Page 146 - 2018 National Home Improvement

2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 121

Roof Repairs
Damaged or missing shingles will need to be replaced. In other cases, once you’ve found the source of
a leak, use trowel-grade wet patch plastic roofing cement to make repairs. First, wire brush or scrape
away everything that’s loose, including gravel, granules, membrane, dirt, dust and debris. Then trowel on
plastic roofing cement so the patch extends at least 6" beyond the edge of the repair. Press the roofing
cement firmly into the membrane. Then test the patch by laying the trowel flat on the cement surface.
Plastic cement shouldn’t lift off when you pull the trowel away. If it does, work the cement deeper into
the membrane. Next, cut fiberglass-reinforcing fabric to fit the patch. Press the fabric into the first layer
of plastic roof cement. Fiberglass reinforces the plastic cement and extends the useful life of the repair.
Over the embedded fabric, trowel on another layer of plastic roof cement. Be sure to cover all the
exposed fabric. Finally, dust the patch with mineral granules that match the existing surface. Granules
make the patch more durable by adding sun and weather protection.

On a smooth surface roof, such as built-up asphalt, E.P.D.M. or PVC thermoplastic, make emergency
repairs with roof tape membrane. Start by cleaning the damaged surface with alcohol or a household
cleaning solution, such as window cleaner. Then wipe the surface with a clean cloth saturated with
splice cleaner or white gas. (Use rubber gloves to protect your skin.) Apply roof tape to the damaged
roofing material. Be sure to press the tape firmly over the entire surface. If you can’t locate a source for
roof tape, follow the procedure described here, but apply a smooth coat of butyl or polyurethane caulk.

Most flashing can be patched with plastic roofing cement, but on a new roof the useful life of the repair
will usually be less than for the roof surface. Make more permanent flashing repairs by stripping off old
flashing down to the roof surface. Then build up new flashing in layers of felt and adhesive. You can
make flashing around scuppers and drains watertight with fresh caulk.

After high winds, on homes with a flat, gravel-covered roof, it’s common to find roof gravel scattered,
leaving some areas bare and unprotected. Before re-distributing the gravel, inspect the membrane for
open seams, punctures, and tears from flying debris. If you find a leak that’s the result of a failed
expansion joint or deteriorated caulk, remove and replace the defective material.

Life Expectancy of Roofing Materials
The life expectancy of roofing materials will vary considerably with the type and how well it’s maintained.
Common 3-tab asphalt shingles last about 20 years. Under favorable conditions, a wood shingle roof will
last 30 years. A 3-ply built-up roof should last 15 years, and you can expect 20 years from a 4-ply or
5-ply built-up roof. Some architectural grade laminated shingles are rated at 45 years. And a
well-maintained slate or tile roof can last 150 years.