A roof leak is one of the most common causes of home water damage. If you have a leaking roof, you know how annoying and costly it can be. A small leak can quickly turn into a big one, and before you know it, you’re dealing with water damage and a huge repair bill. A leaky roof can lead to rotted wood, mold growth, and expensive repairs if left unchecked. If the damage is minor, you may not need to hire a professional immediately.
Unfortunately, roof leaks can happen anytime, and they can be hard to fix if you’re unfamiliar with roofing repairs. Keep in mind that these minor issues will most definitely develop into more significant problems if left unchecked. This blog post will show you how to fix a leaking roof using some common items temporarily. By following these simple steps, you can buy yourself some time until you can get the roof repaired properly.
5 Temporary Fixes For A Leaking Roof
Polyethylene Plastic Sheets
If your roof is leaking, you may be able to fix the problem yourself with some polyethylene plastic sheets. First, locate the source of the leak and then clean the area around it. Next, cut a piece of plastic sheeting that is slightly larger than the leaky area. Apply a bead of sealant around the edges of the hole, then place the plastic sheeting over top and press it into place. Finally, apply another layer of sealant over the top of the plastic to create a watertight seal. Alternatively, you could place heavy objects like bricks to secure them. Also, larger holes might require nailing down the plastic with wood strips. This repair method is not permanent, but it can buy you some time until you can get a more permanent fix.
Waterproof Tarps
Waterproof tarps are an easy and effective way to fix a roof leak, and they can be used on both a temporary and permanent basis. To use a tarp to fix a roof leak, simply place the tarp over the leaky area and secure it in place with nails or staples. If you’re using the tarp permanently, you may want to apply a layer of silicone sealant around the edges of the tarp to help ensure a watertight seal. Be sure to overlap the tarp’s edges to create a watertight seal. Waterproof tarps are readily available at most home improvement stores and offer an inexpensive and easy solution for fixing a roof leak.
Patching (Or Plugging)
Patching the hole is another way to stop a roof leak. You can patch or plug the hole by pouring water and a powder mixture similar to roofing cement. Pour the mixture into the exposed opening. The mixture will then dry solid and stop water from getting in. The leak stops when the mixture dries to a solid. However, this method won’t work for a long time. You’ll need to repeat the process until a professional roofer can come by and fix the issue.
Tar Paper
One way to stop a roof leak is to use tar paper. Tar paper is heavy-duty paper that is coated with asphalt or tar. It’s used in roofing to help make a water-resistant barrier. To fix a roof leak with tar paper, cut a piece of tar paper slightly larger than the hole in your roof. Then, lay the tar paper over the hole and secure it with nails or staples. Once the tar paper is in place, you can apply roofing cement or sealant to further waterproof the area. If done properly, this will fix your roof leak and help prevent future leaks.
Roofing Tape
Another way to repair a roof leak is to use roofing tape. This type of tape is designed to adhere to the underside of shingles and provide a waterproof seal. Using roofing tape, remove any loose or damaged shingles and clean the roof’s surface. Then, cut a strip of tape slightly longer than the length of the damaged area. Apply the tape to the underside of the shingle and press it into place. Repeat this process until all of the damaged areas have been repaired. This method can keep the water partially because roofing tapes are subject to temperature ranges. They might not be effective in extreme weather and large holes.
A Permanent Fix
Suppose you’ve managed to fix your roof leak temporarily; first of all, congrats! Now it’s time to seal the deal with a permanent fix. Calling a team of professional roofers like The Roof Pro to inspect and repair the leak is the only way to guarantee that the temporary fix becomes permanent.
For homeowners in Central Vancouver Island needing emergency roof repairs or a new roof make sure to give The Roof Pro a call ASAP.