A DIY Guide To Roof Repair
Roof maintenance and repair are things you can’t ignore as a homeowner. A damaged roof can cost you significantly, especially if the damage is extensive. At times, you may need to replace the roof entirely. However, not all roof problems are severe. There are some roof issues that you can undertake on your own without the need for a professional roofer.
If you follow this guide, you might be able to learn, repair leakages, and save yourself a few bucks while at it.
Causes Of Leaking Roofs
Roofs are subjected to direct forces of nature like rain, snow, sun, and wind throughout. As time passes, they age and wear out, leading to leakages due to wear and tear. Other damages such as around the chimney, flashing, clogged gutters, and skylights also cause leaking roofs. If not too extensive, most of these problems can be fixed by following basic roof repair tips.
Finding Roof Leaks
Finding the course of a leak on the roof is essential for you to perform the repair at the right place. However, finding the exact spot where a leak can prove challenging because water can flow from the entry point and leak at a different spot.
To pinpoint the exact spot, you’ll go to the attic during the day. Be careful to only step on the large beams without stepping on the ceiling, or otherwise, you might find yourself repairing that too. The ceiling board and its insulation can’t carry your body weight.
- Using a flashlight, start checking from the place the leak appeared on the ceiling.
- Imagine how the water would have traveled on the slope of your roof.
- Check for other signs of water damage such as mold, dampness, or discoloration on the beams.
- Without the flashlight, check if there are visible holes or cracks.
- When you find the leak spot, don’t forget to check the entire roof for other signs of roof damage.
How To Fix A Leaking Roof
After finding the spot where the water is penetrating, it’s time for you to become your very own handyman. It’s advisable to be with someone to make the work easier and to have someone in case of an emergency, should the need arise. Here is a guide for shingle and tile since they are the most commonly used roof materials.
However, if you’re not sure what to do, always seek the help of a professional. Reputable roofing professionals such as Eagle Eye Roofing can offer the assistance you need.
Shingles
Requirements:
- A hammer
- A crowbar
- Roofing nails
- Replacement shingles
- Roofing adhesive
The Process:
- Use your hand to lift the damaged shingle
- Use the hammer to remove the old nails
- Using the crowbar, gently lift the shingle to the area above it.
- Check if your replacement shingle is the precise shape and length of the previous one. If it is, slide it into position. If it’s not cut to the required size, cut it and then simply slide it in place.
- Use the roofing nails and hammer to fasten the shingle to the roof
- Apply the adhesive to the heads of the nails and press the shingle down firmly.
Tiles
Requirements:
- A hammer
- A clear roofing sealant/adhesive
- A Hammer
- A crowbar
- A replacement tile
- Roofing nails or tile clips
The Process:
- Pinpoint the damaged or cracked tile and assess the extent of the damage
- If it’s only a crack, cautiously lift the tile and apply the sealant under the tile.
- Put the tile with the crack back into its position and hold it down firmly.
- Add more adhesive on top of the cracked tiles to seal the crack.
- If the time is badly damaged, lift it with the help of a crowbar.
- Remove the tile if you can or shatter it carefully with a hammer, then remove those pieces.
- Put the new tile and fasten it using the tile clips of roofing nails
- Ensure the replacement tile is correctly fixed into position
Tips For Preventing Roof Leakages
Roof repairs can be quite expensive and time-consuming. If not done properly, they can end up causing severe damage to the entire roof. Here are some tips to keep your roof serving you better for longer.
- Always use professional services from a reputable roofing company for your repairs if you don’t feel confident carrying out the repairs by yourself.
- Regularly clean the gutter so that they aren’t clogged and for water to drain away.
- Schedule an annual roof inspection or after a season of extreme snow or rain to be on the lookout for any signs of roof damage.
- Keep the attic well ventilated and insulated.
This Do it Yourself (DIY) guide can help you make simple repairs to your roof if you feel confident and capable. The initial step is always to pinpoint the location of the leakage then take steps to fix it to avoid the leak causing more damage to the roof deck and ceiling.
Again, if you don’t think you can do the repairs, you’re better off paying a professional instead of risking your life or ending up with more damage to your roof.
Awesome DIY guide. Thanks for sharing the helpful information with us.