Roof repairs can be a hassle, but with these tips, they don’t have to be! Follow these easy steps to make quick and easy repairs that will last. Whether you’re fixing a simple leak or making more extensive repairs, these roof repair tips will help get the job done right. So grab your toolbox and get started!
1. Know Your Roof Type
Knowing the type of roof, you have and what material it is made of will help you choose which materials to use for repairs. Depending on the type of roof, there are certain fix-ups that will or won’t work. Make sure you know your roof before getting started with any repairs!
2. Assess The Damage
Once you’ve identified the problem area, make sure to assess how bad it really is. Before doing anything else, take inventory of everything that needs to be fixed; this way, you can get a sense of scale and prioritize what needs to be dealt with immediately (leaks) versus what can wait (broken tiles). If possible, try taking pictures so that when it comes time to do repairs, you have a before and after to compare.
3. Fix Leaks Quickly
Depending on the material of your roof, there may be standing water that has caused significant damage or is simply a health hazard. If your roof is leaky, deal with it as quickly as possible – if left unattended, leaks can cause extensive damage and even collapse a roof. Repairing a damaged ceiling can cost thousands of dollars – not to mention what might happen if the ceiling caves in. So for an extra $20-$30 (or less), take care of those leaks now! See our article here for how to fix roofs after heavy rains
4. Use Roof Flashing to Make Repairs Easier
Roof flashing helps direct water away from the edges of your roof, preventing leaks. If you’re repairing an area where flashing doesn’t exist (for example, replacing a wood shingle roof with asphalt shingles or vice versa), it’s important to add flashing so that water runs off down the side of the roof instead of under- neath and in between tiles.
5. Use Loose Flashing to Repair Repairs
If you don’t have any existing flashing around your repairs, adding some can help prevent leaks before they start. Loose or “windowed” flashing will allow you to slide in new material over top without having to dig out old mortar completely. This method is best for smaller patches that only need one layer of tile added on top rather than several.
6. Use Caulk To Remove Cracks
Small cracks in tiled roofs can be easily filled with caulk. Make sure that whatever you’re using is specifically meant for roof application, and follow up by applying a layer of roofing cement over the top (available at your local hardware store) to help seal it even more securely. Be sure to give it time to dry before rain or snow hits the roof!
7. Test The Fix with Water
Before adding new material on top of your repairs, test them out with water first! After applying your patch (be it flashing or caulk), place some empty cups underneath and spray them with a garden hose; if any water leaks through, keep adding more material until it won’t.
8. Test Again After Your Fix
After you’ve patched up the issue, test it again with water! Waterproof tarps are placed on roofs during new construction to make sure that they’re properly watertight before workers move on to other areas of the roof, and this step is just as important for smaller repairs. If no leaks appear, then you’re ready to move forward with your work!
9. Make Repairs with The Right Tools
When using caulk or tar-like products to patch a hole, use an old knife or putty knife (for small patches) to clean out any remaining mortar underneath. A squeegee can help quickly remove excess sealant afterwards. A putty knife can also help clean up excess material, and a dust pan & brush (or broom) will make cleanup easier when you’re done!
10. Use Quality Materials
If your roof is leaky or shows signs of damage, you need to make sure that the materials you use are made to last; this means using high quality caulks and sealants (do NOT use silicone caulk on your roof!) that won’t dry out over time, and lightweight tiles rather than heavy ones. Make sure that any tiles, shingles, metal sheets, etc. you buy match existing construction specifications for your roof type. If in doubt about what kind of product to purchase for your fix-up project, consult with a professional beforehand.
11. Put Together A Home Repair Kit
Your home repair kit should include:
- A caulking gun and appropriate sealant
- Putty knives and other tools for preparing materials
- Marker or paint for making outlines, symbols, or numbers (for keeping track of which tiles you’ve replaced)
- Mixing sticks
- A dust pan & brush (or broom) for quick cleanup
And don’t forget to keep extra roofing cement on hand as well! Be sure to store your home repair kit in a safe place where it won’t get damaged by water leaks.
12. Use Quality Applying Tools
High quality tools can make a huge difference when it comes to the appearance of your finished repairs. Make sure that your putty knife and caulk gun are clean and smooth, and you’ll find that routine projects will be faster and more precise as well. Use a caulking gun with an adjustable end for making tight curves or other unusual shapes for best results.
13. Re-tile Your Roof
Tiles made from ceramic or metal are far less likely to buckle or crack, simply because they’re heavier! If damage is extensive enough that individual tiles are crumbling underfoot, then repairing them isn’t going to make much of a difference; at this point, re-tiling will be the best option. Asphalt shingles can also be repaired if they’re still fully attached but have begun to buckle or fall apart.
14. Get A Professional’s Opinion
If you decide to replace your roofing material, replacing one type with another will not cure any underlying issues! Patching up small holes and other damage is a good way to extend the life of your current roof, but if there are larger problems then you need to get them fixed as soon as possible. Pouring water on your roof and watching where it flows (if it goes under an area that looks damp or damaged, for instance) can help determine what areas need extra attention and whether repairs should be handled by a professional.
15. Keep Your Roof Clean and Clear
Frequent cleanings are the best way to extend the life of your roof, so be sure to check it regularly for loose rocks and other debris. This can not only prevent leaks, but keep roots from growing through tiles or shingles that are already damaged. If you go up on your roof every few months or so, then this is an easy task that should take just a couple of minutes.