How to Fix a Flat Metal Roof

Unlike corrugated metal roofing, flat metal roofs are easy to patch and repair. Often required patches are simply the result of standing water that has begun to corrode the area and has eaten through the metal. While you may be able to use roofing cement to repair some damage, the best solution is to add a metal patch and solder it into place.

Before beginning this project, be sure that you are comfortable soldering a patch onto your room. Soldering does require some practice in order to create strong bonds: a poorly done repair will not withstand water and just cause leaks.

Unlike other roof repairs, you can patch a flat metal roof even on cold days. However, you should wait for a dry day to avoid slipping on the roof. If you are repairing an area that was leaking, you should also consider looking for other possible areas that could leak in the future and patch them as well.

Step 1: Locate the areas that is causing the leak or otherwise needs to be patched. Measure the area and write down the appropriate size of a patch. Also note the material that roof is made of: aluminum or steel are the most common metals.

Step 2: Purchase a new roofing panel made of the appropriate type of metal. Cut the patch or patches out of this piece using a pair of metal shears.

Step 3: Clean the area you intend to patch thoroughly using a mixture of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Dry the area completely before continuing.

Step 4: Place the metal roofing panel patch over the damaged area on the roof. Coat the edge of the patch as well as the roof surrounding the patch with flux.

Step 5: Solder the patch onto the metal roofing using a soldering gun or blow torch. Be sure to go slowly, heating up the patch and the flat metal roof thoroughly before proceeding. If the metal is not heated when the solder is applied, the bond will be weak and eventually.