How To Repair Screw Holes In Metal Roofs? (Beginners Guide)

If you live in an area with severe weather, you may have experienced roof damage caused by winds or ice dams.

If you have metal roofing, this damage can cause the screw holes in your metal roof to become damaged and rusted over time. Luckily, repairing these holes isn’t as hard as it sounds! 

If you’ve got old screw holes in your metal roof, there’s no need to call the company that installed your roof and pays big bucks to have it repaired.

Instead, in this article, I will walk you through how you can fix the damage using these easy steps.

Repairing screw holes in your metal roof panel isn’t that difficult. You only have to ensure the part you want to fix is clean and apply the silicone patch. Ensure the silicone patch covers the hole and place a fleece over it; this fix is a permanent fix for your metal roof leak.

How to Repair Screw Holes In Metal Roofs (Step By Step)?

If you have screw holes or other defects in your metal roofing panel, it’s easy enough to repair them. You can do it yourself or with a bit of help from a professional.

Before you start, ensure all exposed surfaces are clean and debris-free, and any tools you use are clean and debris-free.

Then follow these steps:

#1. Patch Method

• First thing first, prep your roof and make sure it’s clean. Next, remove any dust or dirt and remove leaves or other debris from where you will be working.
• Use a wire brush to clean the area around the affected metal roofing screws.
• If you’re repairing small holes or indentations in your metal roofing panels, you can quickly fill them with metal repair putty. For larger dents and holes where putty won’t do enough, weld them back into place.
• If you want to go with a patch, apply a silicone patch with a brush to the affected metal roofing screws and ensure it covers the affected parts.
• Place a polyester fleece on the patch applied to ensure it lasts.

There you have it! You have successfully done metal roof repair for the screw holes in your home without the help of a professional.

If you do not want to use this approach, you can try the other one that involves drilling.

#2. By Drilling

Some don’t accept this method of fixing screw holes in a metal roof because there are disadvantages to metal roof coating, but you can use this method to improve your metal roof panel.

• First thing first, prep your roof and make sure it’s clean. Next, remove any dust or dirt and remove leaves or other debris from where you will be working.
• The next step is to drill a pilot hole into your metal roof. To do so, you will want to start with a hammer drill. If you don’t have one of these handy tools, then use an electric drill; make sure you set it on low speed and that there isn’t much pressure behind it. Next, start drilling at a small diameter until you see some metal peeking through from underneath, which means you’ve reached your desired depth.
• Ensure you wear your protective goggles when drilling.
• Now, you can use your metal roof coating. First, apply a small amount on your screw evenly across its surface. After that, you will want to insert your metal screw back in. With that step completed, you are now ready to paint. Since metal doesn’t require priming, use any top coat paint of your choice and apply it according to manufacturer instructions.
• Add fleece to the paint, then paint again.

Will Flex Seal Work On a Roof?

Flex Seal is a non-toxic seal that works on a roof and can be used to repair metal roof leaks. You can use this seal on wet and dry surfaces; however, you should apply it to dry surfaces.

There have been testimonies of flex seals working on metal roof leaks even after years of its application.

The flex seal for rooftops is the product that works best to prevent and repair roof leaks and is excellent for minor repairs or a small roof.

If the roof is leaking or has a problem, you can apply this sealant to the roof’s surface. The flex seal comes in a liquid form, making it easy to use and perform exceptionally well.

It prevents rust stains, mildew growth, and damage from ultraviolet rays on the roof. In addition, flex seals will not fracture, sag, or peel when subjected to severe weather conditions.

Although it has a strong odor and you should only use it in well-ventilated spaces, the product is safe for the environment and the person applying it because it does not cause dizziness.

What Do You Use To Fill Screw Holes In a Metal Roof?

Pulling out one of these screws leaves behind a slight indentation called a screw hole or counterbore. These screw holes can cause leaks, and you must repair them immediately.

However, it is possible to fix these holes yourself instead of having an expensive contractor come out and do it for you. 

