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Two Ways To Repair a Sheet Metal Roof

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Sheet metal roofing is widely used by property owners due to the material's inherent durability and strength. However, like all materials, the metal roof can suffer from occasional damage. For example, a tree may be blown over and strike a section of the roof. If this happens, it is much better to assess and fix the problem immediately, in order to prevent the damage from becoming worse. This article looks at two ways to repair damage like small and larger cracks in a metal roof. 

Equipment

You will need the following equipment to help you to successfully repair the roof:

  • Soldering gun and some solder
  • Spare sheet of metal matching the roof
  • Flux
  • Roof Coating
  • Roof caulk
  • Membrane fabric patch
  • Ladder

You should always take care when working on a roof. If possible, have a helper hold your ladder as you climb up and down.

Small Cracks

It is best to use the membrane fabric patch for small cracks. The idea is to 'sandwich' the fabric between two layers of the roof coating. Begin by scrupulously cleaning the areas around the crack to ensure that the repair is a solid one. Next, paint on the patch coating so that the crack is covered. Extend the paint around an inch and a half past all sides of the crack to make sure it is properly covered. Then, immediately cover the crack with the membrane patch. Any delay could cause the coating to begin to dry. Once the patch is on, paint the top of the membrane using the coating. For an extra secure repair, paint on another coat after the first coat has dried.

Large Cracks

For large cracks you will need to measure and snip the the spare sheet of metal to create a patch to fit the size of the crack. Again, measure and cut the patch so it is around an inch and a half bigger around the whole of the crack. You will have to apply the soldering flux around the perimeter of the crack and the perimeter of the patch – where they will contact. Once you have done this, place the metal patch in place and use a brick or rock to temporarily hold it in place. Next, heat up the soldering gun. While you wait for this, put the solder around the patch edges. Then you will solder it into place. Work around the perimeter of the patch, using the soldering gun to heat the solder. The solder will melt and cover the edges of the patch. When it has cooled, paint the patch with the roof coating and allow to dry. 

You can then repaint the patch (or the entire roof) to cover the area so that it cannot be seen.


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