3 Tips for Repairing a Leaky Roof

Leaky roofs must be fixed immediately as even over a short time, small leaks can lead to big problems. To help you out, here are 3 tips for repairing a leaky roof:

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 Shingles
Asphalt shingles typically last between 15 and 20 years if they are properly maintained. If you have a torn or broken shingle, rain can penetrate around the nails and cause damage to your home.
- Lift the damaged shingle from the roof, then pull the nails out and completely remove the damaged shingle
- Use a pry bar to lift the tab above the damaged area
- Cut a shingle to length and slide it into position
- Using roofing nails to fasten the shingle
- Coat the head of each nail with adhesive and press the shingle in place Source: DIYNetwork

Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are built up of layers of roofing felt and tar. Leaks usually occur at low spots or where the roofing felt has been damaged. In most cases, the leak is directly below the damaged spot and the damage to the roofing felt is easy to see.  If there’s still water pooled in the leak area, mop it up or soak it up with rags, and let the surface dry. Brush off any gravel. Look for cracks in the felt or for large blisters where the top layer has separated.
To mend a blister:
- Step 1: Use sharp utility knife to slice blister open down middle. Cut should penetrate to full depth of blistered layer but should not reach sound roofing felt beneath it.
- Step 2: Lift cut edges of blister. If there’s water inside blister, press from edges in toward center to squeeze out water from between roofing layers. Soak up all the water you can with rags; then prop edges up to let layers dry.
In cold weather or if layers are thoroughly saturated, use propane torch with flame-spreader nozzle to dry out felt (be sure to wear safety goggles). Carefully move flame back and forth over inside layers of blister. Roofing felt and tar are very flammable, so don’t let layers get hot enough to burn or bubble.
- Caution: If there’s water under a large area of the roof, the problem is more than a simple blister; water may be running in from an adjoining pitched roof surface. In this case, it’s best to call a professional roofer.
- Step 3: Spread thick coating of roof cement on bottom edges of loose felt and firmly press down sides of blister.
- Step 4: Close blister permanently with row of 6d galvanized roofing nails along each side of slit, then spread roof cement over entire blister, making sure nail heads are well covered. Source:  HowStuffWorks

Connections
Inspect areas where surfaces connect, such as a chimney or vent pipe.
- Look for damage to the caulking, and reapply caulk where necessary.
- Remove damaged or deteriorated caulking so the new application can bond to the roof or flashing surface.
- Use a putty knife to remove the loosened old caulk.
- Clean and dry the area.
- Cut the tip off the caulk tube and spread a bead along the same line, working it into the crack with an applicator. Let it dry.
- Larger-scale repairs will be necessary if there is damage to the flashing around the chimney or the boots around vents, as these features may need to be replaced. Source: wikiHow

If you’d prefer to have a professional fix your leaky roof, contact us here today!

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8279 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4W1
(604) 360-2114

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