How Do You Temporarily Stop a Leaking Roof?

If your roof has started leaking, you will need to get it fixed. You might not be able to have a repair done immediately though. In the meantime, it’s important to stop the leak so it doesn’t get worse, explains Nashville Roofing and Exteriors, a company who provides quality roofing in Nashville. Otherwise, major damage can occur. Fortunately, there are several ways you can stop a leaking roof.

When Might a Leak Occur?

If you have had light rain, you might not notice a leak. When the rain intensifies, there’s a chance you will have a major leak on your hands. Heavy rain often causes leaking roofs. You might see the rain dripping in your house as a result.

What Causes Roof Leaks?

There are many reasons that your roof might start leaking. These things can happen before you notice a leak. With heavy rain, these minor problems can become a much bigger deal. Having these types of damage to your roof can make your roof more susceptible to leaks.

• The seams in your roof may be near the flashing or pipes. They might also be where there’s an older patch. These seams are the weakest parts of your roof. This makes them more likely to allow leaks.
• Intense weather. Things like snow, hail, and ice can affect the condition of your roof. Even if the weather isn’t too bad, the effects can add up over time. Wind or heat can also degrade your roof.
• Roofs need maintenance and inspections. When you take care of your roof, you will notice any potential issues. If you’re not taking proper care of your roof, these things will go unnoticed. Your roof might have some damage, but you won’t realize it until you inspect it or deal with a leak. If your roof is older, it’s likely showing some wear and tear.

How Do You Know If Your Roof is Leaking?

Your roof is designed to keep your home safe and dry. The most obvious sign of a leak is water in your home. If you notice water in your home, try to locate the source. While your roof could be leaking, there may be another cause, such as a shower leak. You might notice water spots on your ceiling. Water may also be getting into your attic so check there.

According to Angie’s List, you should check out your roof. If it’s raining or storming, you can wait until that’s over. Then, look for missing shingles and other damage.

What Damage Can a Leaking Roof Cause?

If your roof is leaking, it’s important to act fast. While it’s not an emergency, it’s essential to resolve the problem quickly. Here’s what might happen if you don’t fix the leak:

• Mold and mildew
• Attic damage
• Ceiling damage
• Structural damage
• Fire hazard due to shorted wires
• Slippery surfaces

Ways to Temporarily Stop a Leaking Roof

First, you should locate the leak. From there, you will need to use a bucket to catch any water. This will prevent further damage.

According to Home Guides, you can create a temporary patch. You will need roofing tar and a shingle. You can also use plywood. You will need to spread the tar into the leak on the roof deck. Then, you can place the plywood or shingle on the tar. You can later add more tar if needed.

You can also make a temporary cover for your roof. To do this, you can use a roll of 6-mil polyethylene plastic. Then, you can staple the ends to 8-foot two-by-four pieces of wood. Then, you can place the cover on the leaking area on your roof.

Some small leaks can be fixed easily. According to Family Handyman, you should not use caulk. If you are attempting to repair a small leak yourself, use flashing.

How Soon Should You Call a Professional?

It’s important to call a professional roofer as soon as possible. Some roofers offer 24-hour service. While you’re working on stopping the leak, you can make that call. Then, the roofer can take it from there.

Keep in mind that your roof may not be fixed for about a week. Every roofer works on a different schedule. In most cases, the roofer should be able to get the leak under control. Then, they can properly repair the roof later on.

Will You Need a Roof Repair or Replacement?

At the very least, if you’re experiencing a leaky roof, you will need to have it repaired. When you call a roofer out to your house, they should look at the entire roof. They can look for signs of damage. They might also notice other issues with your roof. Depending on the damage, you may need a replacement.

Conclusion

While a leaking roof can sound scary, it’s manageable. You should call a professional roofer as soon as possible. While you wait, try one of the mentioned strategies too slow or stop the leak. If the leak continues, serious damage may occur. Then, the cost of repairs will be greater.