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Although known for their durability, metal shed roofs are not impervious to damage. Both natural and human factors can damage the metal structures, especially if no effort is made to maintain them.
Since the structural integrity and appearance of a shed roof can be compromised over time, it is important for you to be aware of the steps you can take to ensure that damage is mitigated as soon as possible.
Most commonly, very small rust patches start to appear on the shed roof before any other outwardly signs of damage emerge. This is followed by the development of small holes in the metal sheaths, which eventually allow water and moisture to seep in.
This can severely damage all sensitive materials that you have stored in your shed. Unfortunately, it is only after the appearance of these small holes that owners usually become aware that they have a problem.
Things to Consider
It is important to remember that, with proper care, a metal shed can last you several decades. Therefore, the small investments that you make in conducting basic repairs every few years are worth it. Plus, the costs associated with maintenance are negligible, and the time it will take you to plug a leaky hole in the roof is nothing to be concerned about.
First Step:
The first step you need to take in addressing roof problems is to identify the problem area and then use a wire brush to loosen and dislodge as much rust and corrosion as you possibly can. After you have softened the area up, use a broom to remove the debris. Before proceeding, you need to make sure that the piece of roof you are about to work on is both clean and dry.
Second Step:
Next, use metal shears to cut two patches of roofing mesh. You need to have two identical, square patches of this material and they need to be large enough to overlap the damaged roof area by at least 2 inches on all sides. You will then have to get your hands on some urethane roof cement since this will be the most important material you will need to fix your shed roof.
Third Step:
Start off by applying an even layer of cement around the hole in your roof. The easiest way to do this is with a trowel. Before you start this step, make sure to consult the directions provided by the company that produced the cement. Apply this product according to specifications, otherwise, it will not hold and your work will have been in vain.
Fourth Step:
The next step you need to do is take one of the mesh patches and place it into the roof cement. Once you have it firmly secured, used the trowel to spread some more cement over the mesh, making sure that the material permeates the mesh. It is important that the top and bottom layers of the cement mix bond with each other in order to ensure that the plug will be able to keep moisture out of your shed.
Last Step:
The second mesh patch should be applied on top of the other layers. After securing it, use the trowel to add a final layer of cement. Make sure that all three cement layers are bonded to each other. This can easily be accomplished by exerting gentle pressure on the roof plug with the trowel. After the third layer of cement has been worked into the second patch, allow the plug to solidify according to the instructions provided by the cement manufacturer.
By following these simple steps, you make sure that water will no longer reach the sensitive items you have stored in your shed. The entire maintenance process should take less than an hour to complete, not including the time needed for the cement to dry off completely. All you need is a ladder, some urethane roof cement, and some roofing mesh.
Disclaimer
Please note that this guide is intended to present general information regarding the subject. All information indicated are representative and not exhaustive, which means that the results may vary depending on your item, its size, complexity and other circumstances. This is only advice and we do not accept responsibility for any problems you may have whilst following this guide, it is only a representation and not a definitive guide. When in doubt, please ask your manufacturer before proceeding.
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