How to Fix a Leaky Roof

The last thing you want to discover is that your roof is leaking. A leaky roof can cause many other problems, like rotting wood, mold, and waterlogged attic insulation. It’s important to repair your leaky roof as quickly as possible before the problems worsen.

Isthmus Roofing is your local Madison, WI roofing company specializing in roofing repairs. We can show you how to fix your leaky roof fast. It’s important to note that roof repairs are not for everyone, and safety should always be your number one priority.

Locate the Leak

The best way to locate the leak in your roof is to start at the lowest point of the leak and work your way upward using a ladder and flashlight. Follow the leak into the attic. It may begin a few feet higher toward the roof ridge. You can check for water stains or mold growth. If you have a roof vent, you’ll also want to check that area. They can be a major source of leaks.

If the leak is coming from the roof vent, you should remove the damaged vent and replace it with a new one. This can be labor intensive, so if you are uncomfortable with replacing your roof vent, you can contact a roofing company like Isthmus Roofing to help.

Tear Off Old Shingles

If the leaking is coming from the roof deck, you must remove the shingles to access the leak. Use a pry bar to remove the shingles from the bottom up. Start removing the shingles about two rows from the leak. Pry out nails as needed to remove the shingles.

Remove Roofing Paper

The roofing paper or underlayment will separate the shingles from the roofing deck. Slice this paper off with a knife.

Mark and Remove Damaged Roof Deck

Mark the area around the damaged roof deck. Use chalk to snap a line down the rafters on the right and left sides of the damaged section. Make sure you snap the line in the center of the rafters. Follow the nails as a guide to the rafter center. Snap a chalk line 90 degrees to the rafters above and below the damage.

Using a circular saw, set the blade depth to the thickness of the roofing deck plus another 1/16th of an inch. Follow the chalk lines to cut the damaged section of the deck. Use a pry bar to remove the cut-out section of the roof deck. Do not dispose of the plywood yet.

Cut a New Patch and Attach

Use the damaged roof deck piece to mark out a new patch of plywood. Cut this patch on the ground for safety reasons. While back on the roof, set the roof deck patch in place and use nails to secure it. Use 8d common nails.

Lay Underlayment

Working from the bottom up, nail down roofing paper or underlayment with roofing nails. Overlap the existing by at least four inches.

Replace the Shingles

Starting at the bottom-most row, lay down the new shingles. Leaf the shingles onto the existing shingles from left to right, then work upwards until you reach the top row of shingles. Mesh the new shingles with existing shingles by sliding the new ones beneath the top row.

Skip the Work and Call the Pros

Fixing a leak in your roof can be a labor-intensive and potentially dangerous job. Many factors, if not lined up perfectly, can result in further roof leaks.

If you need immediate storm damage repair assistance or you’re not comfortable fixing your roof leak, call the pros at Isthmus Roofing. With years of experience, we can handle any sized leak. Don’t put your life in danger; call Isthmus Roofing.

Call us today at 608-949-0533 or message us online to receive a free quote today.