Pole barn roof options

[femurphy77]

We have a metal pole barn that is developing some leaks when it rains. The roof is sheetmetal nailed to the rafters. What are viable options to rainproof my roof? I've thought about decking it and putting standard shingles on it but that would be a major renovation to support the additional weight. Is there any type of rubberized paint or some type of sealant I can use to seal the nails and seams between roof panels?

 

[42769vette]

We have a metal pole barn that is developing some leaks when it rains. The roof is sheetmetal nailed to the rafters. What are viable options to rainproof my roof? I've thought about decking it and putting standard shingles on it but that would be a major renovation to support the additional weight. Is there any type of rubberized paint or some type of sealant I can use to seal the nails and seams between roof panels?

i saw a spray paint material on tv that you can put a screen door in the bottom of a boat and this stuff will seal the screen. atleast thats how they advertise it

im guessing you could put a new metal roof on cheaper than buying enough of that stuff to do the job, but the comercial looks impressive

 

[chocktaw2]

First off, are there any nail protruding above the roof, as In coming loose? I just went thru this summer at work, all though this was screws instead. Had to check every $#$$@ screw on a 50 X 80 roof. We bought some sealant tape, and it seems to be working. PM if you want the name of the product that we used. I'll also tell you how we applied it.

 

[Cpt Caveman]

If its the corrugated, galvanized stuff it may be time to replace it. It shouldn't leak unless its compromised in some way. Even with a few loose nails or screws there should be minimal leakage.

 

[meyer4589]

I've used this stuff called Rust-Bullet for truck frames and parts but they make a product that is designed to prevent corrosion on metal roofs, but I'm not sure if its designed for waterproofing them also. Just thought I would share.

Here's the website: Rust Inhibitor Paint | Stop Rust | Rust Corrosion Inhibitor | Rust Converter

 

[halfmileharry]

YES, there's a pitch material just for metal roofs. It's like a rubberized to brush on. I used the silver colored pitch to match my roof.
I had a tornado come close a couple of years ago and loosened the roof. The roof had to be secured again but the pitch works like a champ. Easy to brush on in warm weather (not sure about cold) and as of this fall I saw no shrinkage in the pitch seal.

 

[DocIndy]

When we make roof penetrations or install vents in walls we use a polyurethane caulk called NP1. Sticks to anything and seals up great. Even comes in colors. We purchase it through a place on the northwest side of indy called Pro Fastening Systems. Runs us about $4 a tube. So its cheaper than silicone and works 1000% better.

 

[antsi]

What kind of fasteners were used when it was put on?
The ones I see people using now have little gaskets on each screw to keep them from leaking. I guess it would be a horriffic PITA to replace all the fasteners on your roof.

 

[femurphy77]

The roof is nailed on, which I thought was odd, each nail has a gasket and the ones I checked hadn't pulled up any. The majority of my leaks are related to the translucent panels that were installed to provide interior light during the day. I hate to do it but they will be going away soon, replaced by solid panels. The barn metal is all painted steel and appears to be in good shape. I've had several good suggestions on this and will be trying some of them out and will share my experience in the process.

We really want to stop/prevent all leaks as we want to put a drop ceiling in the barn for heating purposes. It serves multiple duty as storage/workshop/man-cave/hiding place/puppy retreat etc. We're in the process of adding insulation to the walls and installed a propane heater last fall. I've finally organized enough I can actually do some projects out there and had forgotten how nice it was to have enough room to be able to play with my toys! (Racecar, boat, convertible, woodworking tools, etc)