How To Repair A Slate Roof Leak

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How to repair a slate roof leak.

Once you locate the source of the water mark the area. Installing a bonding gutter this video shows a roof repair and the fitting of a bonding gutter between a slate and a tiled roof but it will also fit two slate roofs together as well. Or see slate roof repairs for a discussion of permanent slate roof repairs rather than the leaky slate roof holding action discussed in the article above. On a nice day have a helper tap on the mark while you re on the roof.

For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. You might find problems removing the nail with the slate ripper. To do this use the slate ripper to rip off the nail that hooks the slate onto the slate roof. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.

With good wire cutters you might also be able to cut off the head of the nail which will help. Details are at slate roof leaks temporary repair once the necessary slates are removed the valley is usually replaced with new heavy copper or on some roofs folks use other flashing materials like aluminum i don t recommend that. I ve repaired complex metal roof flashings with torch down modified bitumen but there is a fire risk doing so. The sealants and roof pitch used can crack and chip away over time.

Isolate areas when you run the hose. In most cases to address the flashing problem you will need to remove the damaged slates and replace them with new ones. After you pinpoint the location on the exterior of the roof apply roofing cement or new shingles as needed. If your roof valley leak is an old repair gone bad consider having a professional repair the leak properly.

Continue reading at slate roof repair worn out or select a topic from the closely related articles below or see the complete article index. Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along. Sometimes an older home s roof is more prone to leaking in the roof valleys because of old repairs. Have your helper stay inside the house waiting for the drip to appear.