Simple roof flashing repair

Old roof, lead flashing and leaks are going to happen...its just a matter of time! But don't despair, you can easily repair! Its quick and relatively cheap to do yourself, so why not DIY? Let me show you how...

Here is everything you will need! I use a sealant which has a fibreglass component incorporated in it.

TIP buy disposable brushes from the $2 shop

Step 1

Remove all old and previous repair materials. Lift up the flashing to reveal the roof metal underneath. 

TIP You may need to put something under the corners to hold it up while working on it. In this case it was a lead flashing so it stayed bent up.

Step 2

Using a wire brush remove any loose rust as far as you can reach. Clean this loose rust up straight away as it can start new rust on the roof or in your gutter.

TIP I used a leaf blower to clean up the roof and gutters after this step.

Step 3

Paint the rust with a rust inhibitor such as Penetrol. using one that dries quickly is better as it allows a better fix if its sealed as soon as possible, and stops a rain shower from possibly interrupting or compromising the process. 

TIP Read the instructions when buying the product not on the roof!

Step 4

Using the same brush, apply narrow band of sealant to the perimeter of the rusted roof iron on the inside of the flashing. Make this a thicker rather than wider bead, as when you press the flashing back into place, it will spread under and out from under the flashing. This is important !

Step 5

Replace the flashing to its original position, and press down to allow the sealant to bulge out from under the edge of your flashing. 

TIP Fix the flashing down using either weights or short stainless steel tech screws to pull the flashing and roof together all around the perimeter of the treated area.

In this case the lead was gently tapped into shape to form closely to the roof profile...

Step 6

Apply a bead of sealant to the roof and top of the flashing while the sealant is still wet underneath to form one complete seal around the entire flashing.

 TIP It pays to seal the entire flashing and not just one area when doing this repair, as there will invariably be another weak area just waiting to leak!

Make sure that you work the sealant into the gaps ad crevices all around the edges so that water cannot form pools especially on the upper edge

This repair should be done on a fine warm day, well after the dew has evaporated and no rain is forecast for the best results. 

SAFETY...

Remember to be safe on a roof... NEVER work on a wet roof, ALWAYS tie onto a safely line, and walk where the roof fixings indicate support from below to avoid denting the roof iron.