sealing metal roof

redboots · Apr 14, 2019

I have a metal barn roof which is leaking where the bolts go through the metal. Is there a product that I could coat the bolts to stop the leaks? Any advice or product information would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Russ from MN · Apr 14, 2019

Bolts? Most steel roofs are either fastened with nails or screws with neoprene washers. If it truly is bolts you could take them out and put new sealing washers under the heads, the same for screws. If it's nails you can smear some sealant around the heads.

Crazy Horse · Apr 14, 2019

There was a post on this very topic not too long ago. Not sure how a guy would find it, there were lots of solutions, maybe somebody can post a link to the thread.

Janicholson · Apr 14, 2019

Remove the bolt about 1/4", use polyurethane sealant (door and window) around the bolt at the exposed shank. tighten. It must be polyurethane, no other. Jim

Steve@Advance · Apr 14, 2019

You can try sealing them, but don't expect permanent results.

Once the fasteners have started leaking they probably can't be tightened as they will be rusted or if in wood, the wood rotten around the shank. Trying to seal them is difficult as the metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, causing movement between the metal and the fasteners. There is a product called "Through the Roof" that has good reviews. Other polyurethane sealers also work. Petroleum base sealers tend to crack and dry out in the sun.

You may want to go beside some of the worst or missing fasteners with some new Tech screws. Then remove the original and seal the hole. Originally, most mfgs recommended fastening on top of the ridges. now, the preferred method is to go on the flat so the screw can be tightened to compress the gasket. But, don't over tighten and crush the gasket.

44 massey · Apr 14, 2019

Had similar problem with holes in metal roof on a shop extension!!! I bought the building about 7 years ago and the guy that put the roof on had a tendency to miss the rafter, he?d just take screw out and leave the hole!! I got a tube of silicone form-a-gasket and covered each hole!!! No leaks to this day!!!

formerly ny bill · Apr 14, 2019

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=ttales&th=271122

Stephen Newell · Apr 14, 2019

Bolts are seal down screws? If it's the screws new longer screws would be a better fix. If it's just a sealant you need I would use gutter and flashing caulk.

Hobo,NC · Apr 14, 2019

At least haft the screws on my building have Permatex ultra grey are ultra red on'em.. So far so good...

OregonAaron · Apr 14, 2019

I have had good luck with butyl gutter & flashing sealant. Works good and stays pliable. Also it's cheap.

caterpillar guy · Apr 15, 2019

Take the screw out put a small piece of the same roofing steel over it with smoe siliocne sealer under it then screw the new longer screw in should cure it if the wood is not rotted out around screw. If it is you can slip a piece of steel in under the roofing onto of the roof board to hold the screw. This will seal the leak. Then put another screw in beside it. Preferably on top of the rib.
We still screw on top of the rib for putting on roofing. If a guy comes to us and tells us he's gong to put them on the flat he needs to find somebody else to put roofing on for.

ss55 · Apr 15, 2019

3M makes some marine sealants that are outstanding for resealing older aluminum boats. They might be overkill and too expensive for a whole roof.

https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1091954O/3mmarine-adhesive-sealant-solutions-for-boat-owners.pdf The 4000UV might work the best to seal a roof.

sealing metal roof

redboots

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Russ from MN

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Crazy Horse

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Janicholson

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Steve@Advance

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44 massey

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formerly ny bill

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Stephen Newell

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Hobo,NC

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caterpillar guy

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