How to Seal a Roof Penetration

Roof leaks are caused by a variety of reasons, such as faulty building practices, old age in the shingles, and even penetration. Penetration occurs when large branches or other debris hits the roof, causing holes to appear. Even small penetrations can create a leaking point that can seriously undermine the strength of the roof. Tiny leaks can cause wood to rot away. As soon as you notice a penetration, patch it properly.

Ladder
Hose
Aluminum flashing
Roofing cement
Tin snips
Shingle
Roofing nails
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a ladder and climb up onto the roof.
- 2
  Feed a garden hose up to the roof if the penetration point is not apparent. Pour water over the roof to locate the leaking area. Pull up shingles if you think you've found the leak area.
- 3
  Cut a piece of aluminum flashing that is one inch narrower than the shingle area. Flashing is a flat piece of aluminum used in roofing to protect areas where water damage is most common, such as near gutters and valleys in the roof. Flashing is available from most hardware stores.
- 4
  Apply roofing cement to one side of the aluminum flashing.
- 5
  Pry up the shingle over the damaged area with a flat pry bar. Discard the old shingle.
- 6
  Slide the aluminum flashing underneath the surrounding shingles with the adhesive down.
- 7
  Place a new shingle on top of the flashing and nail it to the roof with roofing nails, one in each corner.

Rubber Roof Painting Requirements

Flat Roof Components

Roof Repairs