Metal Roof Repairs

According to some estimates, the number of structures in the United States with metal roofs is nearing 10 percent and growing every year. The Metal Roofing Alliance says metal roofing systems are more cost effective in the long run due to their recyclability, and the fact they create far less environmental waste than other roofing materials. Asphalt and other conventional roofing products add an estimated 20 billion pounds each year to U.S. landfills – a staggering amount since many states are running out of landfill space. The state of Michigan, for instance, only has between 15 and 30 years of landfill space left.

Metal Roof Repairs

Metal roofing systems provide more benefits than other types of roofing materials, but they’re not 100 percent impervious to damage or wear. Like other systems, they can have minor cracks or holes that need to be repaired. Repairing minor damage in a metal roof, like a hole can be accomplished when following these steps:

1. Inspect the roof to see where the hole is located, and identify the type of metal so you can acquire the same and make a patch.
2. Clean the damaged area with all-purpose cleaner and let it dry, then go over it with a wire brush to remove debris.
3. Cut a patch at least 2 inches larger than the damaged area.
4. Use tin snips to cut the corners off the patch.
5. Fold the edges under about 1/2 inch, and sand the folded parts until they’re shinier than the rest of the patch.
6. Put flux both on the surface to be patched and along the folded edges of the patch.
7. Put the patch into place and weight it with a cinder block or brick.
8. Hold solder to the seam, and use a soldering iron to heat it until it melts and runs under the patch.
9. Follow the patch all the way around with the solder and soldering iron. Try not to leave any open spaces, or the patch will be ineffective.
10. Cut a pair of patches larger than the hole.
11. Coat the roof area with roofing cement.
12. Press one patch over the area and apply another coat of cement.
13. Repeat with the last patch and a final coat of roofing cement.

Safety First

Like any kind of major home improvement project, repairing a metal roof can be time consuming and potentially dangerous. This is not the kind of work that can be accomplished – even by professionals – “on the fly.” Repair work needs to be planned out in terms of scope, materials, equipment, and when the work will be done. Safety is a primary concern in any such endeavors, so follow these tips to prevent accidents, injuries, or worse.  Safety tips in repairing a metal roof include:

1. Select the right footwear. Tennis shoes won’t cut it. Instead, go for shoes with a good tread, preferably rubber-soled work shoes or boots.
2. Pay attention to the weather. Roof repairs are best undertaken on a warm, clear day and there’s no chance of wind, rain, or snow or ice. Never climb onto a metal roof until morning dew or other moisture had dried. And above all else: Avoid any kind of roof repairs if storms are predicted.
3. Use a ladder the way it was intended. Make sure it’s sitting level at the proper angle against the structure in question.
4. Gather all your supplies and equipment in advance, as the fewer trips you make up and down a ladder, the better.
5. It’s not a race, and be careful. Allow enough time to do the work properly and safely.
6. Clean the work area before repairs begin. Clean the surface or dirt or other debris, as they will only interfere with any patches and the ability to move around the roof safely.
7. Install a few toe holds. When working on a roof of any kind, consider installing a few wood blocks or two by fours to place your feet against for more support.

Benefits of metal roofs

For anyone considering installing a metal roof from scratch or as a replacement for an existing roofing system, there are a number of benefits to be aware of besides recyclability and a smaller ecological footprint. Here are some of the top benefits of a metal roof:

• More durability. Metal is much more impervious to damage from high winds, hail, and heat and fire than other roofing systems.
• Longer lasting. Conventional roofing systems, like asphalt, require full replacement every 15 to 20 years, while a metal roof can last two to three times longer – or 50 years or more.
• More styles to choose from. While asphalt roofing shingles come in a few different colors, metal roofing systems offer a wider variety of colors, styles, and textures to choose from: metal shingle or slate,  metal tile, metal shake, vertical panels, and standing seams. Metal roofs are naturally resistant to mold and mildew, allowing them to maintain their beauty for much longer than other roofing materials.
• Improved fire safety. Many conventional roofing systems are susceptible to the most common exterior fire threat: airborne sparks thrown up from a nearby fire. Thousands of structures are damaged or destroyed each year for this very reason, but a metal roof can stop this kind of fire in its tracks.
• Energy efficiency. Many of today’s metal roofing systems are energy efficient, helping save on energy costs and reducing stress on the power grid. The biggest reason is because metal roofs reflect solar energy, and re-disperse heat more efficiently than other roofing materials.
• Property value. In some areas of the country, particularly Maine, New Hampshire and other New England states, a new metal roof can re-coup up to 95 percent of its installation cost, as estimated by the Metal Roofing Alliance.
• Tax credits and lower insurance. Because of the materials used, most metal roofing systems are UL 2218 compliant and may qualify for energy tax credits during the year in which they were installed. Check with the United States Internal Revenue Service for more details. Some insurance companies also offer savings on annual premiums of 30 percent or more.

Ultimately, repairing a metal roof can be as successful as undertaking repairs on other roofing systems, if planned out and the proper materials, tools, and safety equipment are used.