Up on the Rooftop
About Me
Up on the Rooftop

The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.

Categories

Up on the Rooftop

6 Tips For Repairing Damaged Flashing

Lori Silva

Does your roof have a leak due to flashing that is damaged? This is a problem that you will definitely need to fix to prevent damage from being done to your home. Here are a few tips to help you with this kind of roofing repair. 

Locating The Damaged Flashing

You'll need to identify the section of flashing material that is damaged. The only way to do this is to get on the roof and look for clear signs of damage. There may be sections that are coming off the structure of your home, as well as flashing that is cracked or rusting. If it's located near where the water is coming in, chances are this is the flashing that needs to be replaced.

Removing Damaged Flashing

You will want to carefully remove the damaged section of flashing from the roof, as you do not want to cause damage in the process. You should use a pry bar that allows you to get behind the material and apply some pressure to the flashing to get it loose from the roof.

Cleaning The Area

You need to take the time to remove any debris in the area where the old flashing was located. This can be done by using a wire brush since it will be a bit abrasive and easily get the job done. If you have mold or algae behind the flashing, you'll need to clean it off and let the surface dry before you move forward.

Installing The Replacement Flashing

Your local home improvement store will sell replacement flashing. You'll need to cut a section of flashing down so that it fits in the area you are trying to repair. Flashing can be secured to the roof using screws or roofing nails, which will help keep the flashing material tight against the surface.

Sealing The Replacement Flashing 

The best way to prevent water from getting behind the replacement flashing is to use a sealant. This will need to be applied to all of the edges of the flashing, as well as over the screws or nails used to secure the flashing in place. Use a caulk gun to create an even bead of sealant around the perimeter. 

Checking The Repair

You'll want to make sure that your repair was done properly after you finish. Let the sealant dry according to the instructions, then run water over the flashing. You should be looking for places where water may still be penetrating the roof so that you can fix it now rather than later. 

Contact a roof repair service to learn more.


Share