Do not panic if you find a small leak in your roof. If it is just a small leak, you do not have to replace the entire roof. Roof leak repair is not as difficult as you might imagine, and it definitely does not cost as much as replacing the entire roof! See installing roof jacks

Note: If you are not comfortable getting up high on your roof, then you need to hire a professional.

Materials and Tools for Roof Leak Repair

Note: Materials you use will vary depending on the type of leak you have.

• Tape Measure
• Extension Ladder
• 2x4 for Rotted Wood Repair
• Roofing Tar in a Tube or Flexible Caulking (Leak around vents, etc.)
• Flashing
• Shingle
• Roof Adhesive in a Bucket (flashing repair)
• Roofing Nails
• Small Putty Knife or Wood Shim
• Claw Hammer (Nail Penetration Leak)

Steps for Finding the Leak

1. Locate where the leak has originated in the roof. Go to the attic access. A leak will generally occur around an opening in the roof. Look in areas of the roof where a plumbing pipe, wall flashing, or roof venting is located. This is a common place where leaks happen. Look for wood that is graying, rust or other signs of water damage.
2. If you find rotting has occurred, replace the rotted material. You may be able to just put a bigger board onto each side of the rotted joist for a quick repair on the rotting wood. If the damage is more than just a piece of rotted wood, you may wish to contact a builder for an estimate.
3. Once the leak is found, use pipes and other roof penetrations to help you make a map. For example, you can count spaces between trusses. Each space is about two feet apart. Therefore, when you go outside, you can use a tape measure on the roof to help you find where the roofing repair will be. Generally, minor leaks will be around vents or other roof penetrations.
4. Once you find leak, check all around the actual hole. Many times, a roof leak is caused by spots that are above and to the sides of the actual hole. There are many causes for roofing repairs. Some are even harder to find, such as shingle tears that can happen from wind and ageing. Nail penetrations are also hidden leaks that are very hard to find.

Different Steps for Roof Leak Repair

Note:There are different ways to fix leaks. It all depends on where the leak is located and how it was caused.

Leaks around Vents Roofing Repair

Use a flexible caulking or roofing tar in a tube. Bead it around the vents and pipes. Do not smear in a huge circle around your roof. This will be visible and unappealing.

Flashing Leaks Roofing Repair

Use a roof adhesive in a bucket. Buy a new piece of flashing. Place roofing tar on new flashings and apply right over the old flashing and shingles. Use only a few nails in the corners, and then tar over the nails.

Shingle Tearing or Rot Roofing Repair

Use a small putty knife or wood shim to spread a very small amount of tar under the tear. Remove excess tar. Push down gently on the tear and hold for a few minutes. Replace the shingle, if the tear is too big or if there is a tab missing.

Nail Penetration (Shiner) Roofing Repair

Sometimes a nail will not make it into the roof sheathing. This can cause a leak, if the builder did not take it out before the shingles were installed. The nail will work its way out of the plywood over time because of weather. It can pierce the shingle causing a leak. To remove the nail, use a claw hammer. Be careful not to make any more damage. Dab with matching color caulk or tar.

Tip: To get the matching color over tar, go into a gutter on your house and pull some granules out that fell off the roof. Sprinkle over the spots you used tar. The black tar will turn the color of your roof instantly.

With these simple roof repair how to steps, you will save yourself a lot of money. Remember to always be safe. If you are ever uncomfortable, contact a professional.

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