Being Proactive to Prevent a Roof Leak

​Keeping your roof properly maintained can go a long way in saving you big money on home repair costs. Being proactive to prevent roof leaks is just one of the many ways homeowners can take control of their roof maintenance responsibilities. Patching holes, replacing shingles, and bi-monthly inspections are the key to preventing roof leaks (because 80% of residential homes are topped with asphalt roofs, we will be focusing on these types of repairs).

Patching Holes

Let’s face it, holes in your roof are a nuisance. You never know they exist until that huge rainstorm hits, but by then it’s too late. Locating the holes is the first step to patching them up. Most holes will occur around air vents, so start by looking there. Once you have located the hole, begin by removing any damaged shingles around the hole properly. Next, fill the holes in the sheathing, cover the repair with roofing felt, and replace the shingles. It is a timely process, especially with larger holes, but in the end you will save you hundreds, if not thousands, on home repairs.

Replacing Old/Damaged Shingles

Shingles can be damaged in a number of different ways such as wind, hail, or just plain old wear and tear. Staying proactive means replacing these old or damaged shingles (as they may lead to future roof leaks). Here are some examples of worn and damaged shingles that would need to be replaced:

​First, break the seal and remove the nails from the shingles located above the damaged or missing shingle (if you are dealing with a damaged shingle then remove it carefully). Next, slide the new shingle(s) into place and nail them in. Finally, replace the nails you originally removed from the top set of shingles and reseal.

Monthly Inspections

Inspecting your roof every month for holes or damaged shingles is the best way to prevent roof leaks from occurring. Getting on the roof once a month may seem like a lot to some folks, but it’s really not, especially when you know what to look for and know exactly how to repair the damages. It is all a part of being proactive.
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Nobody likes the headache that an unexpected roof leak can cause. Keeping your roof properly maintained will no doubt save you money on home repairs and prevent future roof leaks from happening.