What Can Help Me Stop the Metal Roof Leak That Is Leaking Between the House?

About Metal Roofs

• Metal roofs are available in a number of different designs. They may be in the form of long sheets that are joined together with standing seams that interlock. Another type of metal roof uses flat coils of tin-coated steel laid over the roof with soldered seams to make them weather-tight. Corrugated metal roofs have a wavy profile and can be easily installed by do-it-yourselfers on outbuildings on their property, according to home improvement expert Tim Carter on the Ask The Builder website. Metal roofing on older homes may have hammered seams that can develop leak problems over time. Metal roofs, though initially more expensive than other roofing, can last 100 years or more.

Detecting Leaks In Metal Roofs

• Detecting leaks in metal roofs can be challenging, as moisture can seep through perforations into the underside of the roof and move along rafters. Visually inspecting all parts of the roof annually can help to locate and correct problems early before a leak develops. Pay particular attention to seam areas and low points on the roof. Moisture causes rusting on metal roofs when the protective coating becomes compromised. Look for discolorations that are the first signs of rusting. Also check areas for separations where the roof is joined to flashing for chimneys, heating and cooling equipment and electrical equipment.

Metal Roof Repairs

• Older metal roofs in past days were fastened with nails. This type of fastener tends to leave larger holes as the material expands and contracts with temperature variations, leading to leaks. To repair this problem, remove the nails and fill the hole with tar using a caulking gun. Then, replace the nails with roofing screws. Cut rusted-out areas out of the surrounding material and replace with a piece slightly larger. Set this piece under the cut area and fasten it into place with roofing screws, recommends the Mother Earth News website.

Leaks Around Chimneys

• Where metal roofs meet vertical surfaces can be leak-prone points. Methods of sealing these areas are often inadequate. To prevent leaking, weave strips of sheet metal into the layers of metal roofing and underneath wall siding, as well as into mortar joints.