All About Roofing

Roof Patch - How to Patch Your Roof: "Depending on the type of roof on your home and severity of the damaged area, you may be able to apply a roof patch for a temporary solution to a leak problem. The important factor to remember is that it is imperative to stop the water from entering your home even for a short amount of time.

The internal materials used to construct any type of house are not made to withstand water. They are classified as inside materials for a reason! Do what you must to stop the water, even if it is only a temporary fix.

There are several options for the materials to use for a roof patch. These range from cement to spray-on materials. The cement type products will require you to remove the damaged area components and generally smooth the surface. This creates a palette for application of the hardening materials. These are usually applied in stages with drying times needed in between applications.

They will offer a longer sealing life, but are nonetheless still temporary. They will also require tools for damage removal and to correctly place the cement. It is strongly suggested that you research general instructions so as not to make the problem worse.

There are also simple, low labor roof patch options for a quick fix. There are spray-on products that contain flexible and durable elements for use around flashing, pipes and vents. These products require no site preparations and will meet your immediate needs. You can use them in any weather, and they will seal under wet conditions.

They expand and contract with the climate and offer a great solution to an immediate need. In spite of the claims of the companies carrying these products, they are, again, temporary solutions. That being said, it is better to use these options than to let your roof leak through even one more rain event.

There are times when you will need a roof patch due to storm or other environmental damage. If you have a shingle, tile or wood shake roof, the process can be more involved than the above scenarios. This will require the correct removal around damaged area. If you are unfamiliar with the processes required, contact your local professional to ensure the proper procedures are used.

Replacing the damaged materials will require skilled labor and the know-how to match the surrounding surfaces. This, unlike the options above, is the permanent solution to your roof damage."