How Do I Patch A Leaky Roof

If you have exposed fiberglass insulation move it aside tip.

How do i patch a leaky roof.

Locate the area where water is leaking through your ceiling. Soften a cut to size patch of fiberglass matting with resin and paste it over the crack. Apply a coat of urethane cement over the entire area. On a nice day have a helper tap on the mark while you re on the roof.

Let the wet areas dry and then apply the patch to the underside of the roof with a putty knife. An extension of at least six inches is good enough to secure the holes and gaps effectively. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Step 5 use a caulking gun to apply caulk to seal any holes that appear in the roof.

Isolate areas when you run the hose. Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along. Place the shingle or plywood onto the tar and spread more of the tar around the edges of your patch. Small nail holes left behind from old vents satellite dish brackets or anything previously attached to the roof can allow water to enter and cause damage for years before leaking is noticed.

If you didn t need to replace the roof substrate cut a patch of tar paper or rubber roll roofing 12 in 30 cm wider and longer than the mended section. Apply a generous layer of roof cement over the repaired tear then set the patch over the cement covered area. Next you need to try and identify where the water is coming from. If it is leaking through a light fitting it may not be that the leak is right above it as the water will run down channels until it finds a hole that it can pour out of.

Wear long sleeves a dust mask and gloves when working with fiberglass insulation to prevent itching and irritation. Water and electrics do not mix and although you may struggle with no lighting it is the safest thing to do. After you pinpoint the location on the exterior of the roof apply roofing cement or new shingles as needed. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides.

Make a temporary leak patch once you ve found the leak you can make a temporary leak patch from some plywood or shingle and some roofing tar. Allow to dry then sand it down level with the surface of the roof and apply a coat of clear gel to the area. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Patch the nail or screw holes by slipping a piece of roof flashing underneath the shingle.

Once you use urethane roof cement and apply the new patch you have to do it correctly. Once you locate the source of the water mark the area. Scan for water damage.