Leaking roof is a common problem faced by those with aged roof. Unfixed leaking roof could cause rood damage faster as well as causing other damages inside your home such as rot, damaging drywalls, and also mildew and mold growth. Most roof leaks are found in cut areas on the roof for the pipes or vents installation. Before you start fixing the leaky roof, you should identify the location first. Some tips below might show you about how to fix a leaky roof.
Finding the Leaky Roof Location
Fixing a leaky roof is better to do in a day with clear weather so you can do the process more easily.
– Find any discolored shingles on your roof or the roof sags location.
– Check the rafters and sheathing’s underside on your attic. Find any spots or stains caused by damp, water, or mold growth on the wood. You also need to examine the damage signs in the insulation among the floor joists. Anywhere you find the water stains or mold growth, the leak should be there.
– Next, you can test the leak location by using a garden hose for roof soaking. Start in the location where you find a hole cut of skylight or vent pipes. Run the water by using the hose on the area for some minutes. Make sure you have an assistant that watch the available leaks underneath the area. Continue to the area of roof sections that make a meeting angle, and then on the roof main sections.
Fixing the Damaged Shingles
Before you find how to fix a leaky roof, you also need to fix the damaged shingles.
– First, lift the shingles that are still in good condition by using a pry bar, so it is separated from the damaged shingles and then remove it.
– Remove and take off the damaged shingles from your roof. Start the work from the top to the bottom.
– Check whether the sheathing of the removed shingles. Replace if it is damaged, use galvanized nails to install the new sheathing to roof rafters. Oriented Strand Board (OSB) or ¾ inch plywood are commonly consisted by the sheathing.
– Use roofing paper strips to cover the new sheathing; start from the bottom to the top. Slide the paper edges surround the damaged area. Staple with hammer stapler.
– Lay the shingles course along the repaired area’s bottom; align with the existing shingles.
– Continue the new shingles installation until the last row. Slide the top edge to the bottom edge of the new row to prevent water seeping under the new shingles’ top edge.
Fixing the Vents and Pipes Area
– By using a pry bar, also loosen the vent and pipe shingles.
– Remove the boot of the roof.
– Close the vent pipe or roof vent hole by applying roofing cement bead thickly.
– Position the new boot to the roof vent or vent pipe by using galvanized nails or screws.
– If you find some loose shingles, nail it down.
By knowing about how to fix leaky roof, you can make it by yourself anytime needed. Make sure you handle the work tidily or just hire a roofing contractor when the damage has been too serious.
