Sealing a Roof: 4 Problem Areas to Be on Guard Against

By Colin Sheehan. 

Learn easy-to-use methods for sealing a roof and the most common areas where leakages occur. 

If you’re a long-time homeowner, it’s more than likely you’ve experienced roof leaks. While many roofing materials, such as asphalt or metal, are manufactured with the latest weather-resistant and strengthening technology, accidents happen and leaks occur.  

While you can resolve some leak issues yourself, there are instances that require a trained professional. Below are some of the most common leak issues homeowners face, along with steps you can take to check for leaks but it always best to call a professional. 

Safety 

Before you turn your roof leak into a problem of the past, ensure you are being proactive with safety. Afterall, it is better to pay a professional than the hospital. If you are inexperienced with ladders or have preexisting health conditions, consider the risks you are taking and whether the DIY lifestyle is right for you.   

1 – Chimney flashing  

If you are noticing signs of water or pooling near your chimney, chances are good you're flashing is cracked where the chimney meets the rooftop. If you have easy access to the chimney, there are a steps you can take to address or resolve the issue yourself without calling a roofing contractor.  

The first step with any leak is to pinpoint its location. With a chimney, check the aluminum flashing that is sealed where the chimney and rooftop meet. This is the most common cause of chimney leaks along with deteriorating mortar in the brick, stone or stucco of your chimney.  

If you can reach the location of the leak yourself, you can apply sealant to the spot and stop the leak. Through the Roof! is a high-performance co-polymer rubber elastomeric sealant created by Sashco that can seal leaks even in standing water. 

2 – Vents  

Ridge vents are essential components of a roof. They run at the attic’s peak alongside the top ridge of the roof, which allows needed air flow through your attic. When shingles are exposed for too long in hot conditions the ridge vents can deteriorate and cause leaks into the attic.  

Due to the importance of ridge vents and the functionality they provide to an entire home, it is best to call a professional if this is the cause for the leak.  

3 – Gutters  

Gutters can erode or crack over time, preventing them from flowing water away from the home. Instead, blocked or broken gutters causes water to pool and potentially leak into your roof, window well, wood siding or other location.  

Knowing how to fix leaking gutters is essential for homeowners as you can prevent serious – and expensive – water damage to roofs and the home.  

The first step is to select a sealant that can easily fill cracks and repair end caps that keeps the gutters fully functional. Again, Through the Roof! is an excellent sealant product created for the DIYer and can mend a leaky gutter even if the gutter is wet during application! 

4 – Shingles  

While they are made to protect your roof, poorly sealed or maintained shingles can lead to leakage and water damage. High winds, heavy snow, hail and other weather conditions can damage your shingles directly or indirectly by breaking branches onto your roof.  

If you are unsure where the leak is coming from, it is best to contact a professional. Depending on the cause of the leak, insurance will often cover a replacement. If you know where the leak is, or can see the missing or cracked shingle, it is possible to temporarily seal the leak while awaiting permanent repairs. 

DIY Solutions for sealing a roof 

Sashco makes it easy for DIYers looking to seal potential problem areas themselves with Through the Roof! sealant. This product provides an easy-to-use solution for roof, chimney, gutter, window, siding, etc leaks. Using a caulking gun with this high-performance sealant can fill joints and get rid of your mild to moderate leaks quickly and affordably. 

Have a question? AskARoofer.

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory.   

Colin Sheehan is a reporter, videographer and video editor at RoofersCoffeeShop®. He graduated with a B.A. in English with a Film Emphasis from the University of Colorado in Denver. Colin loves working remotely as a writer/reporter/video creator. Colin is a storyteller, musician and loves long hikes and camping in the Colorado mountains.