How To Repair A Leak In Your Roof Yourself

How to repair a lead valley by jen s.

How to repair a leak in your roof yourself.

Use a thin flexible putty knife to apply roof cement to small cracks in the sealant around chimneys pipes or other joined surfaces. A damaged or worn out roof verge can result in leaks but it is possible to fix such problems at home yourself. If your replacement shingle is pre cut to the correct length and shape slide it into position. Next apply two or three thick beads of roofing cement to the surface beneath the shingle.

Use your pry bar or crowbar to gently lift the shingle above the damaged area. Scrape away old sealant wipe away debris and dry the area thoroughly before applying a new compound. Once it s ready use a trowel to apply an abundant amount of roof patch on the troubled area. Isolate areas when you run the hose.

Remove the old nails with the hammer. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. That usually depends on the cause of the leak. Use a flat pry bar to carefully loosen the damaged tab and the tabs to the left and right.

If the leak is due to a broken or missing shingle replacing the shingle is often the only remedy. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Apply a heavy layer of tar directly over the tear and a spot of tar over each nail head. Lift the damaged shingle up by hand.

Run water over the low side of the penetration for several minutes while the helper watches for any water droplets. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. If not cut the shingle down to the. Use enough water to mimic heavy rains.

There s no single technique for fixing a leaking roof. Begin soaking low on the roof just above where the leak is visible inside the house.