How To Repair Small Leak On Flat Roof

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The roof is literally at the summit of any homeowner's maintenance list, and they're subject to lots of wear and tear. Fortunately, yous tin mend minor issues without the help of a professional person. Once y'all've tracked downward the leak, supervene upon damaged shingles or shakes, patch tears in flat gyre roofing, or seal any joint gaps. While many fixes are relatively unproblematic, it's best to call a roofer for widespread damage, signs of structural problems, or if your roof is over 20 years erstwhile.

1. ane

   Check for roof damage higher up water marks on the ceiling. Alternatively, await until it rains so you can pin point the location of the leak.^[1] If you oasis't already tracked down the leak, trace the water damage inside your domicile. If you have an attic, head up in that location with a flashlight, and look for water stains or mold. Notation the location of whatever evidence you find, then audit the corresponding spot on the outside of your abode.^[2]

   • If your roof is slanted, audit areas that are higher than where you've plant interior bear witness of a leak. Water enters the leak then, due to gravity, it gets into the attic at a indicate farther downward the roof's pitch.
   • If y'all have trouble, run a hose for 1 to 2 minutes along different sections of the roof. Accept a person inside alarm yous when they spot water.

2. ii

   Inspect your roof for widespread wear and tear. Look for curled, cracked, or missing shingles at the leak site, and evaluate your roof'south overall condition. Run into if there are numerous declining or missing shingles, broad gaps where roofing textile meets vents or a chimney, and other signs of widespread wearable and tear.^[3]

   • Repairing 1 or 2 shingles and resealing minor gaps are relatively easy fixes. However, patches of failing shingles and widespread wear are signs that your roof needs to be replaced, specially if it'due south over 20 years former.
   • Additionally, if you find widespread rot or mold on your roof boards or trusses within your cranium, y'all might accept structural issues that require a professional roofer.

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3. 3

   Straighten and reattach curled shingles. Over time, the corners of asphalt shingles often brainstorm to scroll. Carefully polish out any curled-back shingles, and then use a caulking gun to apply a dab of roof sealant nether the raised corners. Press the shingle down, so use a trowel to comprehend the shingle'due south edges with roof cement.^[4]

   • Shingles are pliable in warm temperatures. Since they're breakable in colder weather condition, yous might need to soften a curled shingle with a blow dryer. Don't use a oestrus torch or whatever oestrus source more intense than a blow dryer, or you'll impairment the shingle.^[five]

4. 4

   Repair a make clean crack with roof sealant. There's no need to replace a shingle with a clean tear. Instead, utilize a thick bead of roof sealant under the cleft with a caulking gun. Printing the shingle downward, then utilise another bead of sealant over the crack. Employ a putty knife to spread the acme bead over both edges of the crack.^[6]

   • To disguise your repair, await effectually the roof and in the gutter for accumulations of asphalt granules. Collect a small-scale amount, and then sprinkle them in the sealant to match its color to your shingles.

5. 5

   Supersede cleaved or missing shingles. If office or all of a shingle is missing, caput to the hardware store to discover a matching replacement. To remove the broken shingle, advisedly elevator the edges of the shingle in a higher place it with a pry bar. Utilise a hammer to remove the nails at broken shingle's 4 corners, slide it out, then scrape the area beneath to remove any leftover roofing cement.^[vii]

   • If necessary, employ a blow dryer to make the surrounding shingles more than pliable. After removing the old shingle, utilise a sharp utility knife to round the back corners of the new shingle; this makes it easier to install.
   • Slide the new shingle into place, gently lift the shingle above, and drive i ¹⁄_four inch (iii.2 cm) galvanized roofing nails into the new shingle's corners. If you removed any nails that secured the shingle above the cleaved ane, replace them.
   • Finally, use a trowel to utilise roof cement over the blast heads and edges of the new shingle.

