Small roof leaks can be repaired without the help of a professional roofer. This article will give you the instructions you need to identify and fix the problem on flat, shingle or wooden roofs. To avoid accidents, you should work on the roof when it is dry.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Attach the Shingles
Step 1. Check for damage on the material that makes up the roof right where you have the leak
This is a simple operation on a flat roof, but remember that the damage can sometimes be a long way from where the water enters the house.
- If the roof is sloping, check the areas upstream of the leaks.
- If you live in an attic, use a flashlight to look for water stains, black marks, and traces of mold.
- Wet various sections of the roof with the garden hose and ask a person inside the house to notify you as soon as they notice a leak.
Step 2. Check for damaged, bent or even missing shingles near the infiltration site
Check very carefully if there are any exposed tacks.
Step 3. Straighten the shingles that have curled
During the cold months it may be necessary to soften them with a heat source such as a hair dryer. It is better not to use a blowtorch or any other type of open flame, as asphalt shingles may catch fire; furthermore, regardless of whether they are flammable or not, shingles subjected to direct flame can be damaged.
Step 4. After straightening the bent ones, re-secure them in place with plenty of roofing asphalt or other suitable material
Step 5. Replace the damaged shingles
If they lift off the roof with little effort, break or crumble, they need to be replaced.
- Remove the old shingle by lifting it from the edges and prying to detach the nails.
- Scrape the area to remove any sealant residue.
- Use a sharp cutter to slightly round the corners of the new shingle.
- Push the new tile into its housing and use 3 '' (10cm) galvanized roofing nails to secure the top corners, then cover the nail heads with the sealant.
Method 2 of 4: Cover Rolls
Step 1. Check for bubbles or cracks in the material
Step 2. Patch the bubbles
Make a cut along the bubble with a cutter without cutting into the sound absorbing substrate.
Let out or absorb the water trapped in the bubbles, the area must be completely dry
Step 3. Smear a generous amount of sealant under a cover patch and press it onto the bubble
Step 4. Use galvanized nails to secure the patch
Step 5. Cover the area again with sealant, including nail heads
Method 3 of 4: Damaged shingles
Step 1. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the damaged shingles
Step 2. Slide the chisel blade under the broken element and move it to detach the tile
Step 3. With a hacksaw cut out the nail heads that you cannot remove
Work close to the nails if you can't saw them without damaging nearby shingles.
Step 4. Cut out a new shingle, making it about 9.5mm shorter than the old one
Use a fine-toothed hacksaw for this.
Step 5. Slide the new tile into place and secure it with two galvanized nails
If old nails that you failed to remove are in the way, use a jigsaw to make notches in the shingle to accommodate the nail heads
Step 6. Tap the nail heads with a nail kit and waterproof them with sealant
Method 4 of 4: Joints
Step 1. Inspect areas where the roof makes contact with other elements, such as the chimney or vents
- Check for any damage to the sealant and reapply if necessary.
- Remove the deteriorated sealant before applying the new one so it will adhere well to the surface.
- Use a putty knife to peel off the old sealant.
- Clean and dry the area.
- Cut the tip of the sealant tube and spread a drop on the same line as the previous one, following the slits. Wait for it to dry.
Step 2. More extensive repairs may be required if there is any damage near the chimney or air vents as these items need to be replaced
Advice
- For an emergency repair, use aluminum or copper shingles.
- The sealants must be compatible with the material of which the roof is made, as well as completely water repellent. Silicone or polyurethane sealant offers long-lasting results, latex or butyl rubber sealants are not recommended.
Warnings
- Wear rubber-soled shoes that ensure a good grip on the roof.
- On sloping roofs, use a ladder with a safety frame and ropes.
