Have you had a roof repair done recently? Are you certain that it was done correctly? Quality roof repairs ensure that you won’t have to deal with persistent or unsuspected roof leaks. Inferior roof repairs are often only temporary and roof leaks can easily return when they aren’t repaired properly. Let’s have a look at how a roof leak should be repaired and what materials are recommended for these repairs.
Roof Flashing Repairs
Roof flashing are thin pieces of sheet metal that are laid in and around certain areas of your roof to waterproof it. Roof flashing is particularly helpful in preventing leaks along eves, roof peaks, dormers, as well as along the valleys of your roof. Professional roof flashing repairs involve a thorough quality-controlled process. There are inferior materials which are often used in flashing repairs which don’t end up lasting for long. An example of this is galvanized steel, which can rust and break apart over time. Suggested flashing materials include aluminum, copper, and in some cases, membrane tape. These materials don’t corrode easily.
Once the source of the leak is located, the repair specialist will need to pry up the nails that are holding down the sheet metal. This may include the lifting of any shingles or tiles that are covering the old metal sheeting. The old flashing will be removed, and new flashing will be laid and secured by using roof nails that have been coated in sealant to prevent rusting. It’s important to get the replacement flashing cut to the right size so that it can be laid correctly in the required space to prevent leaking.
Remember that damaged flashing should always be replaced as opposed to being repaired. Using materials such as caulking or roof cement to repair old flashing are not a long-term solution and will probably cost you more money over time. Finally, the shingles or tiles may need to be laid over parts of the new flashing.
Replacing A Roof Vent Boot
Roof leaks often occur around roof vent boots. When a roof repair specialist identifies this as the problem, they will in most cases, remove the old boot or collar by removing the nails on the shingles that surround the boot. A new boot or collar will then be fitted, and a quality roof sealant will be applied around the boot beneath the shingles which will further waterproof the area. A similar process is followed when replacing a roof vent that doesn’t have a boot or collar.
Replacing Shingles
Missing or misplaced shingles can easily cause a roof leak. It is generally recommended that a new shingle is used to replace the old one. The old shingle may still look fine, but it could be damaged or warped which can lead to the leak not being fixed. When replacing a roof shingle, the nails that secure the old or damaged shingle will need to be removed. The old shingle will then be removed, and a new shingle will be fitted and secured by the use of quality weather resistant nails. It’s important to get in a contractor in to help avoid roof shingles from lifting in the first place. They will be able to conduct shingle roof maintenance which will help to prevent roof leaks caused by damaged shingles.
Roof Dormers
When it comes to walls and dormers, it’s important to check the areas where these walls or dormers intersect with the roof. Dormer walls consist of many areas where water can dibble into the roof. Once the area of the leak is located, the old caulk will be dug out and will be replaced with a high-quality caulk. A knowledgeable roof specialist will generally dig out all of the old caulk around the area of the leak. This is because even caulk that looks intact could still be the source of a leak. The siding above the step flashing will also be checked and new siding will be installed if required. The corner boards may also need to be removed to check the overlapping flashing and caulk sealant.
Don’t Take A Shortcut
You should never take a shortcut when it comes to leak repairs. It’s better to avoid using roof cement or caulk to cover missing areas on your roof as this is not an effective long-term solution. It’s recommended to use quality materials to replace the damaged materials and be careful not to plug a hole with an inferior or unknown product and hope that the issue will be fixed. There are actually a number of impulsive roof repair mistakes which must be avoided. At the end of the day, it’s important to follow the correct processes when repairing a roof leak. The first thing to do when you suspect a leak, is to contact with a trusted and experienced roof contractor who can repair your roof leak properly.
