Elements of Steep Roof Repair
ELEMENTS OF STEEP ROOF REPAIR
BY BILL LANEY, MURR-LANEY, INC.
On the subject of steep roof repairs, what should we say or write that has not already been said or written? We are continually informed of new materials and methods through our professional publications, such as our own Carolinas Contacts, NRCA, Professional Roofing, Roofing Contractor and a multitude of other good, informative publications that help in understanding a roof system. It is very important for a professional repairman to understand the roof system and how it functions.
When was the last time that you read in the installation instructions of a new roofing system "In case of a roof leak, here are the repair steps"? The assumption is that our new roof will not leak. But, if it should happen due to tree damage or other, then we know how to repair it. I don't think it is too much for a customer to expect when it pertains to roof repairs that they get the same quality as on new installation.
It takes a knowledgeable and experienced person to analyze and decide on a repair procedure for any condition that you are called to repair. For every bad roof repair job that I could mention, our Association members could mention many more. Often we are told by the customer "all I want you to do is ‘patch it' -- a cheap repair that consists of spreading roofers' cement or caulking when you know that it needs more in-depth or professional attention. The problem is that our reputation is on that patch rather than a well thought out repair. Anybody with a ladder and bucket of bull can "patch" a roof.
When considering repairs on a steep roof, a few conditions should apply:
1. A much used and profound statement is "the leak may not be where it is showing up." So this may require checking all valleys, all vent pipe, broken or cracked shingles, nail pops if asphalt shingles, short step base flashing, loose counter flashing and cricket, previous repairs and many more. I mentioned previously that leaks could be subtle or dominant. So if we say this is too much stuff to look at for one leak, all items are part of the roof assembly and should be suspect unless you see a hole in the roof immediately.
2. On steep roofs, each leak may require a different repair technique and equipment aside from the raw material or replacement items.
3. For a professional, a bucket of "bull" or a caulking gun is not always the answer.
A. A torn asphalt shingle should be removed by carefully breaking the self-sealing strip loose with a large putty knife, preferably when cool. Remove the nails from the damaged shingle and the next shingle up. Slide in the new shingle and replace all the nails. The shingle can be resealed with RF 140 sealer or equal to prevent blowing up.
B. Slate and fiber cement shingles will require a ripper or saw-z-all to remove broken shingles. Slide in the new shingle. To keep it in, drill a hole between the joint. Drive a nail in flush with the new shingle. Install a 5" x 8" Dutchman to cover the nail head. At times it may be necessary to install a strip of copper to hold in a new shingle. But don't rely on this method too much because it is unsightly and the exposed edge will erode to a point that the slate will slide out. Hard roofs should have copper stepped into the hip and ridges. You may find felt or some other type of underlayment that was not designed to be exposed. It may be degraded in the gap between the two piece hip and ridge. Unless flashing can be inserted between the overlapping pieces the hip and ridge will need to be removed and reflashed.
C. Usually, when cedar shingles or shakes have to be repaired, the roof is worn out. However, it can be repaired by removing the damaged shingle or shake. Be sure to install the new shake between the correct layers of interplay felt. Then drive a split less galvanized ring shake nail into the butt end and the shake under it.
D. Metal roofs can be flat seam copper, double locked standing seam (traditional) concealed fastener standing seam such as Series 1000 or 2000 or fasten through panels such as 5V, Multi-rib or others. If the damage is such that aesthetics is not an issue, the damage can be repaired by soldering a compatible patch metal to it. Clean up by neutralizing the flux with baking soda and wipe clean to prevent greening or white rust. Repaint if needed. Non-solderable metals, aluminum, galvalume or Kynar finish can only be repaired by sealant similar to parbond sealant (aluminum pigment works great) and aluminum or stainless steel pop rivets. Copper rivets with brass shanks for copper. If aesthetics is crucial, then the panels will have to be replaced in kind.
E. Many of the newer roofs such as the synthetics or rubber slate have not been on the market long enough to need age related repairs, but external damage such as tree limbs can occur any time. These roofs are easy to repair by lifting the shingles to expose the nails. Be careful not to over bend and crease the shingle and disfigure it.
4. One aspect of repairing a steep roof on any of the types and methods listed above, is access and safety. All roofs are not walkable and about 10 feet off the ground. Many are two stories or more and above 6/12. The granules on asphalt shingles will skin at high roof temperatures. Slate and fiber cement shingles can break and slip out under you. Wood shingles and shakes get slippery if moist, especially with fungus on it. Metal roofing is extremely slippery with dust on it, even with roof or chicken ladders, care has to be taken to prevent breaking or scaring any of the roofs listed. It may be necessary to use a foam cushion to protect the roof and help distribute weight.
We will try to expand repair methods in future issues.
The purpose of this article has been to realize the importance and responsibility of the person performing repairs to roof leaks. White it may seem to be too many steps to consider, you may be already performing most of these items. The most elusive part of our roofing business is the skilled repair of steep roof leaks. If you have tips or unusual roof conditions, send to one of the Magazine Committee members, or Carla at the Association office.