Stay One Step Ahead: Prepare Your Roof for Stormy Weather with Repairs Now

Roofs are an integral part of any home, as they protect us from the elements and keep our homes dry and comfortable. Unfortunately, even the most well-built roofs can suffer leaks and need repair. Whether it’s caused by a severe storm, age, or other conditions, a leaking roof can quickly lead to major problems if left untreated. Likewise, fixing these leaks can be a difficult task, and one that should not be taken lightly. In this article we’ll discuss how to identify and fix the most common kind of roof leak-those caused by structural damage or hidden damage to roofing materials.

The first step in repairing roof leaks is proper identification. That means finding the source of the leak so you can take the appropriate steps to repair it. This is usually done from the inside of the home by looking for signs of water coming in such as damp spots on the ceiling and walls or mold on drywall. However, the leak might be coming from the roof itself, and you’ll need to inspect it to determine the source.

Inspecting the roof is a job best done by a professional, but if you want to do it yourself, it’s important to exercise extreme caution. Climb onto the roof with a good pair of shoes and make sure to always maintain your balance. Be aware of your footing as some areas of the roof may be rotting and could break if stepped on. If you don’t feel comfortable climbing on the roof, it’s best to hire a professional.

Once you’ve found the source of the leak, mark it with something heavy and be sure to inspect the area for any additional damage. In some cases, the leak may be caused by wind damage to shingles or splits caused by a direct hit from something such as a falling branch. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may be necessary to replace the shingle or other roofing materials.

If it’s possible to repair the damaged area without having to do a full replacement, start by using a small pry bar to remove the existing roofing nails and then lift the shingle to expose the area underneath. Spread an abundant amount of roofing tar and get it into all the cracks, then cover with flashing and press it down so it is properly sealed. Finally, cover the flashing with an extra layer of roofing cement and a couple of overlapping shingles.

For other types of damage such as around vents and chimneys, you may need to remove the existing material and replace the lead flashing with new pieces. This is a job that should only be done by a professional, as it can be time consuming and dangerous.

Finally, once the repairs are complete, add an extra layer of tar over any nail heads and seal any seams with additional tar or roofing cement. This will help ensure that the repair is properly sealed and will last many years.

In conclusion, repairing a leaking roof can be a difficult task and should only be undertaken with extreme caution. Always wear the proper protective equipment such as shoes with good grip and consider hiring a professional if you don’t feel comfortable inspecting and repairing the roof yourself. If the right steps and appropriate materials are used, the repair should hold up for many years.