How to Fix Leaking Roof Flashing

Your roof is your main line of defense when it comes to protecting your home from wind, rain and snow. Inspecting and then replacing leaking roof flashing may protect your property from further damage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ladder
• Safety gloves
• Tin snips
• Roof flashing
• Roofing nails
• Sealant

1. Inspect the roof flashing and locate the source of the leak. Climb onto the roof and check to see if the flashing is corroded, has holes in it or if it's bent and doesn't allow rain water to flow freely away from the roof.

2. Purchase new roof flashing that's the appropriate length for the area of the leak. Roof flashing needs to cover the shingles it protects with a minimum of 3 inches. If the roof flashing is up against bricks and mortar, it needs to extend into the mortar at least an inch to provide adequate protection.

3. Cut the roof flashing to size using tin snips. Make sure you wear protective gloves as the roof flashing can cause painful cuts.

4. Lay the new roof flashing into place and secure with roofing nails.

5. Seal over the nail holes and inspect and replace any damaged, flaking or broken caulking and sealing to prevent further damage.

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on 4/5/2009 flat roof repair