Metal roof repair?

[dubby]

Some 30 years ago my dad had a metal roof put on the shop. It's done great, still doesn't leak, no real dents. Has a couple patches where we've removed some exhaust vents, but nothing major.

But it's been REAL windy here the past few days and I kept hearing something banging around. Went out and noticed that the metal isn't attached as well as it used to be. I'm guessing that the screws have had time to wiggle around in the wood decking and it's not as snug as it needs to be.

In an effort to avoid future calamity, what's the best way to tighten it back up? New screws? Should I go back with the same size, a bigger size, or should I just leave what's there alone and add new ones in between the existing ones?

[milomilo]

Originally Posted by dubby

Some 30 years ago my dad had a metal roof put on the shop. It's done great, still doesn't leak, no real dents. Has a couple patches where we've removed some exhaust vents, but nothing major.

But it's been REAL windy here the past few days and I kept hearing something banging around. Went out and noticed that the metal isn't attached as well as it used to be. I'm guessing that the screws have had time to wiggle around in the wood decking and it's not as snug as it needs to be.

In an effort to avoid future calamity, what's the best way to tighten it back up? New screws? Should I go back with the same size, a bigger size, or should I just leave what's there alone and add new ones in between the existing ones?

Remove the loose screws, squirt a dab of silicone and lightly tighten. Add new screws about 2" from the loose screws. Use a hand held nut driver to check for loose screws so you do not strip out good screws.

[dubby]

I had wondered if silicone might be of any help.

[milomilo]

Originally Posted by dubby

I had wondered if silicone might be of any help.

Fixed a few leaks on other peoples roofs and they never leaked after that. More damage done by over tightening than anything else. At the first sign of the paint on the washer cracking, it is tight enough.

[Tim KS]

I'd add length to new screws if your sheeting can handle that...plus what Chris suggested.

[moe1942]

Silicone and longer screws...

[terry lingle]

also larger diameter crews if possible

[dubby]

Just to show I'm capable of completing a thread--

The kids all gathered 'round this past Saturday with a couple drills set to low torque and attacked the roof. Two worked their way around the edges, the other scooted around on top. All the screws that went into the decking were replaced, and I ended up with a spare 100ct bag leftover. Silicone was applied where necessary.

When they first got up there, you could hear the panels 'crunch' as they walked. By the time they were done you could hardly tell they were on the roof besides the stomp. I'm pretty darn happy with the results.

While up there, Dot1 grabbed the tree loppers and cleared back the limbs from the old pear tree as well. It looks a lot better. The boy then gathered up a truckload of old wood, a mattress, and some other random junk and hauled it off to the mini-dump site.

Grandma paid them well, so maybe they'll come back and help some more soon!

[Shade Tree Welder]

Most excellent.