How To Find & Fix A Roof Leak?

Unfortunately, the source of most roof leaks is rarely in the area where the leak is manifest. A roofer's advice for locating the source of a leak is to "think like water."

Old, damaged, or missing shingles allow water to enter a home, as do nail heads that have worked their way loose and roof flashing that has rusted or is inadequately sealed around chimneys, skylights, vents, and other openings in the roof or along the intersections of roof planes.

When water penetrates a building's roof, it travels along the sheathing, roof rafters, or ceiling's top side until it finds a place to drain, which is usually onto your most valued asset.

During the day, it's easier to spot a roof leak. Enter the attic with a strong flashlight and careful footing; the insulation and the underside of the ceiling won't sustain your weight, but the frame members will. Instead, start above the spot where the drip occurred and move proof, checking for dampness along the frame members as you go.

In dry periods, check the wood for moisture discolouration, stains, or watermarks. If none are found, the wood is likely dry.

After that, you'll want to switch off the artificial lighting and look for a hole in the ceiling through which light can filter in. If it continues to rain, place a bucket under the leak at a spot with the proper support (you'll see many of these places if your roof is constructed of wood shingles, but the overlapped shingles enable light to pass through while also repelling water). Collect the drips in a bucket until the weather improves, at which point you can repair the leak.

This Roof Leak Repair Guide's Introductory Note

It's likely that if your roof is leaking, you've seen water stains on the ceiling or water running down the walls.

If you have a little roof leak, you might be able to fix it yourself without a lot of hassle if you keep in mind that the hardest part is likely going to be locating the source of the problem rather than fixing it.

Remember that it is especially important to inspect your roof for signs of leaks if you have recently had a major weather event or natural catastrophe, such as a tornado, thunderstorm, or hurricane. Even the smallest hailstones can cause damage to a roof or leaks in an existing roof.

Minor roof leaks can be hard to spot, even for experts, so even if you were lucky enough to get out with little damage to your house, don't count on being completely unscathed.

It is also important to learn how long a roof of your type typically lasts.

Whether it's worth it to patch a leak or invest in a new roof totally depends heavily on these details.

Examining the Roof for Water Damage

If you can't find the leak from the attic or by looking at the roof's surface, you may need to wait for dry weather and ask a friend's help to run a water test. One will go up onto the roof with a watering can and a garden hose, while the other will go up into the attic with a bucket and a good light.

Using the hose, the person on the roof floods the roof, starting at the eaves and working their way up until water from the leak enters the attic, all the while under the watchful eye of the person stationed in the attic. Drive a nail up through the hole to mark the spot where the leak is coming from so it may be fixed later. Roof surfaces can be marked with chalk if absolutely necessary.

The specific methods that can be utilised to repair the roof leak depend on the roofing material and roof design. For in-depth, step-by-step guidance tailored to your specific roof material, please read the articles that follow.

• Repaired Asphalt Shingle Roofs
• Fixing the Roofs of Prefabricated (Level) Buildings
• Metal Roof Tile Restoration
• Maintenance of Tile and Masonry Roofs
• Repairing Wooden Shingle Roof Leaks

Shocking Roof Leak

You may build an emergency roof cover out of plastic sheeting and two-by-fours by following the instructions below.

Polythene sheeting of a thickness of 6 mil should be unrolled or unfolded; this area of the roof should be covered from the eaves to the peak; an additional 4 feet of sheeting should be added to the length; and the sheeting should be cut to size using a utility knife. Wrap one end of the two-by-four around a two-by-four that is the same length as the width of the plastic, and then staple the two-by-four to the plastic. You can use three or four 3 inch common nails, or three 1/4 inch common nails to affix a second 2 by 4 on top of the assembled boards.

Align the eaves with the free end of the plastic that was placed between the two panels. Run the sheeting from the eaves to the ridge, over the ridge's top, and back down the opposite side for a few feet.

If you don't want the sheeting to blow away, you can secure it in place by placing another pair of 2 by 4s on top of the exposed end. It is not recommended that you nail any part of this installation to the roof.

Rapid Roof Repair

Assuming you have determined that a hole in your roof is the source of the leak, you can try patching it using a 12x12 inch piece of galvanised sheet metal flashing. You can find this flashing in any hardware store or home improvement centre.

The damaged shingle must be lifted with one hand, and the sheet metal flashing must be pushed up under the shingle with the other so that it covers the hole.

