Drip, drip, drip. Feel that? Leaky roofs are truly a pain. They start out as an uncomfortable inconvenience and don’t get any better from there—the damage they can cause is pricey. That said, you’ll want to work on the problem as soon as you notice it in order to prevent major damage. Aren’t sure how to fix a leaky roof? That’s OK—we’ll walk you through the process here.
How to Fix a Leaky Roof
1. Find the leak.
This step isn’t as straightforward as you would think! When you notice a leak, where it originates is not the same spot as where it appears. Water penetrating your roof will obey gravity and trickle down from where it entered, so you’ll need to search above where you notice the leak. Take note of where you’re feeling drips or seeing stains.
You’ll then want to look on your roof for an interrupted shingle. These are shingles that 1) have damage or 2) have an object penetrating it (think roof vents or a chimney—anything near flashing). You can often spot damage shingles from the ground with a pair of binoculars, but if you’re not seeing anything right away, you’ll need to climb up onto your roof and look around. Once you are on the roof, you may have to remove a couple of shingles in the area if the source of the problem isn’t presenting itself. If you’re still having trouble finding it, call in a roofing professional.
2. Fix the leak!
Congratulations—you’ve found the source of the problem and you’re on the right track to fixing it! Depending on what you’ve discovered, there are a few ways to go about your repair . . .
- If the problem is due to shingles that are curling back—but are otherwise in good shape—it should be an easy fix. You will simply need to re-fasten them to your roof with roofing cement. Apply generously to the shingle’s underside, then press firmly to secure it.
- If the problem was caused by damaged shingles (shingles that are broken, missing, or rotten), you’ll need to replace them. Remove the damaged shingle by gently lifting the edges of the surrounding shingles, removing the nails, and then sliding the shingle out. This will prevent damage to the shingles near the one you’re removing. Place a replacement shingle and fasten it with galvanized nails to keep it secure.
- If you found damage underneath the shingles (damage caused by flashing near chimneys or vents), you’ll need to reseal those spots with roofing cement. Then, replace those shingles!
If you’re finding the problem is more complicated than a few damaged shingles or minor flashing damage, don’t hesitate to call a roofer for help!
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Still unsure how to fix a leaky roof? If you live in southwest Missouri and need some roof help, contact the professionals at Taylor-Made Roofing. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!