Metal Roof Screws

[bfr57]

My metal building is about 7 years old and has developed roof leaks. Around the sky lights are the worst. The building is 35' x 80' so there are a ton of screws! I can't really get up there every time one starts to leak. Any suggestions?

 

[jack stand]

The clear panels that I've used call for an oversized hole to allow for expansion/contraction. I'd use some roof cement (tar) in caulking tubes and just "hit" all of them in the clear panel.

 

[dougf]

I would do as the above poster suggested. After 7 years im sure some of the rubber washers have deteriorated. I would replace the screws in a section at a time and it will be done before you know it!

 

[sjvicker]

Either tar or Sika-Flex if you're looking to seal screw heads. Dont use silicone as it will harden over time.

 

[nadogail]

Maybe its time to give your roof a coating of the rubbery stuff sold for mobile home roofs.

 

[mike93lx]

At only 7 years, i would figure out the problem and not start slapping on sealants and coatings. It should be completely fine at this age

 

[gazza]

What color is your roof?, a dark color and the sheets expand and contract more which elongates the holes, if its leaking on the clear sheets you should be able to buy some larger dia rubber/neoprene cup washers to cover a larger area around the screws

 

[Poodlehead]

When I had my building built I wanted skylights too, but my builder said it's not a matter of if they leak but when they leak. He tries to steer people away from using them on roofs. We instead installed half sheets on the side, which work fairly well.

 

[Nutria]

After 7 years im sure some of the rubber washers have deteriorated. I would replace the screws in a section at a time and it will be done before you know it!

Agreed. Those screws are a maintenance item. The rubber washers should be compressed just a bit-- you don't want to overtighten them. I make the rounds once a year and put a quarter- to half-turn on the screws if needed. It doesn't take long, although I have raised seam, and the screws are only around the perimeter. This is a good job for a nut driver, not a powered driver.