Friday, October 11, 2013

Roof Leak Repair

Repairing roof leak maybe an extra challenge especially if you do not have any idea where is the source of the leak. However, as soon as you find it, it would just be a piece of cake.
Before you start patching or sealing your roof, make sure that you prepare the surface. It should be cleaned from dirt, dust, gravel or any other loose particles. You may use a metal brush to get rid of the rust and scale making a smoother surface. Cut out old roof cement that has been previously placed but didn’t work.

Here are roof leak repair tips on how to fix your leaky roofs based on the type of roof:

Metal flash leaks:

•    First, you need to place a layer of roof cement between the materials that needs to be joined.
•    Spread a second layer of roof cement crosswise on the top of the flashing and apply little amounts to the edges to make way for drainage.
•    Strengthen the patch by adding a ply of 183 or 181 patching fabric inserted in the roof cement.
Asphalt or fiberglass shingle leaks:
•    Under the single tabs, place at least a quarter or half an inch of roof cement which is spread all over the shingle.
•    If you noticed that nails are missing, replace them right away. Spread rood cement to the nail head so water would not make its way through the hole created by the nail.
•    Strengthen the patch by adding a ply of 183 or 181 patching fabric inserted in the roof cement.
Hairline split:
•    Spread ¼ inch of roof cement around the split. Roof cement should be applied 2 inches above, 2 inches below and 2 inches across the damage.
•    Strengthen the patch by adding a ply of 183 or 181 patching fabric inserted in the roof cement.
•    Add another ¼ inch of roof cement on top of the patching fabric to make sure water would just pass through it.


Blisters:

•    Cut the raised area and dry the surface if it is moist. Never work with a wet surface because roof cement would surely not stick to it.
•    Spread the roof cement to the open area and attach the portion that was cut earlier.
•    Add more roof cement over the area that would reach up to 6 inches.
•    Strengthen the patch by adding a ply of 183 or 181 patching fabric inserted in the roof cement.
Tips to fix your roof safe and sound
•    When fixing your roof, you also have to consider your safety. To avoid slipping and damaging your roof, you have to step on the roof as little as possible.
•    If there is a need for an intensive work on your roof leak, purchase or rent a roofer’s ladder which has a bracket that would bridge the ridge of the roof rather than really stepping on your roof.
•    When doing some work on your roof, always use a safety harness or belt which is attached to a stable fixture.
•    Always work on your roof leak on a sunny weather, never on an icy condition because you can easily slip.

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