Although professionals should perform most roofing tasks, there are some things you can do by yourself. Roof leaks are a common issue many homeowners face, so we get that you want to find a cost-effective solution if it’s nothing too serious.
So, if you want to learn how to fix your leaking roof, keep reading. Below you’ll find essential steps to get your roof looking brand-new.
4 Steps To Fix Your Leaking Roof
1. Locate The Leak
If you see water stains on the ceiling, your roof is likely leaking. Find the leak’s location and then go outside to look for the source of the leak. Check the shingles to see if any are curled, cracked, or missing.
Leaks can emerge at any junction where shingles meet, or caulk and flashing have been damaged. End caps, tent-shaped shingles that cover the roof’s sharp angles, can also be the source of leaks, so look for them.
2. Secure The Curled Shingles
Shingles that have fallen or curl back, for example, might be re-secured with a coat of asphalt roofing cement or its equivalent compound in tubes. When repairing a leaky roof, make sure to cover the underside of the shingle with a lot of roofing cement to ensure that the edge and corners are protected. Then press it firmly.
3. Replace The Damaged Or Missing Shingles
If your shingles are cracked, missing, or rotten, you may need to replace them. This is a simple job that you can do by lifting the edges of the surrounding shingles and removing the nails with a pry bar. Once the nails are removed, the old shingle should slide out easily.
Remove any residue from the roof. If any nails are sticking out, you’ll need to level or remove them. However, before replacing a new shingle, use a utility knife to round the back corners; it’ll be easier for you to slide the shingle under the one above and align it with those on either side.
Place the new replacement shingle on top of the old one. Lift the corners of the old shingle and fasten it in place with galvanized roofing nails. Make sure to secure it with nails in each corner. Finally, cover the nail heads with roof cement and smooth down the overlapping shingle edges.
4. Fix The Flashing
Simply reseal joints with a caulk gun filled with a roofing cement to repair metal flashing around chimneys and dormers that has caused leaks. If there is damage to joints that have previously been sealed using a line of roof cement, apply a fresh new coat with a putty knife.
Ugly Roof Is Your Go-To Roofing Company
Is your roofing showing massive leak issues? Time to call a pro. Ugly Roof provides roof repair services for homeowners. When your roof is damaged, your whole house is at risk. Don’t waste time and hire our services today. Our team is well prepared, and their experience and expertise will meet your expectations without a doubt.