Roof repairs

Most leaks in a metal roof are not holes in the sheeting. They start at junctions (flashings, valleys, penetrations and ridge capping) or at screws whose washers have perished. Finding the actual entry point matters more than the repair itself, because water can run a long way along a batten before it shows on a ceiling.

Common problems on coastal roofs

• Screw washers breaking down under sun and salt
• Corrosion where different metals meet, or where debris holds moisture
• Sealant failing around flues, vents and skylights
• Valleys blocked with leaves, backing water up under the sheets

Keeping a coastal roof in shape

Metal roofs near the sea benefit from being washed, especially areas the rain does not reach, such as under eaves, where salt builds up.