Roof Leak Patching Guide
Roof leaks must be addressed as soon as you suspect a problem. A prompt patch doesn't just protect your home against water damage, it also ensures that the damage is still easily fixable.
Leak Location
Unless the leak has an obvious cause, like a puncture through shingles, the entire process starts with verifying the location of the roof leak. It often begins with an attic inspection to look for water stains and other signs of the leak on the attic roof. Once the general area is found, one technician will stay in the attic while the other goes up on the roof.
From the roof, the technician will find the area that was located in the attic. They may use a hose to spray the roof to locate the leak. The tech in the attic will notify the one on top when water begins to drip through. Often, though, the task is much easier than even this. Leaks are sometimes easy to spot on the exterior due to the state of the affected shingles.
Preparation Work
Once the leak is located, the area is prepped for repair. The shingles are carefully pried up so that they are not damaged. Usually some shingles both above and below, as well as over, the leak are removed and set aside. If any are damaged beyond repair, replacement shingles that match as closely as possible will be necessary. Then, the tar paper over the leak is cut away.
Next is the removal of the damaged and leaking decking wood. Your tech will cut out the damaged area from the plywood decking with a saw. Straight lines are cut to make patch-making easier. Once the damage is cut out, the tech in the attic will nail a board across the hole to create a nailing surface.
Patch Construction
Patching often goes faster than leak location and prepping. The removed decking piece is traced onto new plywood, and then a patch is cut perfectly to size. The patch is fit into the hole so that it rests on the board attached to the underside of the decking. The patch is then nailed or screwed into place.
Roofing tar or sealant is used to seal the joint between the patch and the existing decking. The nail holes from attachment will also be sealed. Finally, fresh tar paper is put down and the shingles are replaced over the patch. The roof should be able to perform well for many years.
Contact a roof repair service if you have a leak that needs a patch.
