Safe DIY Metal Roof Inspection

If you want to safely perform your own metal roof inspections, we have a few suggestions that will help you out.

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​​Step 1
Safety Check

​First and foremost, before you start your inspection, understand that manouvering across a metal roof can pose certain dangers, whether you're on a steep-slope or low-slope roof. First, don't go up on the steep parts if you know you have bad balance or don't have a safey harness. If balance isn't an issue and you have a harness, wear shoes with rubber soles and a lot of traction that grip the metal as you walk around. Also never go up on the roof without supervision. This doesn't mean you aren't capable, but it does mean if something were to happen you can get help fast.

Lastly, we highly recommend doing some research on how to walk on your specific type of metal roofing, or if you shouldn't be walking on it at all. The last thing you want is to cause low spots or bending on your roof panels.

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​​Step 2
What to Inspect

During your DIY metal roofing inspection, you'll want to look for signs of leaking, drainage and moisture problems, rust or discoloration, patch failure, corrosion, flashing issues, and loose or damaged fasteners.

Outside of corrosion and fading, leaks are one of the most common issues with metal roofing. Inspect the panel seems and flashings. Oftentimes, the temperature fluctuations make the sealant used between panels brittle, which then causes it to deteriorate and make way for leaks. High winds can also loosen or blow away the panel fasteners, causing the fastener holes to become exposed and even give way to larger gaps.

So make sure those fasteners are in and tight and all of the corresponding washers are accounted for. It's also recommended to touch the sealant along the panels to make sure it's still soft.

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​​Step 3
Proper Cleaning

First, make sure the gutters and downspouts are free of debris and anything else that would cause it to clog. Remove debris from around the roof itself as well, including moss, sticks, and leaves. Once clear of debris, spray down the entirely of the roof with a pressure washer on the low setting with plain water. Then add your bleach, turn it on high, and spray each individual panel. Bleach is one of the best ways to combat mold and mildew. 

After the deep clean, add mild soap (your basic car wash soap will work) to the pressure washer and rinse off each panel again. Let it soak and then rinse with plain water. This will ensure that your metal roof isn't exposed to harsh chemicals for a prolonged period of time.

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​​Step 4
Minor Repairs

You may encounter an occasional hole, rust stain, or other minor fix. For small holes on unobtrusive areas, you can try and use metal repair patches. They won't look good at all from the ground, so we wouldn't recommend using them as a long-term solution on the main area of the home if it's widely visible. Patches can last several years, but replacing the panel entirely would obviously be the best solution.

Before you apply the patch, sand the edges of the area with an emery cloth and make sure there's nothing else around the area that could potentially damage the path after application. Then make sure you cut the path to be at least two inches wider than the area your want to patch. Lay the patch down on the panel, and trace the outline. Then apply sealant along the traced line. Place the patch down and press firmly. If there are any areas where the sealant hasn't pushed out around the patch, you'll need to add more. You can then smooth out the sealant with a putty knife. Once sealed, apply pan heads screws straight down evenly around the surface of the patch, about one inch from the edges; The screws should only be long enough to protrude the metal panel, not the roof deck.

For small areas of rust, you can sometimes use a wire brush to remove it. If that doesn't work, use oxalic acid - about 1 pound per gallon of water. Use it as a spray and apply it directly to the rusted areas. Then thoroughly rinse with water.

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​​Step 5
Major Repairs

For large holes, gaps, widespread areas of rusting, or other major fixes, we would simply recommend calling in the professionals. The metal roofing equipment and experience we have covers every aspect of the inspection and repair process.

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CG Roofing & Waterproofing is a Jacksonville metal roofing company specializing in inspection and repair. Give us a call if you have any questions about DIY metal roof inspection or would like to schedule a professional inspection.
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