How to Find And Fix A Roof Leak

People rarely pay attention to their roofs or roof repairs unless it is the last moment. Roof leaks are some of the more common house problems. Luckily for you, you can fix them without too much hassle – or experience. You will need just some basic tools for repair. Maybe you already have necessary tools.Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you learn how to find and fix a roof leak!

1. Have the right gear

Before you start any work, you need to get yourself a good pair of roofing shoes. Roofs are slippery, especially if it was raining recently – and it probably was, since you have a leak. This is why you need adequate shoes to keep you from slipping and falling. Getting good roofing shoes is useful for many other tasks you may end up doing in the future. If any leak happens, whether it be on the bathroom floor or your basement drain, you’d want a pair of shoes that don’t slip. Also, you can use your working shoes for other repairs around the house. They could protect you in different situations.

2. Locate the Roof Leak

Locating the exact spot of the roof leak isn’t as easy as it looks like. A good trick is to use a garden hose. Have your friend or neighbor climb on the roof, and turn the hose on. Start right above the place where the roof is leaking, then move upwards or downwards. Make sure to isolate the place where you run the hose! This way, you’ll know water didn’t leak away from the area you’re checking. Always let the hose run for a few minutes before switching the location. Eventually, you will notice exact spot of leaking.

3. Look for Shiners

If you’re experiencing a small leak, there’s a high chance you have a ‘shiner’. This is a nail that missed the framing, which allows moisture to enter the house. If you have drips at the time when the house warms up, this is likely the cause of the problem. Luckily, you can simply trim the nail, and everything will be good to go. Easy fix, that will save you some money.

4. Repair Plumbing Vent Boots

Plumbing vent boots are made of various materials, including plastic, metal, or combined. Plastic vent boots can easily crack, while metal ones can have broken seams. The protective rubber can also rot or get torn, which will allow the water to enter the house. If any of this is the case, you should buy new plumbing vent boots. However, often times the problem is in the missing nails. When this happens, there’s no need to replace the boots. Buy rubber-washer screws that are used for metal roofs. They will protect your home from leaks.

5. Repair Step Flashing

Commonly, the leak occurs from faulty step flashing, which is placed alongside walls intersecting the roof. They can rust, which will allow the water to go through the roof and leak. If this happens, you need to replace the flashing, which is an easy fix. Just remove the shingles, allowing the siding to be loose, then remove the old flashing and replace it with the new one.

6. Don’t Use Caulk

Caulk and roof cement are commonly used materials for fixing a leaky roof. However, they are not reliable, and this fix won’t last for very long. You shouldn’t use caulk for anything but the smallest of holes. Instead, try to close everything mechanically, by replacing or repairing faulty parts. Any sealant won’t make a good leak stopper for a prolonged period of time.