Leaks may seem minor at first, but they can easily cause significant trouble affecting a wider scope in the long run. Immediately fixing leaks helps prevent damaging consequences from affecting not only the roof but the whole building.
The best thing a homeowner or business can do is leave a leaking roof in the hands of an emergency plumber. But for those who want to know how to repair a leaking roof and would like to learn a thing or two about damage control and the common causes behind leaks, this article will cover steps in repairing a leaking roof, as well as common causes behind this problem.
Indicators of a Roof Leaking
The first thing to do is locate which part of the roof is leaking. Identifying the affected roof helps give it the proper solution and how much repair needs to be done. Here are some common indicators of a roof leaking:
- Puddles of water forming or dripping near the roof
- Water leaking from the ceiling or walls
- Water stains appearing on walls and ceiling
- Water spots, mould, mildew or moss appearing on walls outside
- Missing parts of the roof
- Blocked gutters or downspouts
However, these signs are not a direct indication that the leak is coming from that specific part where the puddles are forming. Walking around the building and visually checking the roof is still the most recommended way of confirming a leaking roof.
How To Fix a Leaking Roof?
After identifying the source of the leaking, the next step is to know how to properly fix a leaking roof. It is best to have the materials and tools needed for this repair prepared in advance to avoid going back and forth while patching the leaking roof. These are steps in repairing factors behind the leak:
- Remove the shingles or tiles around the affected area. Remove any nails and scrape clean, too.
- Unfold a sheet of polyethylene over the leaking roof.
- Refit or replace shingles over sheeting.
For those with broken shingles, replacing the broken one with a new shingle is the best resolution. Property owners dealing with leaking due to improper flashing can fix it by resealing joints using roofing cement and adding a new coat using a putty knife.
Can You Fix a Leaky Roof From The Inside?
Yes. However, this is a temporary fix. It is still best to have a professional 24hr emergency plumber repair the roof leak. Homeowners who want a temporary solution to their leaking roof should follow these steps when fixing the leak from the inside.
- Gather the needed tools – A caulking, scraper, flashlight, utility knife, rubber gloves, nails, a bucket and roof patch (tar) are commonly used in fixing a roof.
- Locate the leaking – A flashlight helps check for dampness. Damaged roofing usually causes mould due to moisture forming.
- Mark the affected roof – Draw a circle around the problematic area. It will help when it is time to apply the solution later.
- Dry the affected area
- Make a temporary leak patch – A plywood or shingle is the best temporary patch. This patch will then be put on the tar spread on the damaged roof.
- Cover the edges – A caulking helps cover the edges or holes that appear after putting the temporary patch.
- Measure the affected area– Having an idea of how much of the roof is affected by the leaking helps in determining whether it got bigger and the permanent solution to be made by a 24 hour plumber.
Common Causes of a Leaking Roof
Several factors contribute to leaking in the roof. All of them are as dangerous as the other in causing damaging consequences. This impact does not only affect the roofing but also other parts of the building. The following are common causes behind a roof leaking:
- Age – The roof’s age is a common factor behind a leaking roof. Due to their age, deterioration due to continual expansion and contraction, and wear and tear start affecting the roof’s integrity. .
- The plumbing – There are instances where pipes must go through the roof. Exhaust flues, fan ducts and vent pipes are some components that need to go out in the open.
- The skylight – Buildings with an attic tend to have a skylight for natural light to pass through. However, this also needs a hole in the roof, which could cause leaking in the long run.
- The gutter – Clogging causes damage to the gutter, and at times, the whole roofing. Leaves and other debris are usual reasons for a blocked gutter.
- Box gutter – This gutter type is best for draining stormwater, but it could also gather too much debris that can cause clogging. If box gutters are installed near a tree, there is an increased risk of blockage.
- Valley gutter – Wind velocity and heavy rainfall cause problems for gutters. If these are left unrepaired, it contributes to a leaking roof.
