 28304 United States.
