Repairing Holes in Corrugated Roofing Sheets

Corrugated roofing sheets can help you create an attractive roof for your home. The sheets may be produced from metal, PVC or fiberglass set in a wavy pattern. This design contributes to higher resilience and durability of roofing. However, it is not uncommon for damage to set in with time. This may consist of holes which result in leakages on your roof. Below are a few guidelines to help you repair holes in corrugated roofing.

Locate the Holes

It is vital that you identify exactly where the holes on your roof are. Large holes are easier to detect but smaller holes can be elusive. Holes generally result in leakages on the roof. Examine your ceiling carefully for signs of leakage. Mark all holes from within the house as well as from the rooftop. This will ensure that you attend to all holes.

Preparation

It is vital that you clean the damaged sections thoroughly before you undertake repair. For corrugated metal panels, scrub the roof with a wire brush. This helps to eliminate dirt, debris and rust. Clear the dirt from the roof with a whisk broom. Wipe with a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove any remnants of dirt. For PVC and fiberglass panels, clean the area with an old toothbrush to remove loose material. Dampen a rag with acetone and wipe the area clean. Allow the corrugated roofing to dry completely before you embark on repair.

Patching Materials for Metal Corrugated Roofing Sheets

Urethane roof cement is an excellent product that can help you patch holes on corrugated metal roofing. Apply the cement carefully with a putty knife until you’ve sealed the hole completely. Obtain some roofing mesh and cut out 2 identical square patches. Press one patch over the roofing cement. Let it conform to the contours on the metal panel. Spread some more roofing cement over the roofing mesh then attach the other square patch. Apply a final layer of roofing cement over the mesh patch. Spread it evenly with a putty knife.

PVC and Fiberglass Patching Materials

For PVC roofing, apply lacquer with an old cloth around the hole. Attach some sealing tape over the hole. Be sure to obtain sealing tape designed for PVC material as other tapes may not seal effectively. Use a rubber roller to press down on the seal. The roller will enable you to access the contours and valleys of the roofing panels. For fiberglass roofing, apply some de-waxing agent to create a strong bond for the fiberglass laminate. Place alternate layers of fiberglass mat and fiberglass cloth over the holes. Secure each layer with resin. Spread the resin evenly with a resin roller. The roller helps to prevent bumps and air bubbles. Apply a gel coat onto the repaired area after the resin has dried well.

Safety Measures

Wear shoes that will give you a firm foothold on the roof. Certain weather conditions increase the risk of accidents for roof projects. Avoid repairs on the roof in wet or windy weather. If there’s any indication of a storm, it is best to put off the work until you’re certain of clear weather.