Roof Repair Tips

Roofing systems are not designed to last forever. This means that small leaks or roof damage is common. It is possible for you to repair small roof leaks on your own, and you can spot a roof leak by inspecting the ceiling of your home. Water stains on the ceiling are a direct sign of a leak. If you have an asphalt roof, replacing the shingles that have become damaged is the best way to stop the leak. It is important that you are aware of the most helpful roof repair tips before you begin repairing your roof on your own.

Removal

Once you have accurately located the source of the leak, you can then remove the shingles that are damaged and causing the problem. These damaged shingles are often easy to spot. Curled shingles can be repaired by simply being resecured. If only the edges of the shingles are curled, you do not have to replace the shingles entirely. Resecuring the shingles involves applying a coat of asphalt cement to the underside of the shingle. You can then hold down the shingle by pressing firmly and allow it to fully adhere. If the shingle is completely damaged, it might not be possible to just resecure it. You might have to remove the shingle entirely by lifting up the shingle and taking out the nails that are holding it in place. A pry bar can be used to remove the nails. As long as the nails have been completely removed, the shingle should slide out with ease.

Round Corners

The process of putting a new shingle in place can be a bit tricky. This means that you should always begin by rounding the corners of the new shingle back. This can be done with the use of a utility knife. It is a much simpler process to slide the new shingle underneath the one that is on top of it if the corners are rounded. After you have the new shingle securely in place, you can then secure it using roofing nails. Make sure that the nails are placed in each corner. It is also a good idea to make sure that the nail heads are covered with roof cement. If you are dealing with a leak near the metal flashing, you can caulk around this area, creating a seal that is secure and will not allow any water or moisture to pass through.

If you do not feel comfortable repairing your roof on your own, contact a service like iCoat Intelligent Roof Coatings to schedule an appointment to have a professional handle the job.