How to Fix a Leaking Aluminum Patio Roof

Having a leaky patio roof can lead to various troubles and additional damages. Even though these covers add an aesthetic touch to your backyard, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure safety and functionality. While many different materials can be used to roof a patio, aluminum is one of the most common options. That’s why, in this article, we want to give you all the needed information about how to fix a leaking aluminum patio roof and the best practices.

With experience dating from 1979, we at Royal Covers strive to remain the leader in our industry by keeping up with the latest trends and sharing the knowledge we’ve acquired throughout the years. Thus, we want to ensure our clients get outstanding products that’ll last as long as possible.

Continue reading to discover how to repair aluminum patio roof and the best roof repair techniques! 

Why Choose Aluminum Patio Roofing? 

Many people prefer the aluminum roofing option because of its long lifespan, lasting from 20 to 30 years. Moreover, the aluminum patio cover is so popular due to its low-maintenance needs. Unlike other materials, aluminum isn’t prone to rotting and rust. Thus, their colors are not likely to fade since they’re usually powder-coated. They’re also capable of withstanding various weather conditions, such as heavy rain and snow, without taking much damage.

However, the best way to ensure a high-quality and long-lasting patio cover is to find an experienced professional team to install it. For those seeking aluminum patio covers Phoenix, we highly recommend checking out what our team at Royal Covers offers. Our Alumawood covers offer an outstanding design and are crafted from durable materials ready to withstand even the harsh Arizona weather.

Why Does My Aluminum Patio Cover Leak?

Before we dive into how to fix leaking patio roof, we want to elaborate on some of the common causes of this issue. The main reasons why an aluminum patio cover may leak are the following:

• Poor installation – failing to set up the roof properly may result in gaps and loose joints, and water can penetrate through the openings.
• Improper sealing – insufficient sealing around the joints, fasteners, and seams may result from popper installation and create pathways where water can easily penetrate.
• Clogged gutters – accumulated leaves and dirt in the gutter can block the water flows, resulting in water pooling and overflow appearing on the cover surface.
• Slopes – most aluminum patio leaks happen due to improper slope steepness, which can cause the water to pool and later turn into a leak.
• Structural damage – the most common issues are cracks, dents, and holes in the structure that compromise the integrity and allow water to flow through the damaged areas.
• Aging and deterioration – since patio roofing is constantly exposed to outdoor effects, it can sustain damage throughout the years. It’s especially common for the materials to degrade if exposed to harsh weather elements, resulting in weakened cover areas susceptible to leaks.

How do I Stop my Aluminum Roof from Leaking?

So, how do you fix a leaky patio roof? Depending on the cause of the leakage problem, there are several ways to conduct proper roof repair for aluminum patio covers. To ensure the problem doesn’t persist, we advise determining the cause of the leaks before moving to the solutions. That being said, here’s how to repair Alumawood patio roof:

• Reinstallation
• Installing or cleaning the gutters
• Repairs in damaged sections
• Adjusting the slope
• Sealant
• Regular inspections 

Reinstallation

If one notices irreplaceable damage to the patio roof or the leakage is caused by poor installation, the best option is to go for a complete reinstallation. To ensure the best results, contacting a professional service with a good reputation is always best. For example, our team at Royal Covers takes pride in the experience gathered throughout the years, which reflects itself through our outstanding quality and long-lasting durability.

Installing or cleaning the gutters

To ensure that water doesn’t start pooling, it’s crucial to install gutters or diverters. This is the easiest way to create a suitable pathway for controlled drainage.

If the leaks are caused by debris blockage, the easiest way to fix them is by cleaning the gutters. It’s best to remove all the dirt, leaves, and twigs that may have accumulated on the location. You can also try installing gutter guards to prevent the debris from building up.

Repairs in damaged sections

When a patio roof leak is caused by damage, one can try repairing the damaged sections that enable water penetration. If the issue lies in the aluminum panels, it’s best to replace the damaged sections. The most common signs are dents, cracks, and holes through which the water drips. You can also add additional bracing or supports to ensure flawless structural integrity.

Adjusting the slope

If the water leak is caused by incorrect slope steepness, it’s best to try to adjust the slope itself. The pitch should be adjusted in a way that ensures proper drainage without creating water pools. It’s best to implement additional braces or supports to maintain the desired slope to achieve optimal results. Furthermore, this can add to the overall structural integrity and improve it. 

Sealant

Another great way to fix a leaking patio roof is by using a sealant. This water-proofing material is used to fill the crack, gap, joint, or seam from where the water infiltrates. It protects the patio roofing from moisture damage by forming a flexible barrier that adheres to the surface and provides a watertight seal.

The most common types of sealant used are silicone, acrylic, and polyurethane options. However, when choosing the type, it’s important to determine if it’s appropriate for outside use to ensure the best results. 

Regular inspections 

To ensure that leaks don’t recur, we highly advise our customers to conduct regular inspections for any signs of damage. Besides replacing damaged or worn-out sections, you can also use protective coating or finishes to prolong the durability of the aluminum materials. This way, it’s easy to maintain the structural integrity while preventing water leakage.

Conclusion

After elaborating on how to fix a leaking aluminum patio roof, we highly advise you to contact a professional team if you don’t have any prior experience in roof repairs. Failing to secure the patio roof properly may result in additional damages and more costly repairs. Even though an easier issue like cleaning the gutters can be easily solved, contact our team at Royal Covers if reinstallation and repairs are needed!