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1. 1

   Expect for cracks or blisters in the roofing cloth. As yous would with a shingle roof, check for impairment on the exterior that corresponds with the water stains y'all've seen on the ceiling. Look closely for minor cracks effectually joints, vents, chimneys, or other objects that come through the roof. More than obvious signs of leaks include open splits in the covering material and blisters or bubbles where water and air accept collected.^[8]

   • You can mend a modest gap at a joint, vent, or chimney with roofing sealant. Any gaps wider than ¹⁄₄  in (0.64 cm), open up splits, or blistered areas will need to exist patched.
   • Like shingle repairs, mending minor harm to asphalt or rubber coil covering is relatively easy. However, if yous notice widespread wear, water stains, mold, or rot on the roof or ceiling, call a professional person.

2. 2

   Cut any blisters or bubbles to release air and water. Sweep abroad any gravel from the damaged surface area, and then advisedly slice through the middle of the blister with a utility knife. Cut only through the blister at the top layer of covering; do not cut the roof substrate, or the fiberboard beneath the rubber or asphalt.^[nine]

   • If the blister contained water, soak it up with a dry rag. After thoroughly mopping up h2o, permit information technology to dry for 12 to 24 hours. If y'all're in a rush, dry it out with a accident dryer; but be sure information technology'due south completely dry earlier you effort repairs.
   • Blisters often occur with leaks in curlicue covering. If there's no cicatrice associated with your leak, skip this step and proceed to mending the tear.

3. three

   Spread a generous amount of roofing cement under the dissever. Inspect the fiberboard substrate beneath the tear in the safe or asphalt. If the substrate is sound, utilise a small trowel to apply a heavy layer of cement under the edges of the tear. Push the cement as far nether the edges as you can without further fierce the roofing material.^[x]

   • Subsequently cementing the edges of the tear, press it down flat, then drive galvanized roofing nails along each side of mend in 3 in (seven.six cm) intervals.
   • If the fiberboard substrate is unsound, you'll need to supervene upon the damaged department.

4. four

   Replace the roofing substrate, if necessary. If yous're dealing with a big, open up seam, check the roof substrate beneath the rubber or asphalt for rot or holes. If information technology's declining, use a straightedge and sharp utility knife to remove the damaged area. Carefully cut a rectangle-shaped section that contains all of the damaged roofing material.^[11]

   • Check for and remove whatever metal washers and screws that secure the roof substrate to the construction beneath information technology.
   • Using the section you removed as a template, cut a new piece of substrate from a sail of high-density fiberboard, which yous can buy at your local hardware store.
   • Set up the new substrate into place, then secure it with 1 ^one⁄₂  in (3.8 cm) covering screws with born hex washers.

5. 5

   Cover the repaired area with a patch of coil roofing. If you lot didn't need to replace the roof substrate, cutting a patch of tar paper or rubber roll roofing 12 in (30 cm) wider and longer than the mended section. Employ a generous layer of roof cement over the repaired tear, then set the patch over the cement-covered area. Printing it lightly, and bulldoze 1 ¹⁄₄  in (3.2 cm) galvanized roofing nails around the patch's edges in three in (7.six cm) intervals.^[12]

   • If you did supersede the substrate, add together layers of rubber roll roofing until the surface area is affluent with the surrounding roofing fabric. Cut a piece of tar paper or safe gyre covering 12 in (30 cm) wider and longer than the repair surface area, apply a generous layer of cement, then set up the patch over the cement-covered mend.^[thirteen]
   • Later on setting the patch in identify, press it lightly and drive roofing nails around its perimeter. Ensure the nails that secure the patch don't overlap with any hardware y'all've used to hold the fiberboard substrate in place.

6. 6

   Add a concluding layer of roofing cement for a watertight patch. After covering the mend with the patch, use your trowel to apply a heavy layer of roofing cement over the unabridged repaired area. Spread the cement over the patch'southward perimeter, and be sure to encompass the blast heads. Use a putty knife to feather the cement past the patch'southward edges, and effort to make a smooth surface that won't collect water.^[14]

   • If your curl roofing is asphalt, spread a layer of asphalt gravel over the cement while information technology's still wet. This will help protect the roofing fabric.

