Leaky screw holes in metal roofing can damage the structure of the roof by leaking water and encouraging mold growth. Proper repair is crucial to the integrity of the roof. If you attempt the repair yourself, you risk damaging the metal roof or inadvertently cracking it. Likewise, improper repairs may cause the patch to fail. The material used to fill the old hole may differ in expansion and contraction rates from the rest of the roof. roofing companies near me
To avoid leaks, make sure that you use screws with rubber washers. Screws with rubber washers are smaller than those with metal caps. The washer should spread out enough to cover the screw hole but not protrude past the metal cap. When tightening the screw, be sure to not overdrive the washer. In this way, you’ll avoid leaking water into the metal. Once you’ve plugged old screw holes in metal roofing, you can proceed with new installation.
Often, the screws are not visible, but the metal underneath will show. If you can spot the screws, the problem is more likely to be with the nail than the screw. A larger diameter screw is recommended for fixing lead head nails. If you can’t find the screws, you can use a smaller diameter screw to secure the wood. If you’re unable to do this, you can opt for a repair tape or brush over protection system. To find these materials, check with your local commercial pre engineered contractor.
A urethane-based sealant is applied to the metal panel that has a screw hole. The sealant should only be applied to the damaged portion of the metal panel, as otherwise it may interfere with the integrity of the roof. Once the sealant has dried, apply a sheet metal patch to the area of the damaged metal. Ensure that the patch overlaps the damaged area two inches. Screws should be placed on the patch with a pan-head sheet metal screw. Make sure to space the screws evenly around the perimeter of the patch. Be sure not to screw through the decking.
In addition to patching, there are also no-weld options. In general, the most permanent option is welding, but this method is expensive and risky. Welders can be dangerous because of the high voltage electric circuit. Non-weld methods are cheaper and easier. If you can’t weld, you can try epoxy or tape to repair metal holes. Once the patch is dry, a primer can be applied to prevent the hole from reforming.
During the repair, the area surrounding the hole will most likely be dirty. You should clean this area thoroughly with a suitable roof cleaner to remove any dirt, algae growth, and film. Use a wet cloth to remove any residue. This is a good way to ensure the integrity of your repair. And it will help prevent leaks and other issues from occurring in the future. So, get your metal roofing in good shape!
