My Tin Roof Leaks

Fastener Movement

• Fastener movement is the main cause tin roof leaks. Fasteners are objects holding the roofing material in place. As the weather heats and cools, the tin on your roof contracts and expands. This slight movement causes the tin to put pressure on the fasteners, eventually wallowing out a hole that allows rainwater to leak in around them. Imagine a nail that is constantly pushed back and forth with expansion and contraction due to weather. Eventually, the nail hole stretches or elongates allowing water to enter. Seal these holes, and then put the fasteners in a new place and seal the new holes as well. Finding the leaking areas is challenging and the most difficult part of the repair.

Rust

• If your tin roof is beginning to rust, expect leaks to eventually form. As tin rusts, the metal becomes more permeable until water seeps right through it. Once water is able trickles underneath the roofing material, it is only a matter of time before it finds a way inside. Keep an eye on the roof from time to time for signs of rust. When you begin seeing rust, it may be time to repaint the roof. Since you already have a leak, you may need to replace the tin in the rusty area. Buy chemical rust removers and scrape off the existing rust if it is in the early stages. Once the rust is removed or new roofing material installed, coat it with rust-resistant primer, and then paint the entire roof.

Inspecting the Roof

• If you don’t see any obvious signs of the leak’s location, closely inspect the roof starting in the area where you see the water coming in or just upslope of it. The leak isn’t always going to be right above where you see water entering the house. The inspection should include careful looks at the flashing around vents, pipes or skylights. Check the roof’s seams and the sealant condition.

Walking on Tin Roof

• Walking on a metal roof of any kind is dangerous. You can damage yourself or the roof. If it is wet or icy, wait until it dries. Remember that trusses or rafters are 16 or 24 inches apart. Locate these rafters and keeping your weight situated on them prevents popping seams. The roof’s edge should support much weight.