Steps to fix a leaking roof from the outside

To repair a leak which is located from the outside of a building, this process involves the following methods. Here are the steps:

1. Safety First

• Wear Appropriate Gear: Wear non slip shoes, gloves and; and a safety harness if you are venturing on a steep roof.
• Use a Sturdy Ladder: Position the ladder in a good stability and ensure that it is erected properly.

2. Find the Origin of the Leak

• Inspect the Roof: If dangerous areas are hidden or can easily be concealed, look for signs such as damaged or missing shingles, crack in the flashings or other similar problems.
  • Check Common Leak Areas: The valleys, the vents, the chimneys, skylights and the roof’s edge.

3. Clean the Area

• Remove Debris: Trim off leaves, branches and all other miscellaneous objects from the roof and the gutters.
• Dry the Area: First, ensure that surrounding area of the wall that is leaking is dry before any repairs to be commenced.

4. Re-fix the Broken Shingles

• Remove Damaged Shingles: Pull up portions of the shingles that surround the spot where the roof will be repaired, and unscrew the nails with a pry-bar. Pull the top of the damaged shingle up as well slide it out.
• Install New Shingles: Insert the new shingle into the channel and properly nail it on using roofing nails. Again, if for some case, the roofing cement cannot stick to the nail head, the cement should be applied at the edges of the nail in order to fix it.

5. Seal Cracks and Holes

• Use Roofing Cement: Use roofing cement on minor cracks or openings where water might seep through on the spots of the shingles or the flashing. Mix it to a smooth texture by using a putty knife.
• Patch Larger Holes: For large holes, cover the same with a sheet of metal or roofing material and then put roofing cement on it.

6. Replace Flashing

• Remove Old Flashing: It is important that old flashing be taken out gently around chimneys, vents, or valleys.
• Install New Flashing: Than, trim and fit the new flashing; it should be nailed down with roofing nails. Take a little roofing cement and place it at the edges of the strapped vents and seal them.

7. Roof Drains/Valleys and Flashing/Skylight/Chimney

• Check Valleys: Every valley can be swallow. Check and perform any necessary repairs on the shingles or the flashing particularly on the valley areas.
• Seal Valleys: Spread a liberal amount of roofing cement at the valley area of the roof as this will ensure that either of the sides is protected against water damage.

8. CAULK VENTS, SKYLIGHTS AND CHIMNEYS AGAIN

• Check for Gaps: Check all the vents, skylights, chimneys, and other such structures for sealing.
• Apply Sealant:Apply a sealant with the correct standard if there are any hole or opening on the surface to be sealed.

9. Check the Gutters

• Clear Gutters: Check and ensure that the gutters and the downspouts for your house or building are free from blockage.
• Fix Leaks: Fix any potential outlet for water in the gutter to enable concurrent free draining on the roofs.

10. Final Inspection

• Double-Check: Be very keen with any repair work to make sure they are well sealed and well secured.

• Test the Repair: If so, must one make use of a garden hose to imitate rain, and assess the leakage condition.

  The guide above can help you to repair a leaking roof from the outside and therefore, none of the above ways would be necessary. If damage is severe or in case you cannot do the repairs alone, you can hire a professional roofing contractor.