How To Repair A Leak In Your Roof Yourself

That usually depends on the cause of the leak.

How to repair a leak in your roof yourself.

Apply a heavy layer of tar directly over the tear and a spot of tar over each nail head. Run water over the low side of the penetration for several minutes while the helper watches for any water droplets. 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.

Apply roof sealant or cement to gaps less than 1 4 in 0 64 cm wide. If the origin is a clogged gutter you just have to unclog it and install a gutter guard to trap debris. Scrape away old sealant wipe away debris and dry the area thoroughly before applying a new compound. 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. Lift tabs and apply a generous coat of tar underneath tears then nail the shingle back down to the deck. If the leak is due to a broken or missing shingle replacing the shingle is often the only remedy. Remove the old nails with the hammer.

Once it s ready use a trowel to apply an abundant amount of roof patch on the troubled area. If not cut the shingle down to the. Use your pry bar or crowbar to gently lift the shingle above the damaged area. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.

Use a thin flexible putty knife to apply roof cement to small cracks in the sealant around chimneys pipes or other joined surfaces. There s no single technique for fixing a leaking roof. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Use enough water to mimic heavy rains.

Begin soaking low on the roof just above where the leak is visible inside the house. Next apply two or three thick beads of roofing cement to the surface beneath the shingle.