How to Patch Up a Leaky Roof

How to Patch Up a Leaky Roof

No one wants a leaky roof, no matter the season. Water can cause significant damage to any home’s structural integrity. Once it penetrates your roof, it leads to damage and destruction that includes ruined insulation and rotten wood framing.

An effective way to protect your home from water is to practice vigilance and action. When your roof starts leaking, you should address it immediately. Don’t wait for large leaks; even the smallest drips can grow into a major problem.

Find the Leak

Aside from the constant drip of water, other signs indicate a leaky roof. Stains, for example, are good indications of water damage. Check your ceiling for any discoloration to determine the compromised area. Additionally, mold or foul smells can indicate where your roof is damaged. Mold grows in moist environments and is often an indication of a leaky roof.

Determine the Source

Once you’ve located the leak, determine what caused it. Some leaks occur because of open penetration. This is caused by pipes, drains, and even your HVAC unit. Another cause of leaky roofs is external damage. Carefully climb your roof and inspect it for broken shingles, cracks or blisters, and damaged shakes.

Assess the Damage

After locating the source of the leak, it’s time to assess the damage. This will help you determine if you can do it on your own or if you will need professional help.

Open Penetration

First, check the area for any cracks that can be letting water in. Then, clean the area of any debris. Caulk or roof cement is effective in fixing the leak. But this is only a temporary solution; you will have to take on mechanical repairs to open penetrations for long term results.

Cracked or Blistered Roofing

Look for cracks and tears near the vents, joints, and other areas that have objects coming through them. This type of damage is often fixed with a high-quality roof sealant. If there is widespread damage, you might be better off hiring a specialist. This is especially true for a metal roof since a specialist has the tools and experience to fix the damage.

Broken Shingles/Damaged Shakes

Determine the severity of the damage. If it’s merely a clean tear, then you won’t have to replace the shingle. Rather, you will simply have to apply a roof sealant in the area. But, for severely damaged shingles and shakes, you will have to replace them with new ones.

Prevent Leaks

fixing roof

Protect your home against water damage by preventing leaks. Inspect your ceiling, walls, and external roofing regularly. If you find any cracks or tears, address them immediately. This will prevent them from getting worse over time. Additionally, this encourages a habit of regular maintenance that can preserve your home from issues that go beyond a leaky roof.

Make sure your roof is well maintained by being vigilant. Don’t let small leaks go simply because you don’t think they’re a problem. Any leak, no matter how small, can cause significant damage to your ceiling and walls.

Admin