Depending on the severity of the leak, you may need to pry up one or more roofing nails in the row directly above the broken shingle in order to force the flashing up and under the course of shingles above the leak. Water will be able to run off the metal instead of accumulating on it.

The Scoop on DIY Roofing Maintenance

Working on a roof can be difficult and risky. If your roof has a low pitch, you do not have the necessary knowledge or tools, and you are not completely confident in your ability to perform the job safely, you should not attempt to do it yourself. If this sounds like you, you can receive free quotes from local roofing repair experts who specialise in asphalt shingles by visiting our affiliate partner, HomeAdvisor.

Roofing Repair Advice From The Experts

If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, all you have to do to fix it is locate the leak and repair it. You shouldn't need professional help for this repair if you follow the steps carefully.

Locate The Source Of The Roof Leak.

Your roof may be leaking if you notice water stains on the ceiling; in this case, you should make a note of the leak's location and then use a good pair of binoculars to look for the source of the problem outdoors. Locate any missing, cracked, or curled shingles on the roof and fix them immediately.

Each overlap of shingles, as well as any weak spots in the flashing or caulking, can lead to water damage. Leaks can also originate in the end caps, which are tent-shaped tiles that cover the angular peaks of the roof.

How to Locate the Source of Roof Leaks

Finding the source of a roof leak can be difficult because the telltale signs of a leak (water spots or stains) are often located some distance from the actual leak.

Since water naturally moves away from its source, the actual hole or leak may be higher up on the roof plane.

In the case of a leaking roof, for instance, water will typically work its way downward from the rafters or sheathing or the top of the ceiling until it reaches a point where it can drip down; however, by the time you detect the leak, it may have already been rather severe.

Experts in the roofing industry often encourage you to "think like water" while trying to locate a leak. You should know that the most common places for water to enter a home are through nails that are loose or missing, broken or oversized shingles, flashing that isn't properly sealed around chimneys, skylights, vents, or the intersection of several planes, and missing shingles. When trying to locate the source of a roof leak, roofing experts recommend "thinking like water."

It may be necessary to check things out from the roof if you don't have an attic or if your ceilings are vaulted.

Remember that this can be difficult, so if you aren't confident in your abilities, it could be best to bring in experts to assist you with this step.

Finding a local roof leak detection company or roofer can save you both time and money.

Major Storm Causes Roof Leak

You probably already know that if a major disaster strikes or if your roof sustains evident wind damage, you should have a professional inspect it to see if it needs to be repaired.

However, if you have noticed a few of the less severe warning signs listed below, you should do some additional research about your possible roof leak and the necessary repairs.

Using a Drone as a Roof Leak Detector

If you're interested in taking things to the next technological level, or if you already own a drone or know someone with a drone and have experience operating it, you can use it to check the damage to your roof.

With this tool, you can take pictures and make videos from any angle that you wouldn't be able to see without crawling around on your roof, which is something you should avoid doing if you have no experience with construction or constructing.

Ways To Determine If Your Roof Has A Leak

How you check for water leaks in your roof depends on a number of factors, including the type of roof you have, the tools at your disposal, and your level of experience fixing roofs and other parts of the home.

To locate a roof leak, look for these indicators

The following questions will help you assess the condition of your roof from both inside and outside your home, where you can find the aforementioned warning indicators. The presence of a roof leak will be readily apparent.

Spilling Ceiling Water

• Are there water stains on your ceiling, especially new ones that appeared after a big storm or rainfall? Dripping water or even small wet patches on the ceiling are possible early warning markers of leaks.
• Is there condensation on the AC ducts, the ceiling, or the area surrounding the fireplaces?
• Does the paint or drywall around the switches and outlets look damp or wet?
• How often do you hear dripping sounds from within your home that you can't quite place?
• Do you observe any wet spots or drips on the walls, especially after a significant thaw? (Be mindful that cold temperatures might cause a "ice dam" to form, which may temporarily block a leak but will melt soon the temperature rises above freezing, creating the same problem all over again).
• Does your entire house, but especially the top stories and attic, smell musty?
• Do you find that the paint on the inside walls of your home bubbles, peels, or has other strange effects during periods of heavy rainfall?
• Do you see stains on the rafters or roof sheathing in the attic or upper floors that could indicate water damage?

