The roof of a house is one of those parts which faces nature day in and out. Thus, they are more prone to wear down compared with, say, the indoor walls. A leaky roof that seems a small inconvenience, if not fixed in the early stages, can lead to unforeseen damages to the roof structure.
Fixing leaky roofs is one of the easy tasks for your expertise, but you must proceed with caution as it can also open the door to infinite, unidentified damages.
Here are a few things to keep in mind while fixing leaks in a roof.
Find The Leak
The most important and, surprisingly, the toughest of tasks is identifying the leak. The roof is a big structure, and the leak can be anywhere.
Start by either examining the roof or attic (if you have one); use a flashlight to identify small cracks or damages. Look carefully for a direct leak or such signs. These could be water stains on the floor of the attic or discoloration of the roof exposed to moisture.
If this does not help, then you can take someone’s help. Water specific areas of the roof with a hose; ask the helper to spot any leaks from inside the attic.
Use Caulk For Minor Fixes
Any windows or other areas with a damage history can be the entry point of water. This can further drip down the attic or accumulate in the soffit, causing structural damages. Fresh caulk is an easy fix.
Major Fixes
Other times, the damage is of a large magnitude and easy to find. For instance, loose vent boots. Check them for damages like cracks on their base and missing nails or screws. Immediately replace the missing nails with the fresh ones for roof restoration. Avoid filling caulk in the cracks of the base as that would be a short-term solution; instead, you should replace the base to avoid customer complaints down the line.
If any of the roof vents are damaged, then it is best to replace the unit instead of repairing it.
Precautions To Take
Being on the roof can be a dangerous job. Adequate safety measures should be taken. Use a strong ladder to get on the roof, and when working, always use safety ropes.
Rubber-soled shoes provide maximum traction while working on the roof, so even with water involved, you will have a strong grip.
Keep an eye on the power lines while working on the roof and try to choose a warm, sunny day to work to reduce the chances of accidents.
Pay close attention to not damage the soffit while handling roof repairs. Here are some tips for successful soffit installation.
If, however, the roof has sustained major impact damage (like from a fallen tree), advise your client for a full roof restoration.
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