How To Repair A Leak In Your Roof Yourself

There s no single technique for fixing a leaking roof.

How to repair a leak in your roof yourself.

If the origin is a clogged gutter you just have to unclog it and install a gutter guard to trap debris. Lift tabs and apply a generous coat of tar underneath tears then nail the shingle back down to the deck. How to repair a lead valley by jen s. If your replacement shingle is pre cut to the correct length and shape slide it into position.

If not cut the shingle down to the. A damaged or worn out roof verge can result in leaks but it is possible to fix such problems at home yourself. Use your pry bar or crowbar to gently lift the shingle above the damaged area. Once it s ready use a trowel to apply an abundant amount of roof patch on the troubled area.

Run water over the low side of the penetration for several minutes while the helper watches for any water droplets. Use enough water to mimic heavy rains. Apply a heavy layer of tar directly over the tear and a spot of tar over each nail head. Use a flat pry bar to carefully loosen the damaged tab and the tabs to the left and right.

Begin soaking low on the roof just above where the leak is visible inside the house. Scrape away old sealant wipe away debris and dry the area thoroughly before applying a new compound. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.

Remove the old nails with the hammer. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Isolate areas when you run the hose. Use a thin flexible putty knife to apply roof cement to small cracks in the sealant around chimneys pipes or other joined surfaces.

Next apply two or three thick beads of roofing cement to the surface beneath the shingle. If the leak is due to a broken or missing shingle replacing the shingle is often the only remedy.