How To Repair A Leak In Your Roof Yourself

A damaged or worn out roof verge can result in leaks but it is possible to fix such problems at home yourself.

How to repair a leak in your roof yourself. Use your pry bar or crowbar to gently lift the shingle above the damaged area. Remove the old nails with the hammer. Next apply two or three thick beads of roofing cement to the surface beneath the shingle. Begin soaking low on the roof just above where the leak is visible inside the house.

Run water over the low side of the penetration for several minutes while the helper watches for any water droplets. Once it s ready use a trowel to apply an abundant amount of roof patch on the troubled area. Use a flat pry bar to carefully loosen the damaged tab and the tabs to the left and right. If not cut the shingle down to the.

If the leak is due to a broken or missing shingle replacing the shingle is often the only remedy. If the origin is a clogged gutter you just have to unclog it and install a gutter guard to trap debris. Use a thin flexible putty knife to apply roof cement to small cracks in the sealant around chimneys pipes or other joined surfaces. Lift the damaged shingle up by hand.

If your replacement shingle is pre cut to the correct length and shape slide it into position. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Use enough water to mimic heavy rains. How to repair a lead valley by jen s.

Apply a heavy layer of tar directly over the tear and a spot of tar over each nail head. Lift tabs and apply a generous coat of tar underneath tears then nail the shingle back down to the deck. Apply roof sealant or cement to gaps less than 1 4 in 0 64 cm wide. That usually depends on the cause of the leak.

Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Scrape away old sealant wipe away debris and dry the area thoroughly before applying a new compound.