Outside Roof Leak Detection Signs

• When you go outside or look around your property, can you see any loose or fallen shingles?
• How do your shingles look right now? Are they bent or curled in any way?
• If so, have you found any rotting in the roof or shingles that are seriously degraded or discoloured?
• Is there a specific spot on your roof where you've seen a change in the colour or texture?
• Do you see any nails that are loose or protruding from your roof?
• Is there any damage to the flashing around the roof vents?
• Do you have any thoughts on your chimney? Broken sealants or flashing on the roof?
• Have you seen any piles of debris in the roof's valleys or lower parts, or near the chimney?
• Do you have any blocked or missing downspouts or gutters?
• Is the paint peeling or is there any rot under the eaves of your roof?
• Have you noticed that your gutters are clogged with granules from your roof's shingles or other debris?
• Should you find mould or moss developing on your outside walls (especially if it appears to be growing)

When Looking for Roof Leaks, Use a Garden Hose

If you run a garden hose over the roof and watch for water to drip inside, you can determine if there are any leaks.

While you stay inside, have a helper locate the source(s) of the roof leak by spraying the area(s) of the roof where water is leaking in with a hose.

Small sections should be isolated one at a time, starting with the space directly above the suspected leak. You'll be able to track down the leak's origin with this information in hand.

To pinpoint the exact location of the leak, you should wet down the chimney or skylight from one side, then the other sides, and finally the top.

Spend at least a few minutes on each side, and be aware that the entire procedure could take at least an hour; therefore, be prepared to wait until you detect a drop before settling.

If you or your assistant detects a leak or drip inside, you should try to pinpoint its location, then move the hose upstream from the problem area and see if the leak still occurs. Don't give up if you can't locate the water's entry point on the first try.

It's best to stay inside the house at the suspected leak location, watch for drips or moisture to form, and then have your helper adjust the hose's stream in different directions the leak until you locate the source.

If you or your team members have access to the roof, you should not be hesitant to remove the shingles from the problematic location. This can help you locate the leak's origin and zero in on the precise spots that need fixing.

You can expect to notice water damage, probably even rot, or at the very least discoloured felt paper in the immediate region surrounding the leaking rook.

Among the least complicated ways to detect a leak. However, the specific methods you employ to discover a leak will depend on the type of roof you have, how easy it is to access the roof, your level of competence in home repair, and the availability of qualified helpers.

Make sure to mark the spot where the leak is and measure the surrounding area to get an idea of how much material you'll need to fix it (this is particularly helpful if you are using the plastic sheeting method described in one of the sections below).

Using these measurements, you can figure out how much plywood or shingles you'll need to cover the inside of your roof, and how much plastic to use for the exterior.

Ensure the Safety of the Curled Shingles.

Curled shingles can be re-secured using a layer of asphalt roofing cement, applied with a paintbrush, or the comparable compound found in tubes, such as Henry Rubberized Wet Patch, sold in a 10.1-ounce cartridge at The Home Depot. Use roofing cement on the bottom of the shingles to see if that stops the leak. The shingle's edge and corners will be firmly attached if you follow these steps. Once you've done that, press down firmly to solidify.

Remembering that shingles are more pliable in warmer temperatures than in colder ones can help you find a way out of a sticky situation.

Fix any missing or damaged shingles.

If you have the necessary replacement shingles, you can also fix a leaky roof by simply replacing any shingles that are broken, missing, or rotten.

It is possible to remove the nails one at a time by prying up the edges of the shingles that surround the damaged shingle and pulling them out. You may now take down your awning with relative ease. The shingle should come off easily once the nails are removed. Then, you can either scrape away the remaining cement from the roof to make it level, or remove any projecting nails.

It will be much simpler to fit the new shingle under the one above it and align it with the ones on either side if you round the back corners with a tool knife before you attempt to replace it.

Raise the overlapping shingles' corners, and then nail the new replacement's top down with 6d galvanised roofing nails, such as these 2-inch alternatives from The Home Depot. Make sure something is nailed into each of the corners. At last, roof cement is used to hide the nail heads, and the shingles' overlap is sanded down and smoothed off.

Mend the lighting.

Caulk guns loaded with roofing cement can be used to reseal the joints in metal flashing around chimneys and dormers, preventing water damage. A line of roof cement can be easily repaired by reapplying the cement along the broken seal with a putty knife.

If you need to replace a whole row of shingles or notice that shingles are coming loose from the roof too easily, it may be time to call in a professional roofer for an inspection. This is especially clear if an entire row of shingles needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, patching up a leaking roof is not a viable option.

