Looking Forward to Repairing Your Roof: Five Roof Repair Hacks and Tips for All Seasons

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Roofing damages and leaks have to be taken seriously. What starts as a small leak, if ignored, can quickly cause significant roof damage which presents serious problems down the road.

Detecting leaks early and taking steps to prevent them from inflicting further damage is essential. However, contacting a roofing contractor to provide a lasting solution to the problem should be a priority further down the road.

Look for External Signs of a Leak

Presumably, if you believe your roof is leaking, you have seen some evidence of damp or stains on the interior. The first step to fixing a leak is identifying the source of the leak from the outside.

Use a set of binoculars to scour the roof in search of curled, cracked, or missing tiles and shingles. If there are no signs of these, look at the points where the shingles interlock. If there are cracks or chips in these areas, water could be slipping between the roofing and getting into the property.

Another place to check is around any smokestacks or chimneys. It is common for roofing to crack and spring leaks around here.

Use a Hose to Find Hard-to-Detect Leaks

If you can’t find the leak, don’t be deterred. Enlist some help from someone (who is comfortable with heights). Send them onto the roof with a hose and get them to begin hosing down a specific area of the roof while you watch the attic or ceiling inside for any signs of a leak.

Gradually work the hose across the roof, compartmentalizing each section until you see signs of water entering the property. You should then be able to identify exactly which specific section of the roof is causing the leak.

If is Leaking During Snowy Weather, it is Likely Due to Flashing

If the roof only leaks during snowy weather, the problem is likely related to poor flashing under the shingles. To fix the issue, strip the roofing down to the wood and slide an adhesive under the main roof joint.

The adhesive will offer a barrier against melted snow and water working its way through the shingles. If necessary, slide in several interlocking adhesives, and ensure they run all the way to the roof’s edge to prevent any uncovered spots from springing leaks.

Re-secure Curled Shingle with Roofing Cement

Leaks that stem from curled-back shingles can be fixed by applying asphalt roofing cement to the underside of the shingle with a caulk gun. Ensure the roofing cement is applied across all the edges and corners, then press the shingle down firmly and leave it to set. It is best to undertake this in warm weather conditions as the shingle will be more malleable and easier to work with.

Know When to Call in a Professional Roofer

Knowing when to call in a professional will save you time and money. If you find you need to replace a whole row of tiles or shingles, you should call in a professional to inspect the situation.

Similarly, if shingles are falling off or lifting off too easily, replacing individual shingles will not fix the problem. Chances are there will be an underlying issue creating the problem. Rather than waste a lot of time and money treating the symptom, not the cause, call in a professional roofer to inspect the situation.