When it comes to patio roof repair, questions come up often. We know patio roofs are a great way to get more out of your backyard or other outdoor areas. They provide shelter from the harsh rays of the sun in the summer. And in the winter, they allow you to engage in outdoor activities even in inclement weather.
But the sun, rain, wind, and hail can wreak havoc on your patio roof no matter what material it is made out of.
Chances are, if you have a patio roof, you paid good money to install it. You should be able to protect your investment as a homeowner or building owner. As a contractor, you should know the simplest method for patio roof repair.
Whether you are a DIY dominator or a roofer just starting out in the trade, we have a patio roof repair guide that will help you.
Patio Roof Repair Cost
DIY patio roof repair projects will cost around $60-$100. Hiring a professional to repair a mid-sized patio roof costs between $200 and $1,000. The final price depends on the size and material of your patio roof and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Patio Roof Repair Safety
Safety is always the top priority during any roof repair project. And you need to be extra cautious when repairing a patio roof. That’s because patio roofs aren’t as fortified as a normal roofing structure.
As much as possible, try not actually to step on the patio roof. Instead, do your best to do all the work while putting most of your weight on the actual roof itself. You should wear boots with plenty of grips and use a sturdy ladder firmly planted on level ground.
Repair Steps & Preparation for Patio Roofs
Make Sure the Roof is Clean
Once you are up on your roof, take a minute to observe your patio roof. Is there a bunch of leaves, twigs, and other debris on it?
Before you can get to the heart of the matter, you must clean away all of this debris. In general, keeping your roof clean is a good idea because moss, fungus, and other damaging growths can make their home on your patio roof if debris isn’t regularly cleared away.
This can cause serious damage to your patio roof. The good news is that this kind of debris is easy to clean away. Simply use a sturdy push broom and push off any debris from the patio roof. Try to get as much dirt and dust off the surface as well.
Perform a Deep Cleaning
This next step will require a pressure washer and a roof cleaning solution. You can pick up a variety of roof cleaning agents at your local hardware store.
This article by A Cleaner Choice also gives a helpful list of some of the best roof cleaning products.
But if you don’t want to go out and buy a roof detergent, you can use a simple mixture of one part bleach and three parts water.
Apply whatever cleaning agent you choose in sections. Pour the mixture over one part of your patio roof and then rinse it away with the pressure washer before moving on to the next section.
It is important to keep a few things in mind when you are using your pressure washer:
- Start off by using the lowest pressure setting. If that isn’t enough to lift mildew, moss, stains, and debris, move up to the medium setting. You should never use the max setting when pressure washing your patio roof.
- Keep the spray head at least a foot above the surface of the patio roof. Too much pressure or painting the wand too close to the surface can strip shingles of their protective granule, damage the shingle, or even blow it away entirely.
- Chances are, your patio roof is flat, but you should always spray your pressure washer downward or toward the edge of the roof line. Spraying upward toward the roof ridge can lift up shingles and cause water damage.
Dry and Seal
After pressure-washing your patio roof, let it dry for a few hours. It may take a full 24 hours for it to completely dry.
The important thing is to be certain that it’s dry all the way through for the sealant to take hold. When it’s dry, apply an even layer of sealant over the roofing material with a roof brush and on any affected spots (leaks).
Here is a helpful list of some of the best roofing sealants.
Patio Roof Repair FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Roof Over a Patio?
Typical installations will cost between $6,000 and $10,000. But that is the typical price for a 20’x20’ patio cover. Keep in mind that the larger the patio cover needs to be, the more the project will cost.
What is The Best Material for a Patio Roof?
Aluminum is popular because it is affordable, low-maintenance, and provides reliable protection from rain and other environmental hazards.
