A leaky roof can lead to various problems by affecting your property’s interior, such as ruining floors or waterlogging attic insulation. Therefore, it is important to repair a leaky roof to ensure the protection and proper maintenance of your property. If you opt to fix a leaky roof on your own, you should undertake this task during the dry and warm times of the year.
This article helps you understand the signs of a leaky roof and elaborates on a detailed procedure for fixing one. Moreover, it provides information regarding essential tips for ensuring safe roof repairs and the consequences of ignoring a leaky roof issue.
Signs of a Leaky Roof
The following are certain signs that indicate a leaky roof, signaling the requirement of repairs essential to resolve the issue:
- Old Roof
- Cumulative Damage
- Damaged Roof Pipe Boots
- Damaged or Loose Flashing
- Cracked, Damaged, or Missing Shingles
- Water Stains on Attic Floor, Ceiling, or Walls
Procedure to Fix a Leaky Roof
You should follow these steps to fix a leaky roof efficiently and effectively:
- Find the roof leakage by starting from the lower point, such as stains on ceiling, and continue your way upward.
- Use a flashlight and ladder to follow the roof’s vertical line and access the site.
- Inspect the vents’ condition and check for cracked boots or housings and dislodged or missing nails.
- Use the pry bar for pulling out the nails and shingles from the vent’s base.
- Take out the nails from the vent which holds it to the roof deck, followed by removal of the vent.
- Smear a thick layer of sealant used for exterior applications or roofing cement to the vent’s flashing lower side.
- Make sure the vent flashing’s lower section rides over the shingles for preventing leakage problems.
- Insert nails every 4 inches at every corner of the vent.
- Cover the nails with the help of cement or sealant.
- Remove shingles for accessing the roof deck’s damaged portion by using the pry bar.
- Take a utility knife to remove the old roofing paper by slicing the paper or underlayment.
- On either side of the damaged sections of the roof deck, draw a line down in the middle of the roof rafters with chalk.
- Cut away the roof deck’s damaged section with the help of a circular saw blade.
- Remove nails from the removed section of the roof deck by using a pry bar.
- Utilize the roof deck’s damaged section as a template for marking the dimensions for installing the roof deck’s new patch.
- Keep the roof deck patch in place and insert nails to secure it on the rafters.
- Start inserting nails to secure roofing paper or underlayment in place, ensuring every row overlaps by at least 4 inches.
- Starting from the lowest row, lay new shingles.
- Apply a little amount of roofing cement at the bottom side of the shingles.
- Continue working upwards until you reach the shingles’ top row, and slide the new shingles under the top row to mesh them with the existing ones.
Tips to Fix a Leaky Roof Safely
Fixing a leaky roof is a dangerous thing to do, but you can avoid potential risks by undertaking some safety practices, such as:
- Avoid working on icy, snowy, or wet roofs to prevent falling issues.
- Follow proper work practices and work with an assistant to complete the project safely.
- Remove all the debris, including cones, leaves, moss, pine, and twigs, from the roof to make it clear.
- Wear breathing mask, eye and hearing protection equipment, gloves, and soft-soled boots before initiating the roof fixing work.
- Utilize PFAS (Personal Fall Arrest System) for slowing and stopping your falling off the side of the home, saving you to reach the roof’s unprotected edge.
Consequences of Ignoring a Leaky Roof
A leaky roof can cause various problems if left unresolved. One of the major damages that a leaking roof cause is water damage to ceilings, flooring, and walls. If these issues are not resolved timely, they can lead to major issues, which include:
- Health Risks
- Safety Hazards
- Mold & Mildew Growth
- Rotting & Deterioration
- Poor Indoor Air Quality
- Deteriorated Aesthetic Quality
- Drywall & Insulation Saturation
- Compromised Roof’s Structural Integrity
Therefore, it is essential to repair a leaking roof as soon as possible to protect your property’s structural integrity and your health.