If you discover a leak in your roof, it’s best to hire a pro to do the permanent repair. However, you should also do something to patch the roof before the roofing company comes out. This will stop further water damage from happening to the interior of your house or building, thereby saving you from additional repair expenses.
Which method you will need to use depends on the type of roofing material you have.
Find the Source of the Leak
For all roofing materials, the first thing you need to do is find the leak. It is helpful to look in your attic first, as roof leaks can “travel” horizontally with the pitch of your roof before dropping to the ceiling below. You should look for nails that have backed out and punctured the shingles, sealant that has cracked, loose shingles, or Pipe penetrations with soft or wet plywood around them. There should be signs of damage where the leak originates.
Repairing Shingles
If there are only a few damaged shingles, they can often be repaired with roofing cement. Straighten and smooth curled shingles, and then use the cement to hold them down. You can also replace missing ones if there are just a few. Make sure there are no exposed nails, as water will penetrate through nail holes over time.
Repairing Built-up Roofing (Modified Bitumen or Tar and Gravel)
Remove gravel or granules from the surface to be repaired. Use compatible roofing cement to repair cracks and openings narrower than ¼-inch. If the crack is bigger, install reinforcing fabric in between layers of roofing cement. Use plenty of cement and cover with roofing granules or gravel for UV protection.
Pop water blisters with a knife, and then cement or patch. Be sure not to stab through the roof substrate, such as fiberboard, that is beneath the outer covering.
If the substrate is damaged, cut out the bad section and replace it. Then use a new section of roll roofing and plenty of cement to complete the patch.
Repairing Single Ply Roofing Membranes
Temporary repairs on small punctures on single-ply roofs, such as TPO and PVC, can be easily performed by using a compatible caulk. Clean the surrounding surface with an approved cleaner and apply enough caulk to cover the hole. Be sure to smooth out the caulk to prevent rough edges from peeling off.
Larger rips can be repaired using a self-adhered patch. Clean and prime the surface and be sure to roll the edges out smoothly to prevent any water from getting in.
Do not use roofing cement to repair single ply, as it breaks down the material and voids the warranty.
Contact Perry Roofing Contractors
For any kind of roof, if you notice widespread damage or you feel unsafe doing the work yourself, call in the professionals. If you’re in need of a reroof or repair in Gainesville, FL, contact Perry Roofing Contractors.