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Fix a metal roof that leaks

We'll confirm the leak correlates with rain, identify the source—seam, fastener, or flashing—then reseal seams, tighten or replace fasteners, or tell you when to call a roofer.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
30–90 min
What you'll need
  • Metal roof sealant (rated for metal—not asphalt roof cement for seams)
  • Roof cement (for flashing gaps)
  • Screwdriver or drill (for fasteners)
  • Replacement metal roof screws with gaskets (if replacing fasteners)
  • Ladder (sturdy, properly positioned)
Step 1 of 11

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the leak correlates with rain, identify the source—seam, fastener, or flashing—then repair or call a roofer.

  • Confirm the leak correlates with rain. Locate the stain or drip and trace it upward to the roof.
  • Good: Leak appears with rain and you can trace it to the roof. Proceed to Identify the source.
  • Bad: Leak does not correlate with rain—check for condensation or plumbing.

Identify the source

Goal: Determine whether the leak is at a seam, fastener, or flashing.

  • From the attic, trace the leak upward. From a ladder, look at the roof. Seams are overlapping panel edges. Exposed fasteners are screws with rubber gaskets. Flashing is around vents, chimneys, skylights.
  • Good: You know the source type. Proceed to Seam path, Fastener path, or Flashing path.
  • Bad: Cannot identify—check during rain or run a hose on the roof from a ladder to simulate.

Seam path

Goal: Reseal a seam with failed sealant.

  • Clean the seam overlap and remove old or failed sealant. Apply metal roof sealant (rated for metal—not asphalt roof cement) along the seam lap. Press firmly. Cover the overlap fully.
  • Good: Seam is sealed. Test after rain.
  • Bad: Sealant will not adhere or damage is severe—call a roofer.

Fastener path

Goal: Tighten loose fasteners or replace those with cracked gaskets.

  • Tighten loose screws with a screwdriver or drill—do not over-torque. For screws with cracked or missing gaskets, replace with new metal roof screws that have intact rubber gaskets.
  • Good: Fasteners are snug and gaskets are intact. Test after rain.
  • Bad: Cannot access or screws strip—call a roofer.

Flashing path

Goal: Seal gaps at flashing around penetrations.

  • Inspect flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights. Clean the area and apply roof cement or metal-compatible sealant to seal gaps. Press firmly.
  • Good: Flashing is sealed. Test after rain.
  • Bad: Flashing is severely damaged or complex—call a roofer.

When to get help

Call a roofer if:

  • The roof is steep or high.
  • You cannot safely access the roof.
  • The leak is at a complex penetration (multiple pipes, unusual layout).
  • You have resealed seams and replaced fasteners and the leak continues.
  • The panels are severely corroded.

Roof work is hazardous. Metal roofs are slippery when wet. Do not risk a fall.

Verification

  • Leak correlates with rain and you traced it to the roof.
  • Seam, fastener, or flashing repair is complete—sealant applied, fasteners snug, gaps sealed.
  • No new water entry after the next rain.
  • Attic and ceiling stay dry during rain.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm leak location Verify the leak correlates with rain and trace it to the roof.
  2. Identify source type Determine if the leak is at a seam, fastener, or flashing.
  3. Reseal or replace Reseal seams, tighten or replace fasteners, or seal flashing gaps.
  4. Test after rain Confirm no new water entry.
  5. Call a roofer Steep roof, unsafe access, or leak continues—call a roofer.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Where the leak appears (ceiling, attic)
  • Whether leak correlates with rain
  • Source type (seam, fastener, flashing)
  • Roof pitch and access safety
  • Steps already tried

Does the leak correlate with rain?

Condensation and plumbing can mimic roof leaks. Confirm the drip appears during or after rain.

Note where water appears. Check if it appears only during or after rain. Rain: proceed to trace the leak. Not rain: may be condensation or plumbing—check other sources.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

May not be roof leak

If the leak does not correlate with rain, the source may be condensation, plumbing, or HVAC. Check for plumbing leaks, condensation in the attic, or HVAC condensate.

Done

Is the leak at a seam?

Seams are overlapping panel edges. Fasteners are exposed screws. Flashing is around vents and chimneys.

From the attic, trace the leak upward. From a ladder, look at the roof. Seam: overlapping panel edges with failed sealant. Not seam: check fastener or flashing next.

Seam Fastener or flashing

You can change your answer later.

Can you safely access the roof?

Metal roofs are slippery. Low-pitch and single-story are safer.

Check roof pitch and height. Safe access: reseal the seam with metal roof sealant. Steep or high: call a roofer.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Reseal seam and test

Clean the seam overlap. Apply metal roof sealant along the lap. Test after rain. If the leak continues, the damage may be beyond DIY—call a roofer.

Done

Is the leak at a fastener?

Fasteners are exposed screws with rubber gaskets. Flashing is around vents, chimneys, skylights.

Inspect exposed fasteners and flashing. Fastener: loose screws or cracked gaskets. Flashing: gaps at vents, chimneys, skylights. Pick the path that matches.

Fastener Flashing

You can change your answer later.

Can you safely access the roof?

Metal roofs are slippery. Do not over-torque fasteners.

Safe access: tighten loose screws or replace those with cracked gaskets. Unsafe: call a roofer.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Tighten or replace fasteners and test

Tighten loose screws (do not over-torque). Replace screws with cracked gaskets. Test after rain. If the leak continues, check seams and flashing.

Done

Can you safely access the roof?

Flashing around vents, chimneys, skylights can develop gaps.

Safe access: seal gaps at flashing with roof cement or metal-compatible sealant. Unsafe: call a roofer.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Seal flashing and test

Clean the area and apply roof cement or metal-compatible sealant to seal gaps at flashing. Test after rain. If the leak continues, call a roofer.

Done

Call a roofer

Call a roofer if: the roof is steep or high, you cannot safely access the roof, the leak is at a complex penetration, you have resealed and replaced fasteners and the leak continues, or the panels are severely corroded. Roof work is hazardous—do not risk a fall.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does a metal roof leak?
Metal roofs leak when seam sealant fails, fasteners loosen or their gaskets crack, or flashing around penetrations (vents, chimneys) develops gaps. Temperature cycles and UV degrade sealant and gaskets over time.
Can I fix a metal roof leak myself?
Yes, for minor repairs—resealing seams, tightening or replacing exposed fasteners, sealing small gaps at flashing. You need metal roof sealant, a ladder, and safe roof access. Do not go on a steep or wet metal roof—it is slippery. Call a roofer for complex work.
When should I call a roofer for a metal roof leak?
Call a roofer if the roof is steep or high, you cannot safely access it, the leak is at a complex penetration, you have resealed and replaced fasteners and the leak continues, or the panels are severely corroded.

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