Metal roofing is a highly durable roofing material that can protect your home from a great deal of physical trauma. However, it is not unbreakable: over time, stress, weather exposure, and a variety of other factors can cause damage to your metal roof. Thankfully, minor damage to metal roofing can be very easily fixed with a few simple tools and materials and the right know-how. 

Fixing Rattling Noises and Leaks

If you notice that there is a small leak within your attic, or the roof rattles and makes a significant amount of noise in windy or rainy weather, there is a high chance the roofing nails in your metal roof have come loose. All you'll need to fix this is a hammer: simply get on top of your roof and look for any loose nails. Pull them all the way out using the claw end of the hammer, and nail them in again.

Rust Patches

If your metal roof has begun to rust, but has not yet rusted completely through, you can fix it fairly easily. Use steel wool to rub the affected area clean (ensure that not even a single speck of rust is left on the metal, as it will continue to spread). Then, use metal primer on the scrubbed area and paint over it with metal paint that matches the color of the rest of your roof. Metal primer and paint can be found at most hardware and automotive stores.

Larger Leaks

If your roof is leaking, but the nails in your metal roof are all properly secured, there is probably a small hole somewhere on your roof. Look for it by climbing on to the roof and examining the most likely places: where the planes of the roof connect, around the vents and chimneys in your roof, or any other area where large volumes of water might flow. Once you find the hole, apply roofing cement (again, commonly found at most hardware stores) using a putty knife. Keep in mind that roofing cement will degrade much faster than metal roofing, and the damaged section of your roof will have to be replaced at some point in the near future.

Large Repairs

For any larger repairs that need to be done to your metal roof, you should contact a roofing contractor. Large gaps and panels that need to be replaced entirely should be handled by a professional, as installing new roofing yourself can lead to improper installation. This can result in a plethora of different problems, the least of which includes water damage and mold and mildew growth within your home.