Where do different types of roof leaks occur, and what factors contribute to their development?

There are as many different kinds of roof leaks as there are different kinds of roofs and the natural disasters or accidents that could cause them. Some of the most typical leaks occur in the naturally vulnerable spots.

Chimney, roof valleys, nails, skylights, dormers, and vent pipe can all be sources of roof leaks. Besides snow buildup, faulty roof ventilation, missing nails, and deteriorating shingles could be to blame.

Remember that ice dams are one of the most difficult roof leaks to detect. This is because the roof damage will be done before you discover the leaks when the ice melts and the water seeps through the cracks.

Water seeping through your roof? Start by checking the most obvious access points.

Fixing Roof Leaks

You should know that it doesn't matter where the leak is in your roof; you shouldn't try to fix it when it's pouring or if there's any other severe weather.

Place a bucket beneath the offending item until the weather improves, at which point you can return to fixing it.

You may fix the roof leak as long as the weather is dry, and you don't have to worry about any further moisture ruining your repairs.

At least temporarily until you can hire a roof repair leak contractor to look at it, analyse the damage, and determine probable next steps, you should try to fix the leak in your roof yourself if the weather is nice and you feel competent doing so.

Roofing leaks can be fixed in a variety of ways; the method you select will depend on the size and complexity of the leak, as well as the location and type of roof that needs attention.

What Should You Do If Your Roof Is Leaking Inside?

If you can't get to the roof from the outside or don't have the right tools, you can still make repairs from inside the structure.

After locating the source of the leak on your roof, you can begin making interim repairs with plywood, extra shingles, and roofing tar. Doing it this way will be the least complicated option.

If you have little to no experience performing house repairs yourself, your local home improvement or hardware store can help you identify the necessary items for the endeavour, including roof leak repair sealant.

If the leak is located and you have roofing tar, plywood, or extra shingles, you may be able to construct a temporary patch.

Using a putty knife or similar tool, spread roofing tar around the leak's interior perimeter; then, place the plywood or shingles on top of the tar; and last, apply more roofing tar around the borders of the patch to secure it. In this way, the leak can be contained.

Keep a check on the leaks you've sealed and the patches you've put in to make sure they are holding up, and as soon as you can, get in touch with a roofing contractor that has experience repairing roofs.

If you're in a pinch and need to make emergency repairs to your roof before a roofer can come, Flex Seal is an option to explore.

It's important to appreciate having a roof over your head, and there's a strong chance that upgrading to something more permanent is covered by your insurance.

Roof Leak Repairs That You Can Do Yourself

DIY roof leak repairs may sound daunting, but smaller roof leaks may be repaired or patched with a little knowledge, some basic equipment and materials, and a healthy dose of confidence.

There is no shame in hiring specialists if you lack confidence in your DIY skills or your ability to work at heights (especially on top of your roof).

Shiners are protruding nails that can be found in the roof's sheathing, between the plastic insulation and the surface. When it's cold outside, you'll notice that they have a white, "frosted" appearance; when the temperature rises, the frost melts and drips into the ceilings or the bottom of the roof. Shiners are nails that didn't make it into the framing and can be found in the space between the plastic insulation and the top of the roof, causing a minor leak.

To get rid of them, just cut the shiners' nails short so they can't collect any more moisture.

Leaks surrounding the plumbing vent boots, also called the plastic or metal bases that cover plumbing lines and pipes on the roof, may be fixed by simply replacing the boots themselves.

Unless you have a really unique roof design, you should be able to find replacement vent boots from a local hardware or home improvement store. Nails and screws that appear to have just become stripped can also be replaced.

Step flashing, the reinforcement that seals the connections surrounding your roofs (like the joints around vents and chimneys), can be replaced by the homeowner. It's possible that this can be accomplished easily.

If the present flashing has rusted through or was not installed properly, you can pry the shingles and nails holding them loose and instal galvanised metal flashing underneath them.

If you're handy with a hammer and nails, it shouldn't be too difficult, and the supplies should be available at your local hardware or home improvement store.

A common worry is water seepage through the roof or walls. Caulk that has aged or been broken can occasionally be the source of such leaks, but thankfully this is a problem that can be readily remedied on your own.

First, use a putty knife to dig around the damaged area; if you find any areas that look rotten or rusted, seal them up even more by applying caulk until a professional can take a look.

