Holes in my skylights

[2horsewheel]

Hi,

First post -- just an inept homeowner with a few acres.

Anyway, we had some golf ball sized hail the other day ( never saw that before). Only damage seems to be a few holes in the skylights of my barn (24 x 40 with a 16foot peak).

I have no good idea about how to repair them. The biggest is probably about 3" x3" and the rest are smaller. The purlins seem to be on 2 foot centers and all of the translucent panels are near the peak.

I read an old post from this site that talked about getting up on the roof, but I'm not sure. Not sure on how to place a ladder and not sure how to avoid bending the metal on the roof. People talked about putting a sheet of plywood down, but there's nothing there to hold it in place. (4/12 pitch as far as I can tell).

So any advice on how I might at least patch it for now, and how to actually get a patch on it would be greatly appreciated. NOthing too exotic -- I'm and older guy and I weigh in at about 250. I don't have any real problems with ladders, but I'm pretty careful.

Thanks,

hj

 

[Rustyiron]

That pitch is easy to walk. Make sure the sole's of your shoes are clean, softer bottoms are better like sneakers, and walk on the exposed nails or screws. That will be where the lumber is underneath. You'll need to identify the "pattern" of the metal & skylight panels and just replace them. The pattern (or profile) that I speak of is necessary so that the new replacement panels lay flat and fit snugly (match) with the existing panels . The older panels were fiberglass and the sun deteriorates them over time and newer polycarbonate (?) panels are available now. Nothing wrong with replacing it with a metal panel either, that is if you don't need the added light. There is a right & wrong way to set a ladder. Other than on a level firm footing, the angle is important. Check on line for the proper angle of the ladder. This angle will put the majority of the load (you) to the ground and little pressure on the roof. A trip or two up the ladder should not damage the edge of the roof.

 

[Deere Dude]

I would try to be very careful because bouncing hurts. I had a 4/12 pitch 10 year old 36 x 54' pole shed with 14' sidewalls that had pollen and dirt matter on the roof and I slid from the peak to about 4 foot from the edge before friction brought me to a stop. It was so slippery I had to inch myself up to the peak again.

Some pole barn builders came out to replace a panel for me and I told them the same thing. They shrugged it off until one guy slipped down the roof and got tangled in the leaning ladder until I came over and pushed the ladder toward the shed so he get get on the roof again. Then he put his safety harness on and used his scissors lift to get up to the roof.

If it is slippery up there I would not get up unless I had a good harness and a good tie down point from the other side of the roof. That said, some guys run all over them because it isn't really that steep. Just see how slippery it is before getting to committed.

But, if the roof is clean and no pollen on it the previous recommendation should work.

 

[Rustyiron]

I slid from the peak to about 4 foot from the edge before friction brought me to a stop.

Glad you didn't go off, but after sliding over 18' worth of screw heads, dropping 14' would be a vacation.:laughing:

You are right, walking up on the screw heads is one thing, but working on something is another for sure. An old couch cushion (fabric removed) foam is great to keep your butt planted while working on a metal (or steep shingled) roof.

 

[mapper]

I would highly recommend getting and using a safety harness. If there is pollen and dust on the roof, clean it off with a long handled brush or broom and water, start from where you can reach from the top of the ladder. Let it dry then extend the clean patch, working from the dry clean area into the dirty areas. Above all work safe and take your time, that 4/12 pitch may not seem very steep, until you slip and go sliding towards the edge.

 

[PAGUY]

What about using two ladders - one to get access to roof and other laid on roof that has hooking over the peak of the roof stationed next to where you will be working on skylight? Climb and sit on that ladder to do your repair. Think butyl tape to cover damage.

 

[/pine]

If you have insurance I would call them...hail damage is usually covered...
for a temporary patch...Wal-mart has the "wonder stuff" I think it's called 'flex tape'...?

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

If you have insurance I would call them...hail damage is usually covered...
for a temporary patch...Wal-mart has the "wonder stuff" I think it's called 'flex tape'...?

This.

This needs to be your first step. Call your insurance agent. It's probably covered. Much safer to let the "pros" fix it. Especially if insurance will pay the tab.

 

[newbury]

If it's not covered by insurance patch it with plastic.
Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, if you don't even know how to safely maneuver on the roof consider that hiring and watching pros do it will be your first training lesson.

I'm 66 and worked as a roofer in my early 20's. I've got several roofs that I maintain. For the steeper ones I've ropes and safety harness.

The safer ways to repair a roof are all on Youtube, along with some epic fails.

The worst part about hiring a roofer is getting someone trustworthy.

 

[M5farms]

To patch them until you decide what your going to do I would recommend using a product called Eternabond. It will fix the issue permanently. I sell a lot of it and it has a lot of applications and handy to have a roll on hand for other stuff. Your local roofing supply should have this product or a comparable one.