Leaking roofs are a nightmare, especially with winter well on its way. Thankfully, most roof leaks can be repaired easily without the input of a professional, saving you money.
1. The first step is to access your roof. To do this, you will probably have to use a ladder. Working at height can be dangerous, so it is essential that you pay attention to the following safety tips:
Don’t try to access your roof in bad weather; the area will be slippy, increasing your chances of having an accident. Standing your ladder on wet ground is a bad idea, too.
Look for hazards in the vicinity. Where you place your ladder is important. Don’t be this guy who MySafetySign.com have recently blogged about. Make sure you know where your ladder is being placed.
Inspect your ladder carefully prior to using it. If any of the rungs are bent or loose, do not use it – the ladder could collapse during use, or you could lose your footing and fall.
Use the 1:4 ratio when setting your ladder angle; if your ladder is 12 feet tall, its base should be 3 feet away from you house.
Always face your ladder when climbing up and climbing down, using both hands to hold on at all times.
When you reach the roof, carefully step around the ladder.
2. Now you’re on the roof, you can begin to inspect the area for damage. Check the area directly above where the look is coming in first, but remember the source of the leak isn’t always in an obvious position. To find hidden damage, have someone stand inside the house whilst you spray the roof with a hose; ask the person to advise you when water begins to seep in.
3. Once you’ve identified where the water is coming in from, look for damaged or missing shingles. If there’s nothing obvious, have a look for breaks or lines in the cement that may be too wide and allowing water through. If you still can’t find any sign of damage, you will have to call a professional.
4. If the problem is a single that has curled back, you can easily reattach it with roof cement. If the weather is warm, you should be able to stretch the shingle out easily, but this is likely to be more difficult in the cold weather. Cold shingles are brittle and easily breakable; if you decide to soften the shingle with a flame, be very careful that it doesn’t catch fire. Once the shingle can be uncurled, spread a generous layer of cement across the bottom of it and stick it back down to the roof. If the shingle is missing, they should be replaced. If a shingle is damaged and needs to be removed, remove it carefully by lifting the edges of the surrounding shingles (taking care not to break them), and gently ease it out. Then, slide a new shingle into its gap, and nail it in.
5. The final step is to get yourself and you tools down from the ladder safely. Wear a belt around your waist while you work to hold your tools in; you will need both your hands to be free if you are to descend the ladder in safe manner. Hold on to the sides of the ladder tightly and firmly, and face the ladder as you climb down. Take care to mind your footing when stepping down the rungs. Remember, working at height isn’t for the faint-hearted; if you are at all anxious, stop and call a professional.
