Owner`s manual

Assessing and Repairing Leaky Roofs
SAFELY FIXING A WATERY PROBLEM
You may be anxious to stop a
roof from leaking, but don't risk
serious injury trying to inspect
or repair it. First, try binoculars
for a closer view. Next, check
the attic for a drip trail. Leaks
are rarely located directly above
the water spot on the ceiling.
When you find a leak in the attic,
push a nail, straw or wire
through it to help you or a repair
person locate it outside.
If rain continues to be a problem
and a repair person is
unavailable, follow the directions
at right for temporary relief. But
be sure that only a physically
able person gets on the roof for
these emergency measures.
Unsteadiness on the ladder or
roof can lead to severe injuries.
Additional resources:
Your county family living agent, your
local emergency government office, the
American Red Cross, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency
Related publications:
"Repairing Your Flooded Home,"
American Red Cross/Federal
Emergency Management Agency, 1992.
TEMPORARY REPAIRS
Cover holes in the roof, walls or windows with boards, tarps or plastic
sheeting. Nail down plastic sheets or trash bags with strips of wood and
secure them with duct tape. If the holes are large, you may need to support
the plastic in the center to keep it from ripping from the weight of the rain.
If sections of the roof or floors are sagging, have a contractor or other
knowledgeable person brace weak areas. Improper bracing may increase
damage and the chance of injury, so do not attempt this work unless you
are experienced in structural repairs.
CAUSES OF LEAKS
Storm and wind damage are responsible for some roof problems. Others
are caused by defective materials, faulty construction or gradual
deterioration. Here are some common causes of leaks:
♦ Defective flashing. Flashing is the sheet metal used in waterproofing
roof valleys, hips and the angle between a chimney and a roof. Wet
spots near a chimney or outside wall may mean the leak is caused by
defective flashing, narrow flashing or loose mortar joints. Look for
corroded, loose or displaced flashing on sloping roof valleys and at
junctions of dormers and roof.
♦ Clogged downspouts or eaves. Check for choked downspouts.
Accumulated water or snow on the roof above the flashing may cause
a leak. Ice accumulations on eaves sometimes form ridges, which
cause melting snow to back up under the shingles.
♦ Cracks and deterioration. Roofing (especially wood or composition
shingles) usually deteriorates first on southern exposures. Check
southern slopes for cracking or deterioration.
♦ Holes. Missing shingles or holes in the roofing may be causing wet
spots. To find holes, check for a drip trail or spot of light coming
through in the attic. Stick a nail, straw or wire through the hole to
mark the spot on the outside.
REPAIRING LEAKS
Methods of repair will depend on the kind of roofing and the nature and
extent of the leak. Unless you are experienced, hire a professional roofer
for this work. Missing shingles should be replaced, holes repaired and
cracks filled. Whatever method is used, avoid walking on patched sections.
Information from: University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension, Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Service, University of
Minnesota Extension Service, University of Missouri Extension
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension