How to Fix the Roof on Your Metal Shed

2. Roof sheathing or plywood repair

If leaks have been happening for a long time, you might need to replace the sheathing underneath. A hole or leak near the roof vent may also harm the sheathing, but it doesn’t always require a full replacement.

To check the plywood, take off the outer roofing material and underlayment from above. This will show you how much damage there is. If it feels wet and soft, it’s a sign you need to replace it.

To replace a section of plywood, you’ll need to remove all the material covering that area. This involves taking off some or most of the roof. Depending on the type of roofing material you have, it might be simpler to replace the entire roof.

3. Roof rafters

Delaying fixing the leak on your shed roof can damage the roof boards and rafters. If this happens, you’ll need to address the sheathing first (see #2).

When repairing a rafter, you may connect it to the existing damaged one. This involves cutting it to match the dimensions of the other rafters and then attaching it. As a result, the new rafter will sit next to the damaged one.

Note: If your shed roof has multiple damaged rafters, you might need to dismantle it.

How to Repair Roof Shingles

Roof shingles are affordable, easy to install, and sturdy. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight or strong winds can cause them to deteriorate. This can leave your roof sheathing vulnerable, with cracks or blowing away. Here’s how to repair them:

Step 1: Remove the damaged shingle

If a shingle is blown off, install a new one underneath. Make sure the new shingle matches the old one exactly. Nail it into place on the tar strips, and you’re done!

If the shingle is damaged, use a 24” flat-end crowbar to pry it off. Alternatively, you can use a roof ripper or a hammer with an extended claw.

Tip: Remove the old shingle slowly, ensuring the crowbar lifts it from where the existing nail is. This helps prevent tearing the underlayment or sheathing further.

Step 2: Inspect the sheathing and underlayment

After removing the shingle, inspect the area underneath for additional damage. Ensure there are no leaks near any roof vents. If there are, examine the flashing surrounding the openings.

Shingles should cover the flashing around the vent on the top and sides. The bottom of the vent flashing is visible and positioned above the shingles below it.

Step 3: Replace the shingle

After removing the damaged shingle, check if the roof boards are still in good condition. They shouldn’t show signs of dampness or rot. If the boards are okay, replace the shingle. Be careful not to damage the shingles above. Use a flat pry bar or roof ripper to gently lift each nail.

Tip: Re-insert the nails through the original holes to prevent roof leaks caused by the shingle above.

Ways to Ensure a Long-lasting Metal Shed Life

Identify the problem area

Act promptly to address any issues with your metal shed roof. Use a wire brush to remove as much rust and corrosion as possible. Once you’ve loosened the rust, sweep away the debris and ensure the roof is clean and dry.

Prepare your metal shears

Use metal shears to cut two patches of roofing mesh. These patches should be identical squares large enough to overlap the damaged area by at least two inches on all sides.

Use urethane roof cement

This cement is essential for maintenance and repair tasks. Begin by applying a uniform layer of cement around the hole in your roof. Use a trowel to spread more cement over the mesh, ensuring the material permeates it. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper adhesion and effectiveness.

Replace leaking screw holes

Metal roofing uses hex head screws with thick rubber washers. However, these washers can harden and wear away due to extreme weather conditions.

To fix this problem, replace the screw with a new one. Also, apply roof sealant to the screw hole to ensure a tight seal and prevent further leakage.

Remove metal roof rust

Galvanised flat roofing materials have a zinc coating to prevent rust. However, scratches from tree branches or other impacts can expose the steel underneath, causing rust. Neglecting this can result in holes in your shed roof. In such cases, you may need to replace one or more metal roof panels.

Consider waterproofing

Another option is to paint the metal roof panels. Waterproofing involves two essential weather protection methods: sealing and painting. Regularly doing so will prolong its rust-free lifespan. Tip: Use roofing paint or sealants designed specifically for waterproofing purposes.

Round-up

With these steps, you can ensure your metal garden storage roof remains in top condition. The maintenance process should take less than an hour to complete. Results may vary depending on the size, complexity, and other factors of your shed.

For more information, check out our ultimate guide to metal sheds! If you have any further questions, contact us and don’t hesitate to give us a call at 01909 768840.