DIY Projects – Home Improvement – DIYfuse.com

A chronic leaking roof will lead to some of the more costly repairs and replacement jobs on a home. The destruction and damage reaches well inside the walls, floors and interior portions of the home if left in disrepair. Leaks need to be located and fixed immediately.

Common areas to check for leaks are around the flashing and valleys. These are the metallic looking surfaces that cover the corners, valleys and areas between chimneys/vents.

Flashing Repair

Flashing that is attached to chimneys and vent pipes has to be sealed with caulk or mortar. Cracks in this seal, or missing portions spell trouble. The easiest way to repair this little problem is to coat the areas that adjoin the flashing and roof chimney/pipe with a thick layer of roofing cement. One layer should be sufficient.

Valley Repair

Valleys are located at all areas of the roof that change pitch. It is generally a four to six inch wide strip of aluminum that rests over this natural bend in the roof. Missing or damaged areas need replaced by measuring the length and width of replacement aluminum needed. Cut an appropriate size piece using a pair of tin snips. Bend it to fit the shape of the valley. Secure it to the roof using galvanized roofing nails spaced at approximately two inch intervals on each side. Coat the repaired area with roofing cement.

Repairing an Asphalt Shingle Roof

The best time to repair an asphalt shingle roof is when the temperatures are above 70 degrees and it is dry. Cooler temperatures will leave the shingles brittle and easy to damage. A wet roof is a very slippery surface. Never attempt repairs on a wet roof.

Close inspection of the roof in the area of the leak will best determine how many shingles are in need of repair. Consistent high winds can literally roll shingles up or loosen them. The simple application of roofing cement at all four loose corners and pressing it onto the roof with solve this simple problem.

Replacing Shingles That are Damaged or Missing

• Remove a damaged shingle by gently pulling up the edge of the shingles covering the one in need of replacement.
• Tear the bad shingle off and discard.
• Remove the two nails that held the shingle in place by prying them out using a claw hammer. Removal of the nails is necessary even if the shingle is completely gone.
• Add a gentle curve to the back of the replacement shingle by cutting it with a utility knife. This will make inserting the new shingle easier.
• Slide the new shingle into position and secure it to the roof by nailing two galvanized roofing nails in at opposite top ends.
• Coat the heads of the nails with roofing cement to prevent further leaks. Drop the overlapping edges of the above shingles into place over the repaired section.

Repairing a Leak on a Flat Roof

• Mop up any standing water in the area of the leak. Sweep any gravel, leaves or branches out of the way and let the area dry.
• Slice open the noticeable blister or bubble made by the water damage to the tar and felt. Use a sharp utility knife and slice it up to two inches past the actual damaged area. Carefully cut so as not to damage the soundproofing layer of felt at the bottom.
• Dry up any water that is still down in the blistered area.
• Coat the inside of the bubbled spot with a thick layer of roofing cement.
• Press the material back down onto the roof. Secure each side of the cut using galvanized roofing nails at one inch spacing. Coat the entire repaired area with roofing cement.

Repairing a Leak on a Wood Shake Roof

Wood shingle roofing materials are layered much like asphalt shingles. The difficulty in repairing lies in the lack of work space available to remove a broken shingle.

• Gently use a prybar to loosen the shingles covering the one needing replaced.
• Angle a chisel along the roofline and strike the base of the wood shingle using a hammer. Remove the pieces and discard.
• Cut the nails at the roof level using a hacksaw. There isn’t enough space available to pull them out with a claw hammer.
• Secure the new shingle with galvanized roofing nails. Do this by holding the hammer and nail at a 45 degree angle. Coat the nails with roofing cement. Pound the nails down tightly on the shingles above the one that had to be loosened to perform the repair. Coat these nails with roofing cement as well.