How to Repair a Leaking Corrugated Roof

A corrugated roof may be a versatile, cheap, and popular roofing option among homeowners, but this does not mean that it is impervious to leaks. Leaking corrugated roofs are quite common, but the good news is that it can be fixed properly as long as you have the right tools and knowledge.  Rather than calling a professional, you can personally do the task and save on unnecessary labor costs.

Step 1 - Gain Access to the Roof

Plant the ladder firmly to the ground. If it is an extendable type, make sure that extensions are secured. Wearing a harness and safety goggles may also help in preventing injuries. 

Step 2 - Find Roof Leaks

Finding leaks in a roof can be very tricky.  Roof leaks can cause water damage to a home’s ceiling so this damaged point should be the point of reference.  A common sign of roof leaks is the wetting of ceiling tiles. Trace the leak backwards to its source on the roof. The source can be a few meters away from the spot where the water drips.  

Some of the more common areas where leaks are located include skylights, chimney, and fields of shingles, low spots, and wall step flashings.  You can also check the gutters and vents for any signs of roof leaks. Usually, damaged gutters can result to water damage going as far down as the cellar. This is because the water directly runs down the exterior walls.

Step 3 - Patch the Leak

Use a rag to clean the area which needs to be patched. Apply lacquer thinner afterward; use a specialty sealing tape to cover the area that needs to be patched. Use only a sealing tape especially made for patching metal materials so it sticks easily and is UV/rain resistant. A specialized patching tape like Eternabond can be purchased at most hardware stores and home improvement shops. Press down the patching tape over the leak. Alternatively, use a rubber roller in various directions to apply more pressure.

When the damage is large enough for patching, it is best to replace the whole damaged corrugated sheet. Start by carefully pulling off the nails on the damaged sheet and the sides of any adjoining sheets. Notice that the edges of the sheets overlap on the next one; you should install the replacement the same way. Use only specialty nails suited for corrugated roof; they should be more water-tight and weather-proof. Drive the nails on the ridge of the corrugated roof instead on the lower curve. You will need around 20 nails for one sheet. Secure adjoining sheets as well.

Step 4 - Regularly Inspect the Roof

A good way to prevent leaks from occurring in a corrugated roof is to regularly inspect the roof, even when there are no leaks occurring. It is always recommended to inspect a roof after weather disturbances such as heavy rains and heavy snow, or weather phenomena like hurricanes and hail storms. Unclog the gutter to also help in preventing leaks from occurring in the roof; always clean the gutters regularly to keep the roof in tip top condition.

With proper care and maintenance, any corrugated roof will be spared from leaks. The good thing with corrugated roof is that it requires minimal maintenance, so it can last for a long time. However finding and patching leaks will go a long way towards ensuring the durability of any corrugated roof.