A contractor should examine the property if there is considerable damage to the walls or dormers.

Conclusion

When water penetrates a building's roof, it travels along the sheathing, roof rafters, or ceiling's top side. During dry periods, check the wood for moisture discolouration, stains, or watermarks. Collect drips in a bucket until the weather improves, at which point you can repair the leak. Minor roof leaks can be hard to spot, even for experts. It's important to learn how long a roof of your type typically lasts.

For in-depth, step-by-step guidance tailored to your specific roof material, visit our Roofing Topics page below. If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, all you have to do is locate the leak and repair it. If your roof has a low pitch, you should not attempt to perform the job yourself. You can get free quotes from local roofing repair experts by visiting HomeAdvisor. Each overlap of shingles, as well as any weak spots in the flashing or caulking, can lead to water damage.

Leaks can also originate in the end caps, which are tent-shaped tiles that cover the angular peaks of the roof. Experts encourage you to "think like water" while trying to locate a leak. How you check for water leaks in your roof depends on a number of factors, including the type of roof and level of experience you have. To locate a roof leak, look for these indicators from both inside and outside your home. The presence of a leak will be readily apparent.

If you run a garden hose over the roof and watch for water to drip inside, you can determine if there are any leaks. To pinpoint the exact location of the leak, you should wet down the chimney or skylight from one side, then the other sides, and finally the top. Measure the surrounding area to get an idea of how much material you'll need to fix a leaky roof. Curled shingles can be re-secured using a layer of asphalt roofing cement, applied with a paintbrush or Henry Rubberized Wet Patch. Some of the most typical roof leaks occur in the naturally vulnerable spots.

Chimney, roof valleys, nails, skylights, dormers, and vent pipes can all be sources of leaks. Ice dams are difficult to detect, as water seeps through the cracks in the ice. Roofing leaks can be fixed in a variety of ways, depending on the size and complexity of the leak. If you have little to no experience performing house repairs yourself, you should try to fix the leak in your roof yourself if the weather is nice. Shiners are protruding nails that can be found in the roof's sheathing.

When it's cold outside, they have a white, "frosted" appearance. To get rid of them, cut the shiners' nails short so they can't collect any more moisture.

