The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Care And Repair Of The House

Making Temporary Repairs.

Leaks in a shingle roof may often be temporarily stopped by inserting a new shingle, a piece of roll roofing or tarred felt, or a piece of tin under the shingles to cover the hole. If no sheet tin or similar material is available, cut a tin can apart with a can opener or heavy shears, flatten it out. and paint it on both sides before using it.

There are various roofing compounds on the market composed of heavy plastic bituminous materials, which are recommended for covering holes in roofs. These compounds may be applied with a heavy brush if a large surface is to be covered, or with a putty knife or paint scraper if small holes or cracks are to be plugged. The manufacturers of such compounds usually furnish directions covering their use.

Leaks in a composition-shingle roof may be repaired in much the same manner as those in a wood-shingle roof.

Small leaks in a metal roof may often be mended with a drop of solder, after the spot has been thoroughly cleaned to make the solder hold.

It is not advisable for an inexperienced person to attempt to repair a slate or tile roof, as such a task is difficult and he may cause additional damage.

Reroofing.

Although reroofing does not fall strictly under the head of repair work it is closely associated with it. The type and condition of the old roofing may make the removal of the old covering desirable, but many of the modern types of roofing can be applied directly over old wood shingles or other kinds of material, and it is claimed that there are numerous advantages in this method. Chief among these is the insulation provided. Labor costs of removing the old material and cleaning up the premises after the work is completed are considerably reduced, and the scattering of dirt and debris over the house and surroundings is eliminated. In case of rain during the period of reroofing, the interior of the house is protected.