Most Colourbond (also written Colorbond) and metal roof leaks come from fasteners that have backed out or corroded, sealant at laps and flashings that has dried out, or sheets that have been dented or cut. Repair replaces the fastener, reseals the join or replaces the damaged sheet.
Metal roofs we see
Where metal roofs fail
- Fasteners. Screws back out as the sheet expands and contracts, and the washer under the head perishes. Water follows the screw into the roof.
- Laps and joins. Overlaps between sheets and at ridges rely on sealant. It dries and splits.
- Flashings. Wall junctions, vents, skylights and the ridge cap can open up.
- Cut edges and scratches. Where the coating is broken, rust can start, particularly near the coast or where debris sits.
- Valleys and gutters. Leaves hold moisture on the metal and speed up corrosion.
How we repair them
- Inspect the sheets, fasteners, laps, flashings and gutters, and photograph what we find.
- Replace failed fasteners with the right type for the roof and the material beneath.
- Reseal laps and flashings with sealant suited to metal roofing.
- Replace sheets or sections that are dented, split or rusted through.
- Clear the gutters and valleys, and send you photos of the work.
Rust and coating damage
Light surface rust on a sound sheet can be treated. Rust that has eaten through the sheet cannot, and the section needs replacing. Tell us the age of the roof and where the rust sits, and we will say which one it looks like before we come out.
What about repainting?
If the coating has faded but the sheets are sound, repainting can freshen the roof. It does not fix leaks, so repairs come first. Call us with the roof age and condition and we will tell you honestly whether paint makes sense.
Patio roofs, carports and sheds
The same rules apply to patios, carports and sheds in metal sheet. If you need a whole sheet roof replaced on a patio, see patio roof sheet replacement.
Metal roof leaking? Call 0430 545 669 or use the contact form. We come up, photograph the problem and put a price in writing.
Questions about colourbond roof repairs
Is it Colourbond or Colorbond?
Both spellings are common. The product is made by BlueScope and sold as COLORBOND steel. We use both in conversation, and both mean the same roof.
Why does my metal roof leak near the screws?
The washer under the screw head perishes, or the screw backs out as the sheet moves with temperature. We replace the fastener and reseal.
Can you repair a dented sheet?
Small dents that have not split the sheet can often stay. Split or badly creased sheets need replacing.
Do you replace a whole metal roof?
This page covers repairs. Call us about the size of the job and we will tell you if it suits our work.