Home and Garden | Repair Metal Roofs - Roofing

Metal roofing costs as much as three times more than composite shingles but can last up to 50 years with almost no maintenance - a longevity surpassed only by slate and tile. Unlike the old galvanized tin roofs, metal roofing today is made of steel with a coating of aluminum or a durable polymer.

Below describes two ways to repair metal roofs. Before starting, set safety equipment in place that is appropriate for metal roofing (consult manufacturer's instructions). If you are not comfortable working on the roof, call a professional.

PROJECT BASICS

Project: Moderate
Estimated Project Time: 1/2 hour
Start Tips: If you cannot easily gain access to the damaged area, call a professional. Some metal roofs can be dented or scratched if you walk on them. Follow roofing manufacturer's directions for maintenance procedures.
Safety Tips: Make sure you have a secure foothold when working on roof repairs. If you are not comfortable working on the roof, call a professional.
Recommendation: Do-it-Yourself

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Ladder	Method 1:
Safety gear for roof work	Patch of same metal as roof
Work gloves	Flux
Safety goggles	Soldering gun
Metal shears	Solder
Wire brush	Method 2:
	Flat knife
	Roofing mesh
	Roofing cement

Fig 1

INSTRUCTIONS

Method 1: Using a metal patch
1) Prepare the patch
Wearing work gloves and safety glasses, use metal shears to cut a metal patch piece from the same metal as the roof. Nip off the corners and fold down the sides until you have a rectangle. Wire brush the repair area in preparation for the flux. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 2

2) Solder the patch
Apply the flux to joining surfaces. Position the patch over the damaged area (with folds underneath), then weight it down so that it lies flat against the roof. Use a soldering gun to heat the joining area and then apply solder around the perimeter of the patch. (Fig. 2)

Method 2: Using roofing mesh
This patch is not as long-lasting, but can be used for aluminum roofs, which cannot be soldered easily.

Fig. 3

1) Cut the patches
Wear work gloves and safety goggles. Cut two patches to size using metal shears (Fig. 3).

2) Prepare the surface Use a wire brush on the damaged area to prepare the surface. Then spread roof cement around the damaged area, using a flat knife.

3) Place the first patch
Set the first patch over the damaged area. Then cover the mesh with more roof cement. Work the cement through the mesh to join with the undercoat.

Fig. 4

4) Apply the second patch
Set the second patch over the roof cement. Cover the mesh patch with another coat of roof cement, again working the cement through the mesh to meet the layer below. (Fig. 4)

Repairing Metal Roofs