The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Care And Repair Of The House
Importance of Prompt Repairs.
When a leak develops, it is important that repairs be made without unnecessary delay. If repairs are neglected over a long period the plaster may become cracked and loosened and eventually fall, and the framework below the leak may rot. Even small leaks will often cause discoloration of wall decorations and stains on finished floors.
Although it may not be possible for the average man to apply a new roof or to do extensive repair work, he should at least be able to patch up leaky spots until such time as more permanent repairs can be made, or the old roof replaced with a new one.
Recommended Safety Measures.
Do not attempt to walk on a steep roof without at least a strong rope for support. This is the simplest of safety rules, and a rope is usually adequate to insure balance for small patching jobs. It is advisable to wear tennis shoes or go shoeless on a pitched roof to insure better footing, and to avoid possible damage to the roof covering. Avoid walking on an old shingle roof or one of other brittle material in making temporary repairs, as more leaks may be made.
In laying roofing or in making repairs, a long straight ladder or a so-called "chicken ladder" may be used. The ladder is made by nailing 1 by 2 inch cleats about 1 foot apart to a 1 by 10 inch plank or similar long board. Either type of ladder may be hooked over the ridge of the roof, as shown in Figure 3. Hooks for this purpose are made by nailing a strong piece of wood to each leg near the upper end of the ladder at an angle with the legs, as shown in the figure. This angle should conform as nearly as possible to the slope of the roof, and the pieces should be braced or stiffened by nailing short boards across them and the legs of the ladder. ("See fig. 3.)
Locating the Leaks.
It is often difficult to locate the point of leakage from a wet spot on the ceiling, especially if the underside of the roof is not easy of access, since water may follow along the roof boards or rafters before dripping down. It is equally difficult to locate a hole from the roof's surface. However, if there is an unceiled attic in the house, most small holes may be readily located from the attic on a bright day. Even the most minute holes will be plainly visible and may be marked by straws or wires pushed through the holes far enough to protrude above the roof surface.
