When your roof is leaking, you'll find yourself searching "how to repair asphalt shingle roof leaks."
When that's the case, you need to ensure that you know exactly how to repair your roof the right way. No need to worry though, we have you covered with a guide on repairing asphalt shingle roofs. Keep reading to learn more.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks
Roof damage and leaks are often caused from the outside. HomeAdvisor warns homeowners that "Weather, such as high winds and hail, can damage your shingles either directly or by knocking dead and dying branches from overhanging trees." Here in Utah, hail storms, snow, and the occasional high winds are no stranger to us. Because of this, we recommend checking your roof for damage after any major storms. If you're about ready to replace your roof, make sure to work with a roof specialist specializing in working with weather-resistant materials, like The Roof Doctor. Weather-resistant shingles are more likely to hold up against the elements and keep you from having to make frequent repairs.
Locate the Leak
Locating the leak from inside the home is typically your best bet, especially if it goes unnoticed on the roof's surface. Start by measuring from the leak to the nearest outside wall. Once you're outside, carefully climb a ladder to your rooftop and retrace your steps to that leak. For example, if the leak indoors was 20-feet away from the house's leftmost wall, start at that wall and walk about 20-feet, then inspect the area around you. Check your shingles for cracks, tears, curling, and displacement.
Repair Shingle(s)
The cause of all asphalt shingle roof leaks is due to damaged shingles. When you're in a pinch, it's okay to fix the shingle itself as a temporary fix before replacing the shingle entirely. To do this, make sure you have the right tools in hand. Here are the things you'll need:
- A narrow putty knife
- A caulk gun
- A tube of roofing sealant
To repair the shingle, use the putty knife to gently lift the shingle from the bottom, keeping the shingles top intact. Apply a bead of the sealant to the crack's underside, just enough to seal the crack. Now that you've taken care of the underside, press the shingle back into place against the roof. Now you can apply another bead of sealant to the top of the shingle over the damaged area. Using the putty knife, guide the adhesive into the crack for a complete seal. Then you're done with the repair. Again, this is only a temporary fix; if the damage is bad enough, it's worth it to replace the shingle all together or get in touch with The Roof Doctor.
The Roof Doctor Can Help
When a storm hits, the toll that your roof takes can catch you off guard. That's why we're here to help fix all your asphalt shingle roof leaks. At The Roof Doctor, we do it all. From minor repairs to full-blown roof replacements, our roofing specialists are highly trained to take on anything. Serving Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah County and their surrounding areas, We work hard to give Utah-based homeowners the roofing service that will exceed their expectations. Contact us today for a free estimate!