Content Summary

1. Unfortunately, the source of most roof leaks is rarely in the area where the leak is manifest.
2. A roofer's advice for locating the source of a leak is to "think like water.
3. During the day, it's easier to spot a roof leak.
4. Enter the attic with a strong flashlight and careful footing; the insulation and the underside of the ceiling won't sustain your weight, but the frame members will.
5. Collect the drips in a bucket until the weather improves, at which point you can repair the leak.
6. This Roof Leak Repair Guide's Introductory NoteIt's likely that if your roof is leaking, you've seen water stains on the ceiling or water running down the walls.
7. Remember that it is especially important to inspect your roof for signs of leaks if you have recently had a major weather event or natural catastrophe, such as a tornado, thunderstorm, or hurricane.
8. It is also important to learn how long a roof of your type typically lasts.
9. Whether it's worth it to patch a leak or invest in a new roof totally depends heavily on these details.
10. Examining the Roof for Water DamageIf you can't find the leak from the attic or by looking at the roof's surface, you may need to wait for dry weather and ask a friend's help to run a water test.
11. The specific methods that can be utilised to repair the roof leak depend on the roofing material and roof design.
12. Rapid Roof RepairAssuming you have determined that a hole in your roof is the source of the leak, you can try patching it using a 12x12 inch piece of galvanised sheet metal flashing.
13. Roofing Repair Advice From The ExpertsIf your roof is made of asphalt shingles, all you have to do to fix it is locate the leak and repair it.
14. Locate The Source Of The Roof Leak.
15. How to Locate the Source of Roof LeaksFinding the source of a roof leak can be difficult because the telltale signs of a leak (water spots or stains) are often located some distance from the actual leak.
16. Experts in the roofing industry often encourage you to "think like water" while trying to locate a leak.
17. When trying to locate the source of a roof leak, roofing experts recommend "thinking like water.
18. Finding a local roof leak detection company or roofer can save you both time and money.
19. Major Storm Causes Roof LeakYou probably already know that if a major disaster strikes or if your roof sustains evident wind damage, you should have a professional inspect it to see if it needs to be repaired.
20. However, if you have noticed a few of the less severe warning signs listed below, you should do some additional research about your possible roof leak and the necessary repairs.
21. Using a Drone as a Roof Leak DetectorIf you're interested in taking things to the next technological level, or if you already own a drone or know someone with a drone and have experience operating it, you can use it to check the damage to your roof.
22. Ways To Determine If Your Roof Has A LeakHow you check for water leaks in your roof depends on a number of factors, including the type of roof you have, the tools at your disposal, and your level of experience fixing roofs and other parts of the home.
23. To locate a roof leak, look for these indicatorsThe following questions will help you assess the condition of your roof from both inside and outside your home, where you can find the aforementioned warning indicators.
24. The presence of a roof leak will be readily apparent.
25. Dripping water or even small wet patches on the ceiling are possible early warning markers of leaks.
26. Outside Roof Leak Detection Signs When you go outside or look around your property, can you see any loose or fallen shingles?How do your shingles look right now?
27. While you stay inside, have a helper locate the source(s) of the roof leak by spraying the area(s) of the roof where water is leaking in with a hose.
28. You'll be able to track down the leak's origin with this information in hand.
29. It's best to stay inside the house at the suspected leak location, watch for drips or moisture to form, and then have your helper adjust the hose's stream in different directions the leak until you locate the source.
30. This can help you locate the leak's origin and zero in on the precise spots that need fixing.
31. Among the least complicated ways to detect a leak.
32. Make sure to mark the spot where the leak is and measure the surrounding area to get an idea of how much material you'll need to fix it (this is particularly helpful if you are using the plastic sheeting method described in one of the sections below).Using these measurements, you can figure out how much plywood or shingles you'll need to cover the inside of your roof, and how much plastic to use for the exterior.
33. Ensure the Safety of the Curled Shingles.
34. Use roofing cement on the bottom of the shingles to see if that stops the leak.
35. Fix any missing or damaged shingles.
36. Raise the overlapping shingles' corners, and then nail the new replacement's top down with 6d galvanised roofing nails, such as these 2-inch alternatives from The Home Depot.
37. Mend the lighting.
38. If you need to replace a whole row of shingles or notice that shingles are coming loose from the roof too easily, it may be time to call in a professional roofer for an inspection.
39. This is especially clear if an entire row of shingles needs to be replaced.
40. Unfortunately, patching up a leaking roof is not a viable option.
41. Chimney, roof valleys, nails, skylights, dormers, and vent pipe can all be sources of roof leaks.
42. Remember that ice dams are one of the most difficult roof leaks to detect.
43. Water seeping through your roof?
44. Start by checking the most obvious access points.
45. Fixing Roof LeaksYou should know that it doesn't matter where the leak is in your roof; you shouldn't try to fix it when it's pouring or if there's any other severe weather.
46. At least temporarily until you can hire a roof repair leak contractor to look at it, analyse the damage, and determine probable next steps, you should try to fix the leak in your roof yourself if the weather is nice and you feel competent doing so.
47. After locating the source of the leak on your roof, you can begin making interim repairs with plywood, extra shingles, and roofing tar.
48. If the leak is located and you have roofing tar, plywood, or extra shingles, you may be able to construct a temporary patch.
49. In this way, the leak can be contained.
50. Keep a check on the leaks you've sealed and the patches you've put in to make sure they are holding up, and as soon as you can, get in touch with a roofing contractor that has experience repairing roofs.
51. If you're in a pinch and need to make emergency repairs to your roof before a roofer can come, Flex Seal is an option to explore.
52. There is no shame in hiring specialists if you lack confidence in your DIY skills or your ability to work at heights (especially on top of your roof).Shiners are protruding nails that can be found in the roof's sheathing, between the plastic insulation and the surface.
53. Shiners are nails that didn't make it into the framing and can be found in the space between the plastic insulation and the top of the roof, causing a minor leak.
54. To get rid of them, just cut the shiners' nails short so they can't collect any more moisture.
55. Leaks surrounding the plumbing vent boots, also called the plastic or metal bases that cover plumbing lines and pipes on the roof, may be fixed by simply replacing the boots themselves.
56. Unless you have a really unique roof design, you should be able to find replacement vent boots from a local hardware or home improvement store.
57. Step flashing, the reinforcement that seals the connections surrounding your roofs (like the joints around vents and chimneys), can be replaced by the homeowner.
58. A common worry is water seepage through the roof or walls.
59. A contractor should examine the property if there is considerable damage to the walls or dormers.