You are here

How to Repair a Leaky Roof

Do you think your home could use a new roof? It's easy to assume that if your home's roof already has shingles on it, you don't need any further work done. Not so! Having a watertight roof requires a lot more work than that. When installing a new roof, roofing companies will employ a wide variety of materials.

Old roofs should be removed before new ones are put on, as this is the standard practice. Serrated shovels are made specifically for ripping off old shingles. Old nails must be removed as well. The serrated edges make it easier to grab the nails and pull them out.

Substitute any Wood That Is Rotten Or Damaged

Once the roof is removed, it must be carefully inspected for rotted or damaged timber. The plywood or sheeting boards must be replaced if any damage is found. Tools like a sturdy saw and nails are required for cutting and installing the replacement boards.

Install the roofing underlayment or felt

Once your roof is clean and any rotten timber has been replaced, you can proceed to install the underlayment. Felt underlayment, usually 15 to 30 pounds in weight, is often utilized. In the valleys, you should increase this by 100% for further security. The felt can be applied with a hand tacker.

The Installation of Shingles

After the roof felt has been installed over the roof deck, the shingles can be installed. To install them, you'll need roofing felt. In this case, compressors and nail guns are standard tools used by the general public and by roofing contractors. However, some roofers still prefer to do the work the old-fashioned way, by hand and with a roofing hatchet.

The Bare Minimum in Roof Protection: Three-Tab Shingles

Roofing shingles come in a wide variety of styles and materials, so you may find one that suits your home. The three-tab style of shingle is often used. It's a solid standard shingle that will keep your roof and home safe.

Shingles give buildings a more three-dimensional appearance

Now more than ever, homeowners are opting for architectural shingles for their roofs. Due to their dimensional appearance, they are also known as dimensional shingles. Several different hues are available. There are a variety of designs available, each with its unique characteristics (such as weight and warranty).

The Practice of Chimney Flashing

You should also replace any corroded metal flashing on the roof. Chimney flashing is often a step flashing's first layer, and it's weaved into the shingle courses and the chimney's side. Using roofing cement as a sealant may be sufficient if the flashing is in good condition.

Roof Sealant for Keeping the Elements Out

Cement for roofing is used to waterproof the areas around chimneys, vents, and other roof projections. It can be purchased in several packaging options, such as tubes or buckets. Applying roof cement can be done with a putty knife, a trowel, or a caulking gun.

Roofs - Materials Commonly Used When Roofing

Everyone appreciates the benefits of a solid roof, but what can be done in the event of a leak? This article will cover two typical roofing materials, the leaks they're prone to, and some potential solutions.

A leaking roof may go undetected for a long time before it has to be replaced. Leaks typically occur because of damaged shingles, such as those that are cracked or missing, or because of weather blistering. Thankfully, the most difficult element of the repair process is usually determining where the damage is.

Patching a Roof

Once the source of the issue has been identified, correction can begin. Problems with shingles are usually easy to fix. Curled shingles can be reattached with a caulking gun and compound accessible at most hardware stores. As a substitute, asphalt cement is often used. Apply a lot of cement to the underside of the shingle and press it back into place to secure it.

It is important to replace any shingles that are damaged, missing, or broken. If there's significant decay, you might have to get a new one. Seek the advice of an expert before attempting any more fixes if this is the case.

Alterations to a Flat

Felt and tar are layered to create a level roof. Leaks in these varieties typically occur in low regions or damaged areas of the felt. Damage to a flat roof, however, can be readily identified. The level of damage should be evaluated once it has been discovered. Any standing water should be wiped up so the area can dry before any repairs are made.

A blister can be easily sliced open with a utility knife if it is spotted. When the roof is cut open, any water trapped between the layers can be squeezed out by lifting the cut edges. Because of the flammability of the felt and tar, jobs that take place in colder months will necessitate the employment of a propane torch to dry the felt in thin layers.

Roof cement should be liberally applied to the blister's base when the felt has dried, and the blister's sides should be pressed firmly to the roof. To finish, nail a row of roofing nails down each side of the slit to close the blister. When that's done, roofing cement gets spread throughout the surface.

Invariably, there will be some variation. All roofs have a finite lifespan that is heavily dependent on factors including placement, materials, and upkeep. It's best to consult a reliable expert whenever you run into problems you can't solve on your own.