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4 Easy Steps To Fix A Roof Leak

Brisbane Roof and Paint

Roof leaks – big or small are not problems that you should overlook when it comes to your home. Leaving these problems behind will result in not just them growing worse over time. It can also result in heavier repair fees on your end as well. Drywall repair service can keep your structure appealing and your guests saying WOW.

The key to preventing major roof leaks is to simply solve them as soon as the signs arise. The good news is that there are lots of ways you can fix roof leaks on your own. Here are a few tried and tested techniques to do it.

1. Finding The Leak

The very first step to fix a roof leak is to find the leak itself. Don’t think that this is an easy job though. Finding roof leaks are hard especially if the hole is small.

The best way to find a leak is to look for water stains on your ceiling. If the leak has been going on for quite some time already, the stains should have brown discolouration already. Take note of the stain and then head to your roof to pinpoint the leak.

If the leak is already bigger than what would normally be a small problem, you can detect the leak if there’s any sunlight that’s going through the ceiling from the room directly underneath the roof

When going up to your roof, make sure that you are well prepared. Wear shoes with rubber soles to avoid slipping and have someone watch over the ladder just in case it falls.

2. Caulk The Leak Away

One of the simplest ways to fix a leak is to use a sealant to cover it up. This isn’t applicable in many cases, especially if the problem is with the shingles. A good water sealant should do the trick for most small leaks. However, keep in mind that this isn’t a permanent solution.

When placing the sealant, make sure that the area to be treated is dry and free from debris. Any foreign object that’s on the surface might cause the sealant to not stick properly.

Get a sealant that’s quick-dry and waterproof. You can find these in hardware stores easily. While you can add the sealant manually, using a caulk gun will allow you to apply the sealant into the deepest crevices of the leak

3. Replace The Shingles

Your roof’s shingles can become more fragile over time. Aside from cracking, roof shingles can also fall off or rot. In cases like these, the best solution is to simply replace the shingles on your roof.

To remove a damaged shingle, lift the edges of the surrounding shingles carefully. Remove the nails using a pry bar one by one. Once the nails are removed, the shingle should slide out easily. Clean off any residue cement from the roof. Remove any remaining nails if there are some as well.

Finding a replacement shingle is easy. Once you have yours, round the back corners of the shingle using a utility knife. Doing this makes it easier for you to slide the shingle in.

Once it’s in position, fasten the shingle with cement or roofing nails. If would be a good idea to secure the shingle with cement first, and then lock it down with a nail next.

To check if the problem has been fixed, try to douse the area with a bottle of water. If there are leaks that go through the bottom, then there might be a problem with your shingle’s installation.

Keep in mind that shingles can curl over time as well. While you’re at the top of your house, you might as well check for any loose shingles as well. Those will fall out eventually so it’s best to have the problem dealt with before they get worse.

4. Fix Flashing

Your roof can also get leaks due to metal flashing around your chimneys. This is one of the easiest problems to fix. This happens for many reasons but it’s mostly due to harsh weather that can deform the metal.

You should simply reseal joints using a caulk gun filled with roof cement. Apply the cement and then spread the coat evenly using a putty knife.

When all else fails or if your roof has already gone through extensive roof damage, then none of these DIY tips won’t work.

For severe cases, Brisbane Roof and Paint highly recommend having professional roof contractors do the job instead. Aside from having the experience and knowledge to fix your roof, they also have the right equipment to do the job. It’s a more practical way to get your roof leaks fixed.

Roof leaks are very common but with swift action, you won’t even notice them at all. With these simple tips, you can have the problem dealt with ASAP. As we’ve said, however, a professional touch is required for cases that are too severe for your hands.

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My name is Rahul Shakya. I’m a Digital Marketing Consultant, Professional Blogger, Affiliate Marketer, and an Online Entrepreneur. Here, I blog about Technology and digital product reviews, SEO, and help people to choose right digital and tech gadgets.

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