How to Prevent, Detect and Repair Your Hawaiian Roof

Most Common Leak Locations:

– Chimney– Plumbing vent flashing– Ice dams– Skylights

– Wall step flashings– Furnace Shingles– Fields of shingles– Missing Shingles

How to Prevent Leaks

• After locating all the common leakage spots in your home, regularly check to find small leaks before they become a problem

• In an attic, any spot that has an opening that lets in the sun’s rays should be repaired immediately

What is the first sign of a leak?

• A leak can come in the form of:– Wet spots– Dripping water– Circular stains on ceiling– Extra granules from asphalt shingle roofs will flow

down our downspouts– Paint bubbling on flat roofs

Fix the Leak ASAP

• If you notice signs of a leak, don’t wait!• More time can lead to wood rot and damage

sheetrock, attic insulation, paint, walls, ceiling and carpets

• Fix a small leak before it becomes an expensive problem

Finding the Source

• The source of the leak may not come from directly above the location of the wet spots, stains, dripping water, etc.

• Investigate by:– Checking the roof– Fireplace– Air conditioning coils and water heaters mounted

in the attic

DIY vs. Professional

• Know the difference between a quick fix and serious damage in need of professional help

• Call a professional roofer if the roof has:– Multiple leaks– A leak across framing members or walls, which makes

finding the source of the leak difficult– Repairs that are not holding– Damage to roofing surface or flashed locations– The roof surface is beyond your skill set (clay tiles, wood

shakes, metal roofs)

Be Safe

• If the problem is easy enough to fix yourself, take precautions– Wear rubber soled shoes to prevent sliding– Use a harness– Work in pairs

Emergency Repair

• Climb to the roof, if able, with proper equipment like a hammer, nails and materials such as tar or flashing

• This will not solve the problem, but should hold until a major repair can be done by the home owner or professional

Repairing a Shingle Roof

• Find the damaged shingles• Remove the damage shingles and the layer

above the damaged shingles• Then, replace both layers with new shingles

Remember

• Look for common places of leakage• Repair leak quickly• If your home needs a roof repair in Hawaii, call

a professional if it is heavily damaged or you are unsure how to proceed

• Engage in safety precautions when fixing your roof