How to Repair Leaks on the Roof of a House
- 1). Wear flat-soled footwear to avoid damaging the roof as you walk on it.
- 2). Climb up on to the roof and locate the leak. You can usually see a crack on a shingle or on the metal flashing where two roof planes meet.
- 3). Go to the attic if you can't find the leak from above. Find puddles of water and mark the position of the leak source.
- 1). Remove any debris around the leaking shingle using a brush with metal bristles.
- 2). Mix the roof cement according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- 3). Apply the roof cement to the hole or crack in the shingle using a caulking gun.
- 1). Lift the shingles around the shingle that is damaged beyond repair and find any protruding nails.
- 2). Remove the protruding nails using a pry bar.
- 3). Remove the damaged shingle.
- 4). Use a scraper to remove old roof cement.
- 5). Slide the new shingle in place. Otherwise, you also can use two or three layers of roof patches instead.
- 6). Hammer in four galvanized roof nails on the corners of the shingle or roof patches.
- 7). Use a caulking gun to apply roof cement to the heads of the nails.
- 1). Use a caulking gun to apply caulk over the hole in the metal flashing.
- 2). Use a putty knife to apply roof cement on any areas where the roof cement cracks.
- 3). Apply roof cement to any exposed nails to prevent corrosion.