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1. one

   Audit your roof for signs of damage. If you haven't already tracked down the leak, follow the same steps as you would for any other roofing material. Await for roof damage on exterior areas that correspond with signs of a leak inside your home.^[15] Keep an eye out for broken shakes, gaps in flashing, and other signs of wear and tear.^[16]

   • Shakes are basically shingles made out of forest instead of asphalt. If you accept slate shingles, you'll need to split them and saw off the nails as you would a wooden shake.
   • Remember that replacing a shingle or shake here and there is relatively simple, but widespread wear and tear calls for a professional person.

2. 2

   Split up damaged shakes with a hammer and chisel. Carefully position the chisel into the damaged milkshake, then strike the chisel with a hammer. Use a steady, controlled movement to avert damaging adjacent shakes.^[17]

   • Later on splitting the damaged milkshake, remove the pieces with a set of pliers.

3. 3

   Use a hacksaw to cut off the nails that secured the broken shake. Peer into the spot where the broken shingle sat, and locate the nails that secured it. Slide the hacksaw bract beneath the shingle above the one you've removed. Saw through the old nails where they protrude from the roof board to make room for the new shingle.^[xviii]

   • Be careful when using a hacksaw or whatsoever other sharp tools. If y'all're not confident in your ability to wield saws, hammers, or other tools on a pitched surface, call in a professional person.

4. 4

   Cut a new shake to fit into the gap. Purchase a milkshake that matches those on your roof online or at your local hardware store. Mensurate the width of the space where the old shake sabbatum, and use a utility knife or fine-toothed saw to trim the new milk shake so it'll fit into the gap.^[nineteen]

   • Trim the new milk shake virtually ³⁄_eight  in (0.95 cm) less than the gap'south width then it'll take room to expand.

5. v

   Slide in the new shake, and secure information technology with ii galvanized nails. Commencement, slip the new shake under the 1 above the gap, and tap it to within 1 in (2.5 cm) of its final position (it should stick out a bit). Hammer 2 galvanized wood shingle nails into the new milkshake at an upward bending only below the edge of the shake above information technology.^[xx]

   • Side by side, place a forest cake against the new shake, and strike the block with a hammer to tap the shake into identify. As the shake slides the concluding 1 in (two.5 cm) into place, information technology'll pull the nail heads below the shake above information technology.
   • If you lot're unable to use this technique to secure the nails inconspicuously, just drive the nails in direct beneath the milkshake above the replacement.

6. 6

   Seal any exposed nail heads with roofing cement. If the nail heads aren't completely covered by the shake higher up the replacement, apply dabs of cement over each caput. Then smooth the cement surface with a putty knife or small trowel.^[21]

   • If your shakes or shingles are bonded by sealant and you broke the seal when you lot removed the old slice, apply a bead of roof sealant or cement around the edges of the replacement milkshake.

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1. 1

   Inspect areas where surfaces bring together, such equally at a chimney or valley. Expect for gaps in caulk, sealant, or aluminum flashing where any objects intersect with or sally from the roof. These are some of the nearly common sources of roof leaks, and smaller gaps are easy to repair.^[22]

   • Small gaps can exist treated with caulk or roof sealant, just larger cracks or tears require patching or new flashing.

2. 2

   Apply roof sealant or cement to gaps less than ¹⁄₄  in (0.64 cm) wide. Scrape away old sealant, wipe away debris, and dry the area thoroughly earlier applying a new compound. Use a thin, flexible putty knife to apply roof cement to small cracks in the sealant around chimneys, pipes, or other joined surfaces. For pocket-size gaps at the metallic or condom collar of an exposed pipe or vent, apply a bead of waterproof silicone-based caulk with a caulking gun.^[23]

   • Gaps larger than ¹⁄_iv  in (0.64 cm) will require a more substantial set instead of a elementary sealant.^[24]

3. 3

   Repair rusted or loose flashing at a joint. Flashing is typically made of steel or aluminum, and information technology seals joints around chimneys, valleys, siding, and walls that intersect the roof. If yous detect loose flashing, utilize a bead of roof cement beneath information technology, then press it back into place.^[25]

   • If a small surface area of flashing is rusted, slide a new piece of galvanized steel flashing beneath the failing surface area, then seal it with covering cement.^[26]
   • If you're whatever shingles next to flashing are loose, avoid nailing the shingles on the side that makes contact with the flashing. Instead, bond the shingles to the flashing using roof cement to avoid puncturing the flashing.^[27]

