 |
Articles By Syndicated Columnist
Dan Thomas
© Copyright Home
Improvement Inside And Out
Repairing Roofs
Once you have a leak and you know where it is coming from the best way to
preserve your roof is to inspect it annually for wear and make repairs as soon
as possible. Water leaking may travel before dripping into a room below.
If there is an unfinished attic below a leaky roof, finding a leak is not too
difficult. Climb into this space and look around with a flashlight - it is
easier to see a leak in the semi dark, so do not turn on a light. When you find
the leak, outline the wet area with chalk. If possible, push a piece of wire up
through the leaky spot, so that it protrudes from the roof. This makes it easier
to find the leak when you are working outside. A good place to start your search
is at flashing and valleys.
Pitched Roofs:
It
is not necessary to replace a cracked shingle if all the pieces are still in
place. Slide a piece of roofing felt or roll roofing under the shingle until it
is behind the cracks. Drill holes for the new nails needed. Then drive in the
nails gently. Cover the heads with roof cement.
When repairing shingles, use the new synthetic cement or a fiber-impregnated
cement.
New asphalt shingle can be put down over old asphalt, wood, and roll roofing if
its only one or two layers. If its in three layers, the old roofing must be
stripped off. Cedar shakes; slate shingles, or tiles must be taken off.
For emergency repair of a shingle, cut a patch to fit from a piece of sheet
metal and slip it well under the shingle above the one you are
repairing, Apply a coat of roof cement to the bottom of the patch, and tack
it in place, Cover the tack heads with cement. When you return to make a more
permanent repair, pry up the patch.
Flat Roofs:
A leak in a flat roof may be seen under the damaged spot, making the damage to the
roof easy to see. However, built-up roof layers often cause water to migrate
laterally not straight
down.
Any water pooled in the leak area should be mopped up so that the surface can
dry before attempting repairs.
|
|
|
|
|
