Abstract: A method of restoring lapped metal roofs of, for example, steel or aluminum, and consisting of side-by-side panels having side and end edges which overlap to form edge joints, wherein the terminal edge of one panel is an exposed edge which extends over and overlies the edge of an adjacent panel to form an elongated joint, and wherein fasteners extend through the lapped panels to secure the panels together and in place. The method involves applying a flexible, formable rubber to cover the exposed terminal edges of the panels along their lengths. The rubber strips adhere to the panels and are stretchable with temperature-induced expansion and contraction of the panels. Similar strips are applied over all exposed fasteners, and then a substantially non-elastic asphaltic coating is applied over the strips and roof panels to bond to each. With temperature-induced relative movement of the roof panels, the coating cracks and separates and moves with the elastic strips as they stretch.