Roof Repairs - Stop and Prevent Leaky Shingles and Vents - Do It Yourself

Due to requests, I am now including links to products when possible. These links are provided for reference, no company or individual paid to be in this video. Depending on the vendor, a small commission might be paid and would be used to support adding content to this channel.

Before you get on the roof and begin doing some repair work, make sure you follow the basics of safety.

First, place your ladder in a location that will provide for the minimum amount of climbing. There’s no need to climb to a high roof point on the front of the house if there’s a much lower spot right around the corner. Second, make sure your ladder is big enough. If getting up on the roof means you’ll have to put a foot on that last step, stop and go get another ladder – maybe even an aluminum extension ladder as we did. And finally, if it’s at all possible, ask someone on the ground to hold the ladder for you while you get up and down.

One of the best things you can do to avoid having to repair your roof is simple preventative maintenance. Ideally, you should perform semi-annual inspections to identify and solve problems as they occur. Roofs get more abuse from the elements than any other part of the building, and preventative maintenance is a key element to saving money on your roof by providing a longer service life.

Clean all debris from the surface of the roof. This includes debris that has gathered behind HVAC units, pipes and pitch pans, and any other roof penetrations. Debris has a tendency to hold water, and water will cause the roof to deteriorate much faster than it otherwise would, especially if your roof is asphalt based such as a built-up roof or asphalt shingles. If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, install some zinc or lead control strips.

Here are some other roof repair maintenance ideas. Dab some roof cement under any loose shingle tabs. One dab on either side should do. Replace any damaged shingles.
Keep all gutters free of debris. Make sure that the downspouts are draining properly by water testing them and trim back any overhanging tree branches.

You might also check the flashings. The function of flashings is to provide a watertight junction between roofing materials and roof projections or other parts of the structure, and between roof sections. Many early roof problems are actually flashing problems. Often, repairing the flashings or providing new flashings is all that is needed to make the roof watertight again.

Most flashing problems result from inadequate flashing design or faulty construction. Flashings should be designed to furnish service for at least as long as the materials used in the field of the roof. Flashings are the most vulnerable part of any roof. Their importance and the importance of maintaining them properly cannot be overemphasized.

In many instances, leaks occur at flashings where there are no flashing defects. These leaks may be the result of open joints in a masonry wall or coping cap, which permits water to enter behind the flashings and into the building. This problem may be eliminated by "through-wall" flashings.

Beyond maintenance, if you need help on any specific roofing problem, ask for advice at your local hardware store or home center – or try looking for information on-line. Remember, every home has a roof, and if yours has a problem, the odds are that someone else has had the problem before and is ready to help with the knowledge and tools to get your home the shelter it needs.

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[coopersworld]

I have watched 26 leaking roof repair videos. This was my favorite. It was simple and to the point and surprisingly informative for a 6 minute DIY video. Thank you.

[irishfergal]

This is by far the best roof repair "how to" video I've yet seen. There are so many people out there who know HOW to do a job, but have no clue how to TEACH another person to do it. Teaching skills are essential before anyone decides to make a YouTube video. Well done! A+

[unebonnevie]

One of the best videos on simple fixes. Most contractor videos tell you the problems by playing fears to get customers. This lady actually shows you how to fix the simple problems! Thumbed up and subscribed!

[yvette]

Great job Teresa! I love seeing women tackle their own problems. No damsel in distress here 😀

[longlegs]

Outstanding video got it saved. As a single woman, I appreciate this video so much

[victor]

I'm an owner builder and DIYer. Appreciate this video for easy handling!

[axemanners]

Very well done video and straight to the point with no fluff. Thank you.

[--]

Not everyday you see a beautiful woman repairing the roof. Great video.

[JWolff-mdij]

When you replaced the vent it confused me how water wouldn't get in the house the way the shingles were. Btw, I watched several of these videos with guys teaching who didn't teach half as well. Thank you for this. Made sure to Like it.

[KevinLuecke]

This is a great video, love the advice and an obvious expert. One note, I believe you want to do the nails above the tar strip so there is no possible water leak gap, can check on the install instructions of the shingles to confirm. This is true for the flashing around the vent as well, you want the nails under the shingles up the slope of the roof so as to not create a hole for water to get in, though since she's sealing it with roofing cement it's probably fine as long as the cement is rated to last as long as the rest of the flashing.

[praful]

Good video.. What I like is a show, tell and do it while you are talking. You nailed it (so to speak).

[lttrhd]

Beautiful and fearless. Walks on the rooftop like cat. Wow!

[anonycreator]

Billions of likes for the presentation skill ✨️

[drummerpercussionist]

Add another shingle to last vent. Very exposed. Good job on sharing tips.

[rbmustang]

I wish my roof was the same type as the house you're working on; it would make my repair much easier.

[rdhall]

Thank you. Perfect for me to do it myself. Very simple and saves me $$

[SLease]

Thank you for the clear explanation and great video. I noticed from other comments I'm not the only one who had to search through more than a few videos to find one that was actually helpful!

[madar]

A good learning to repair the roof, in a short time video, to the point, , comprehensive, Thanks.
a lot.

[blacklimosmatter]

most attractive roofer I've ever seen

[stephenhaley]

Great video and I'm always glad to see girls working in the trades. I believe they do a great job. I'm in my mid 70's and when I ran my small group of construction services companies there were no girls in the trades back in the 60's and 70's. Great Job. Gramps