A leaky roof can damage interior decor, resulting in ugly watermarks on the ceiling and peeled paint. To maintain your home, you have to repair the leaks on the roof. Repairing a roof is labor-intensive, and it’s advisable to seek professional help if you are not up for the task. Let’s dive into the several steps to take if you notice a leak on your roof and need it to be repaired.

Locate The Leak

Locating the exact point where the leak is coming from can be strenuous. It’s advisable to follow visible leads like watermarks on the ceiling and work upwards. A leak can be a few feet higher than you are, so use a ladder and torch to access the attic and make a visual follow-up on the roof. The bottom side of the roof can have mold or be white or black. Roof leaks are primarily associated with roof vents and damaged plywood on the roofing deck. Once you’ve located the leak, identify cracked, missing, or curled shingles.

Remove any Damaged Roof Vent and Shingles

After identifying any cracks on the vent, it’s advisable to remove them and replace them to prevent further damage. Have an assistant to hold shingles when you pull out and replace the vent. If the leak is coming from the roof deck, you need to tear shingles apart to reach the damaged ones. Work two rows away from the damaged shingles and pull them by using a pry bar to loosen the nails. At this point, you can also replace the roofing paper if the leaks have damaged it.

Replace Missing or Damaged Shingles

Replacing any missing, rotten, or cracked shingles can fix your leaking roof. Remove the damaged shingles and scrap away residue cement and pull out protruding nails from the roof. For a smooth replacement, ensure the back corners are rounded using a utility knife. Once the shingles are in position, fasten them using galvanized roof nails. To ensure replaced shingles fit perfectly, lift the overlapping ones.

Fix Flashing

Leaks caused by metal flashing are mostly found around the chimneys and dormers. They are repaired by resealing the joints with a caulk gun, which is filled with roof cement. When there are damages caused by previous use of roof cement, it’s necessary to apply a new coat.

It’s essential to ensure all roof components are perfectly interwoven to prevent leaks. Repairing roof leaks involves climbing and hauling, which in some cases might require professionals to handle the job. In most cases, this job can be done by homeowners themselves.

Guest Post By:

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.