Extend Life of Your Roof by Preventing Small Leaks

Most homeowners do not realize that it is possible to greatly extend the life of their roofs and prevent leaks before they happen by taking a little time each year to do some easy spot repairs.

Because the most likely place for your roof to start leaking is in areas where breaks in the roof surface exist, you should carefully check those areas.

Look at the sealant between roof sections and around vent pipes, chimneys, antennas, soil stacks, skylights and architectural details on the roof. Any cracks or openings you see should be patched with roofing cement.

From a local building supply store, buy a gallon of “wet surface” roofing cement (wet surface cement spreads more easily). Use an old putty knife or a broken wood shingle to spread the cement liberally over any openings you find. My personal favorite brand is “Henry’s No. 208.”

If you have a wood roof, also check the condition of the shingles.

Patch any holes by sliding a new shingle under the course above the hole. Push it up far enough that the front of the new one lines up with the front of the damaged one. Drive a thin nail through to hold it there.

In addition to checking the roof every year, look closely at the rain gutters. Resecure any loose fasteners or sheet-metal connections.

Keep in mind that gutters should be cleaned once a month during the winter if tall trees are nearby, and that no tree limbs or leaves should ever be in contact with the house.

Abrams is a West Los Angeles general contractor and free-lance writer on home improvement topics.