Finding a Roof Leak and Repair

Owning a house is a full time job! Sometimes it feels like if you don't have one problem, then you have another! Having a leak in your roof is one of the most common household problems, but fortunately, just because there is a leak does not necessarily mean that you have a huge, expensive problem on your hands. Especially if you were able to identify the leak early, repairing your roof can be simple and cheap! But don't put off doing it, because if you do, you may experience a variety of larger problems, such as mold, mildew, and even damaged foundations.

How to Find a Leak in a Roof

So first of all, try to find exactly where the roof is leaking. If some of your ceiling tiles are wet, then you should be able to trace the leak backwards from the tile to the roof. Certain areas of your roof will be most prone to leaks. So if the location of the leak is not obvious, you will want to check the following areas first; low spots in the roof, areas around the chimney and skylights, areas where shingles are missing, and vent flashings from plumbing, the furnace, or wall steps.

do it yourself

Finding the Leak in a Leaking Roof

To stop a roof from leaking the first thing you have to do is to find the leak. This is not always the easiest thing to do. Some leaks are easy to find, while others may be inches away from the stain on your ceiling. This may take some private-eye work for you. Roof leak repair is not as simple as most people think it is. Many things can cause a roof to leak. Lack of maintenance is one of those things. If you suspect you have a leak, check it out and trace the source back as soon as you can. This will cause you less stress and the least amount of time and money in the long run.

Leaking Roof from Roofing Shingles

Some roofs leak because of missing or damaged shingles. Shingles are easy to replace. Some of the tools you will need are a pry bar, scrapper, the new shingle, utility knife, roofing nails, hammer, roof cement and a trowel. Now you are ready! Carefully remove the nails with the pry bar. Slide out the old shingle, scrap off any old, leftover cement. Slide the new shingle in and line it up with the remaining shingles. Use a roofing nail in each corner and cover with roofing cement. This type of roof leak repair is a simple fix. On a flat roof leaks usually occur in low areas or when the felt has been damaged.

Roof Leak Repair

Roof leak repair can be done on the felt of a flat roof. You will need these tools - utility knife, clean rags or towels, asphalt roof cement, nails and a hammer. Look for a blister in the felt. Make a small cut in the blister, but not down to the good felt underneath. If there is any water in the blister press it out gently and use a towel to dry the area. Use a thick amount of roofing cement and firmly press down both sides of the felt. Close the blister for good with a row of nails along each side of the cut. Then use the roofing cement over the whole area. A roof leak repair is for the most part easy to do.

Find a Roofing Contractor

There are many how-to guides that can walk you step-by-step through the specific processes. Some leaks, however, will require a professional for the job. So don't hesitate to call one. If your whole roof needs to be repaired it would be best to call someone with the experience and license to do the job. Do not be afraid to ask questions and talk to friends and neighbors who have had their roofs repaired. Compare prices between companies. This way you can be assured to get the most reliable contractors for the job.

Article Source & Arthur: Kent Hamilton and Chris Smitts

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How to Install Roof Shingles

Shingling or roofing a house is a major undertaking for a homeowner and extreme caution is required. This said, a Do-It-Yourselfer homeowner can shingle or roof their own home with a little knowledge and the right tools. In order to roof a house properly and safely the following tools are needed: Ladders, Roof Jacks, Hammer, Carpenters Knife, Chalk Line, and preferably a compressor or nail gun. Typically the roof is measured in squares, where a “square” represents 100 square feet.

How to Shingle a Roof - step by step DIY pictures

Cost to Replace and Build a Roof

Skyrocketing building and materials prices are no doubt having a negative effect on the cost to repair your roof. As the sub prime crisis balloons into a mushroom cloud over the Western economies, costs are taking a beating. Your roof is the first thing to separate you from the elements and prices are going northward. For now, the cost to re-roof an average house can go from an average of $11,000 dollars up to a high cost of $25,000.

Costs to repair and replace a House Roof