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Knowing how to fix a leak is important because rain can happen anytime, and it’s important to be prepared. It’s a given that you should call a roofing company for help if you notice a leak in your roof. But do you know what to do in the meantime? Knowing how to temporarily deal with a leak until the roofers arrive can prevent interior damage and keep the point of entry from getting bigger.
Why do Leaks Happen?
Leaks happen for a number of reasons and it is important to know what in order to fix a leak. Age, shingle shed, moisture, damaged seams, and vegetation all play a role in creating leaks. Luckily, a leak doesn’t always mean that it’s time for a new roof. In many cases, once a leak is repaired you can go years without having to replace your roof.
However, if you have extenuating circumstances such as a huge moss problem, severely damaged seams, or if your roof is over 20 years old, it may be time to consider a new roof instead of just a quick and easy repair or trying to fix a leak. This can save you more time and money in the long run and keep you from having to fix a new leak as soon as the old one is fixed up.
How to Fix a Leak
Address the Interior to begin the process of trying to fix a leak.
Once you find a leak, the first thing you’ll want to do is stop it as best you can inside. This can help to decrease damage to the ceiling and will save you money in repairs down the line.
Many times, a leak is identifiable by a bulge in the ceiling. This is a sign of water that has pooled in from the roof and is looking for an exit. These bulges often appear near the base of a light fixture. If you notice a bulge, you’ll want to grab a bucket and something sharp enough to create a small hole in the ceiling. Place the bucket underneath and create the hole, letting water and any other trips to ball into the bucket.
Finding an Entry Point to fix a leak.
If you can, it’s important to try and figure out where the water is coming from. In many cases, water can be coming in from an entirely different place on the roof, then following the slope of the house down. Checking the attic is the best way to look for a point of entry. You may be able to catch water coming in at this point and curb the leak at the source so that there is less damage to your ceiling and home.
Tarp it (or Tape it) to fix a leak.
If you find the spot where water is coming in , a tarp on top of that section of the roof is the best way to keep water out until it can be fixed professionally. Tarps should be secured with nails or staples to keep them from blowing away.
However, we understand that you may not be able to access that section of your roof, or may be uncomfortable doing so. If this is the case, the second best option is to use roofing tape to tape off the leak. If applicable, putting a bucket down can act as extra insurance that the leak won’t continue down the house.
If your leak and roof damage were caused by a storm, Western Construction and Roofing can help. We’re well-versed in insurance claims and will work round the clock to get your roof repaired in no time. Please feel free to call our team at Western Construction and Roofing to request a quote. We look forward to working with you soon!