D.I.Y. roof repairs made easy with flexible roof flashing

If you’ve ever had a leaking roof, you’ll know how much of a hassle it can be to fix. Water has a habit of getting through almost any barrier you can put in its way, and the professionals aren’t always available to do the roof repairs for you. That’s why D.I.Y.- friendly waterproofing solutions like Wakaflex, Dakaflash, Smartform and Fastfix Wet Shield were created, to help you fix leaking roofs and gutters yourself.

Here, we’ll show you when and how to use these handy waterproofing products, so that the next time the rain falls, it stays outside where it belongs.

When existing roof flashings fail

When existing roof flashings fail, they need to be replaced quickly, and Wakaflex lead-free extruded rubber flexible flashing is your best bet. Two butyl strips run along the roll for adhesion, making it easy to D.I.Y. install, while an internal aluminium mesh makes it flexible enough to provide a smooth finish on common roof surfaces.

For a more affordable – but just as effective – solution, Dakaflash can be used under existing flashings to shore up problem areas. With 30 per cent stretch and a fully self-adhesive backing, this composite laminate lead-free flashing is great to use in tricky areas such as around chimneys to ensure a long-lasting, watertight seal. It’s suitable for metal roofs, tiles and polycarbonate too.

Fix leaking gutters

Rainwater leaking from gutters can damage the walls of your home and potentially compromise its foundation. Fix larger holes and cracks quickly by lining your gutters with Smartform all-purpose repair tape. This self-adhesive, butyl-backed flashing with 60 per cent stretch is ideal when the utmost flexibility is required, like on extreme roof profiles such as KLIP-LOK metal roofing sheets.

However, if the damage to your gutters is minor, you can easily patch smaller cracks with Fastfix Wet Shield roof repair compound. This one-coat instant waterproofing membrane can be applied even in wet conditions, and on sound porous surfaces it doesn’t need a primer. It’s resin-based and fibre-reinforced for strength, flexibility and durability, offering a super-simple waterproofing solution.

D.I.Y. roof repairs

Fastfix Wet Shield is also the best choice for repairing and waterproofing your roof when rust, cracks, holes and punctures start to compromise its watertightness. Suitable for all common roofing surfaces, this simple paint-on solution is instantly waterproof and can even be applied in the rain, so it’s perfect in leaky emergencies.

If a small area of rust on your metal roof has compromised its watertightness, clear off any loose particles and paint Fastfix Wet Shield over the top to keep water out and protect your home from water damage and drips. Rusted screws and cracked tiles can also receive the same treatment quickly and easily. If a larger area of rust has created a bigger hole in the roof, you may need to patch it with a section of Smartform repair tape first, then seal the edges with Fastfix Wet Shield.

For punctures and holes in your roof’s surface, a repair patch will work best to restore watertightness. For tile roofs, use a 1m Dakaflash patch, while for metal roofs you’ll need a 1m Smartform patch to fix damage and keep your home dry and structurally sound. 

Leaking roof? D.I.Y. roof repairs the easy way

Find the right waterproofing product for your needs with Wakaflex, Dakaflash, Smartform and Fastfix Wet Shield.

Photo credit: Evo Building Products