4. 4

   Supercede large areas of failing flashing, if necessary. Pry off stretches of unsound flashing and old roof cement with a chisel or pry bar. Measure your chimney, vent, or other joined area, and utilise a pair of straight cutting tin snips to cut a department of pre-bent base flashing to fit the joint. Your flashing should overlap the joint by about iv in (10 cm) on each side.^[28]

   • Apply strips of water ice-and-h2o barrier to the joint before installing the flashing. For a chimney or other object protruding from the roof, apply strips four in (x cm) up the object's pinnacle.
   • Wrap the flashing around the joint and seal it with roofing cement or caulk. If there are boom holes on the flashing'due south edge, drive galvanized covering nails into them.
   • If you have a shingled roof, you might have needed to remove shingles in gild to access the old flashing. Replace them, if necessary, and secure them to the flashing with covering cement.
   • Properly replacing all of the flashing around a chimney is circuitous and may crave custom-made materials. If necessary, consult a professional.

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• Question

  How practice you locate roof damage?

  

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  Roofing Contractor & Maintenance Professional

  David Bitan is a roofing professional, licensed contractor, and the owner and founder of Bumble Covering based in Southern California. With over 12 years of construction industry experience, David specializes in restoring, repairing, and maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial roofs. With over threescore years of combined experience, Bumble Roofing provides easy, friendly services to structures including residential, commercial, industrial, multi-family unit, and government buildings along with hospitals, hotels, and churches.

  

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• Question

  How do I prevent roof leaks?

  

  David Bitan
  Roofing Contractor & Maintenance Professional person

  David Bitan is a covering professional person, licensed contractor, and the possessor and founder of Bumble Roofing based in Southern California. With over 12 years of construction industry experience, David specializes in restoring, repairing, and maintaining residential, commercial, and industrial roofs. With over 60 years of combined feel, Bumble Covering provides like shooting fish in a barrel, friendly services to structures including residential, commercial, industrial, multi-family, and regime buildings forth with hospitals, hotels, and churches.

  

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• Almost roofs are made of asphalt, condom, or wood. Reinforced concrete (RCC) roofs are uncommon, but if yous accept one, seal small-scale cracks with an epoxy resin or cement labeled for RCC roof maintenance. Major leaks demand to exist repaired by a professional.

• Work on a warm, dry day whenever possible. Shingles are more pliable in warm weather condition, and sealants need dry conditions in society to adhere. Additionally, you could skid if in that location'due south any dampness or dew.

• Sealants must be compatible with the roofing textile and completely weatherproof. A polyurethane or silicone caulking volition unremarkably offering long-lasting weatherproof results. Latex and butyl condom caulk or sealants are non recommended because they could compress and crack over fourth dimension.

• Tile roofs should always be maintained by a professional person roofer. Stepping on tiles to search for a leak can hands result in farther harm.^[29]

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• Wear condom-soled shoes for traction.

• If you have a steep roof, it's best to call a professional roofer.

• Secure your ladder to the roof, and utilise a ladder stop at its base of operations.

• Walk on your roof every bit footling as possible when you inspect it and make repairs. If possible, work from the ladder to avoid causing further impairment.

• Working on a roof can be dangerous. If y'all don't have covering experience, consider hiring a professional person to complete the job.^[30]

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Things Yous'll Need

• Hose
• Roof cement
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Utility knife
• Galvanized roofing nails
• Silicone-based caulk
• Caulk gun
• Hacksaw
• Replacement roofing material

About This Article

Article Summary X

To repair a leaking roof with curled shingles, straighten the shingles with a heat source, like a pilus dryer, and reattach them with asphalt roof cement or compound. For loose or damaged shingles, remove them by pulling the blast out and scraping glue from underneath the shingles earlier replacing with new ones. For apartment roofing, expect for cracks or blisters around the leak site and cut a line downwards the middle of the blemish with a utility knife. Then, squeeze out whatever water, cover the area with roofing cement and drive a galvanized boom through the site. To larn how to repair damaged shakes, go on reading!

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