How to Repair a Roof

If you have water stains that extend across ceilings or run down walls, the cause is probably a leaky roof. Tracking down the leak is the hard part; the roof leak repair is usually pretty easy. We'll show you some simple tricks for finding and repairing most of the common types of leaky roofs. But if you live in the Snow Belt and in the winter you have leaks only on warm or sunny days, you probably have ice dams. We won't go into that roof leak repair in this story. If you have a leaky roof, you'd better fix it immediately, even if it doesn't bother you much or you're getting a new roof next year. Even over a short time, small leaks can lead to big problems, such as mold, rotted framing and sheathing, destroyed insulation and damaged ceilings. The flashing leak that caused an expensive repair bill was obvious from the ceiling stains for over two years. If the homeowner had dealt with it right away, the damage and subsequent repairs would have been minimal. Many people are looking for the roof repairs Brighton.

Inspect your roof for widespread wear and tear. Look for curled, cracked, or missing shingles at the leak site, and evaluate your roof’s overall condition. See if there are numerous failing or missing shingles, wide gaps where roofing material meets vents or a chimney, and other signs of widespread wear and tear.^[3]

• Repairing 1 or 2 shingles and resealing minor gaps are relatively easy fixes. However, patches of failing shingles and widespread wear are signs that your roof needs to be replaced, especially if it’s over 20 years old.
• Additionally, if you find widespread rot or mold on your roof boards or trusses inside your attic, you might have structural issues that require a professional roofer.

Can a Roof Leak Be Fixed From the Inside?

You might have heard the myth that leaking roofs can’t be fixed from inside the house. But, actually, as long as the leak is small, it is very much possible to patch it up yourself from the attic. Just try not to let it get out of hand. Too much time or a heavy downpour can easily make matters a lot worse.

If your roof is prone to leaks, then constant quick fixes won’t be enough to prevent structural damage. In such cases, it might be a better idea to think long-term and invest in a dry fixed roofing system, which will be watertight, more durable, and won’t require any maintenance.

As with any DIY home repair, the full extent of damage cannot always be determined before you start the job. The biggest hidden cost is extensive water damage. Often, water damage isn’t noticed until after the shingles are removed and the deck is exposed.

Before you tackle a repair, conduct a thorough inspection of the damaged area. Do you see flashing? Are shingles missing or damaged? Look in your attic and check for signs of leaks.

Taking the time to access the damage will determine if the job needs to be completed by a professional or not.

The final cost or a roof repair will depend on the type of roof and other architectural elements. Here are the common repairs and average costs for popular roofing materials:

Once your roof is repaired or replaced, you should carry out regularly scheduled roof inspections and maintenance to catch problems before they lead to major ones. Here are a few ways to maintain a healthy roof:

• Look for missing or damaged shingles and repair as needed
• Replace the roof sealant as needed
• Keep branches away from the roof and trim them on a regular basis
• Keep gutters clear and clean
• Maintain your chimney and skylights
• Prevent ice dams (ice build-up on the eaves of sloped roofs)

Look for any signs of rust on metal components