Here are a few things to fill the screw holes in your metal roof, like epoxy glue, UV patch, and acrylic coating.

Then, I’ll explain how you can use these to fill screw holes in a metal roof panel.

#1. Epoxy Glue

You can use epoxy glue to patch steel and metal. Depending on the damage and patch quality, epoxy can permanently seal a hole.

Also, ensure you apply a primer over the epoxy to prevent the spot from reopening.

#2. UV Patch

UV patches are a permanent way to fix screw holes without welding; they are rapid repairs for rust or minor holes.

UV repair patches harden in a couple of minutes following the first exposure to the sun’s ultra-violet rays. If you’re working in a dark environment without access to sunlight, you can repair UV patches with a lamp.

UV repair patches produce lasting connections with metal surfaces for non-weld hole repairs. In addition, industrial glue UV repair patches are waterproof and prevent leaks and rust.

#3. Using Acrylic Coating

Apply the acrylic coating to the screw holes with a paintbrush. Then cut polyester mesh slightly larger than the holes and place it on the coating.

After smoothening the mesh, apply another round of layers to the spot till there’s no more hole.

Best Sealant For Metal Roof Screws

A sealant is suitable for your metal roof panel as it is a secondary barrier against water intrusion and protects you from having to repair a metal roof leak.

There are different metal sealants, but I recommend using silicone sealants. Here, I’ll list some of the best adhesives used for metal roof screws.

• Titebond Metal Roof Sealant
• Butyl Tape
• Novaflex Metal Roof Sealant
• Loctite Sealant

#1. Titebond Metal Roof Sealant

Titebond is a polymer that bonds all metals. This sealant is user-friendly, superior-grade, and budget-friendly but with a limited warranty.

To apply this sealant to any surface, press it on and spread it with a brush. It is 100% waterproof and dries quickly.

#2. Butyl Tape

Compared to other types of rubber sealants, butyl tape is less susceptible to fluctuating temperatures than different types of rubber sealants.

As a result, it is long-lasting and straightforward to work with, and you use it for sealing metal roof panels. The most common application is to forge a seal between two metal trim pieces.

#3. Novaflex Metal Roof Sealant

Novaflex, a non-corrosive silicone sealant, is another excellent sealant that you can use to prevent metal roof leaks.

This sealant is not as thick as the typical sealant used on metal roofs; as a result, it can move and spread out in the seams between metal pieces, producing a watertight gasket that is consistent.

#4. Loctite Sealant

The Loctite sealant is a superior quality sealant, resistant to corrosion, ultraviolet light, and ozone, and is highly waterproof.

In addition, it is simple to paint on and requires you to apply it only once; it does not become brittle when exposed to light.

Related: How Much Weight Can An 8-32 Screw Hold?

Repairing Screw Holes In a Corrugated Iron Roof 

To repair screw holes in a corrugated iron roof, you can fix them with a patch. If you’re dealing with a small leak on your roof, you may find that a patch will be enough to get your roof back up and running again.

A patch is a metal explicitly designed to repair your roof’s holes or cracks; follow these steps to fix screw holes in your corrugated metal roof panel.

• You’ll need to clean and dry your roof. It is essential because if you apply glue or epoxy when your roof is still wet, it won’t bond properly. 
• Once your roof is dry, choose a patch that matches your existing roof as closely as possible.
• If you can’t find a matching patch, choose a darker or lighter one.
• Consider your roof’s size and form while shopping for a patch. Then, clean the spot with soap and water. Using a brush or roller, you were applying epoxy glue to your home (or crack).
• Let your patch dry for 30 minutes. Next, cut a match from your existing roof. Finally, attach your patch with a staple gun or hammer and nails. You can use screws or nails as long as they’re small enough not to be seen.

Conclusion

In summary, fixing screw holes is something that you can do yourself with the right tools without spending more trying to replace the roof.

There are different ways to improve your metal roof leak, and you can even use sealants. You only have to follow the steps in this article to get it done!