How to Repair a Leaky Roof

If you are using asphalt shingles or lift parts UK as your roofing material, doing roof repair is very easy.  You just have to locate the leak and seal it correctly.

Asphalt shingles carry the highest percentage of the most used domestic roofing installations. People prefer asphalt shingles because they are lightweight, well-priced, attractive, and durable as compared to other roofing materials. Even though they are manufactured as quality roofing materials with the latest advancement and can easily resist bad weather and wind, most of them develop issues after a given time.

Asphalt shingles are easily repaired as compared to other roofing materials. This is because old shingles can be easily replaced while those curled can easily be re-secured and flattened. Asphalt shingles also display some warning signs if a severe roofing problem has occurred. Here are some useful tips that will help you repair your roof which is experiencing leaking:

Locate the Roof Leak

One way to know that your roof is leaking is through stains of water in the ceiling. Locate the leaking location and look for a binocular which will assist you in locating the roof leak. Look to see whether the shingles are missing, curled, or cracked. Leaks occur where shingles have been butting or where flashing and caulking have been destroyed. You have to check the source of the leak thoroughly.

Secure Curled shingles

Curled shingles can be re-secured by applying asphalt roofing cement or locating the same type of compound in tubes and applying it through a caulk gun. When repairing the shingles, ensure that you use a considerable amount of roofing cement to the bottom side of the shingles to ensure that the corners and edges are well put and press firmly.

However, securing curled shingles is effectively done during warm weather as compared to cold weather

Replacing Missing or Damaged Shingles

If shingles are rotten, cracked, or missing, then they need to be replaced as soon as possible. If a shingle is damaged, you need to remove it. The process involves lifts to the edges of the neighboring shingles and using the pry bar to remove the nails. After removing the nails, the shingles are expected to slide out. Remove both the protruding nails and residue cement from the roof.

Before replacing a new shingle, make sure to round its back corners so that it will be easier for you to slide it under the shingles above. Through this, it will also be possible to align it with the other shingles on the sides. Once it is in a good position, lift the corners of the shingles above and fasten the new shingle using galvanized roofing nails. Ensure that every corner of the shingles is secured using nails. Lastly, you should cover the nails using roof cement.

Fix Flashing

In case metals around your dormers or chimneys are leaking, you need to repair the leaks by resealing the joints using a caulk gun which has roofing cement in it. However, if these damages had been previously sealed, apply a new coat using a putty knife.