Every homeowner should know a few basics about roof maintenance, especially when dealing with a leaky roof. After all, a minor leak now can lead to mold or structural damage to your home later. If you’re looking for ways to repair a leaky roof, here are five tips to get you started.
How to Repair a Leaky Roof
- Fix the asphalt shingles: To repair curled or cracked shingles, use a caulking gun to apply roof sealant beneath the edges or cracks. For missing shingles, just head over to your local hardware store to find a matching replacement. With a broken shingle, remove the damaged shingle and the nails by carefully lifting the edges from the shingle above, then scrape any leftover roofing cement underneath. Finally, slip the new shingle into place and use a trowel to place roof cement over the edges and the nail heads.
- Repair the damaged roll roofing: The first things to look for are cracks or blisters in the roofing material. Inspect the area for water stains and small cracks near the chimney, vents, or joints. Common signs of a leak are splits in the roofing material or bubbles where water and air have accumulated, which can be cut to release the trapped air or water. For cracks, spread roofing cement underneath it, then apply a small trowel to the edges. After the repair, cover it with a patch of roll roofing, then add a layer of roofing cement so that no more water gets in.
- Replace the damaged wood shakes: To replace a damaged shake, you need to split it with a chisel and hammer. You start by placing the chisel into the damaged shake, then hit the chisel with a hammer to remove the shake from the roof. Before attaching the new shingle, saw through the nails from the old shake. Once you place the new shake into place, hammer two galvanized nails to secure the shake. Finally, seal the nail head with roofing cement.
- Seal the leaky joints: Chimneys and valleys are common areas where gaps or cracks appear on the joined surfaces. Fixing these holes can be done by applying roof sealant or cement. Loose flashing joints—the aluminum seal around chimneys connecting to the roof—can also be fixed by placing roof cement underneath the joint before pressing it back to the chimney.
- Contact the professionals: Repairing a shingle or two can be easy, but not all leaky roofs are a quick fix. Instead of spending time and money gathering all the necessary tools and equipment to try to repair your roof leak on your own, leave it to the roof experts at RBS Construction & Roofing to quickly identify where the leak is coming from and efficiently repair the damages.
Trust RBS Construction & Roofing to Fix Your Leaky Roof
If you need help repairing a leaky roof, rely on the professionals at RBS Construction & Roofing to ensure your leaky roof is properly inspected and repaired. A locally- and family-owned and operated roofing business in Orlando, Florida with 35 years of experience in the roofing industry, RBS Construction & Roofing employs a team of veteran craftsmen who provide superior residential and commercial roof installations and repairs in the Central Florida area.
If you need affordable and high-quality emergency roof repair, replacement, and restoration services, call the professionals at RBS Construction & Roofing today at (689) 304-9605 to schedule a consultation.