Stopping Roof Leaks – On the House
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Stopping Roof Leaks

By on April 17, 2014
roofing nails with washers

Question

Our patio roof is covered with corrugated aluminum. Every year my husband puts a sealer over the nails, and each winter the leaks return. We think this is due to natural movement. Aside from changing the roof, is there anything we can do to stop the leaks?

Sara

Answer

Nails that are used to affix corrugated aluminum or steel have a rubber washer under the head of the nail. When the nail is driven in place, the head of the nail holds the washer in place against the corrugated metal and seals the penetration made by the shaft of the nail. As time passes, the sun dries the washer and leaks can occur. The best thing is to replace the nails. Roofing nails are usually very short and relatively easy to remove. Drive a new nail with the proper gasket into the old hole.

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