5 DIY Steps to Quickly Fixing a Leaking Roof
How to Repair a Roof Leak at Home – 5 Steps to a Quick Solution
19/05/2021
Everyone has to deal with a leaky roof at some point in their life. That’s why, it is always a good thing to know how home plumbing works. You don’t need an in-depth knowledge, just a little know-how. So, if you’re wondering how to quickly or temporarily fix your leaking roof before calling professionals, this article is for you.
How Much does it Cost to Repair a Roof Leak?
Roof leak repair cost isn’t as expensive as you might think. Most professional services charge depending on the extent of the damage. So, if you have a minor roof damage, it won’t cost very much. On average, it ranges between $200 to $750. On the other hand, a complete roof replacement is a big task and will cost as such. Since, it’s a job only pros can do, it is a good idea to call in a professional service and consult your homeowners insurance policy. Check if your homeowners insurance cover roof replacement. Generally, it depends on the cause of the damage. If the damage is due to an accident or natural disaster, your insurance will cover it.
5 Easy Steps to Fix a Leaking Roof
Here are the steps you should take in order to fix a leaky roof.
Track down the Exact Location of the Leak
Firstly, you need to know where the leak is occurring before you can fix it. Usually, it is the point from where water is dripping. But sometimes, the leak appears in the form of water stains on the ceiling without actually dripping. This needs more consideration to fix. Some common ways to inspect roof leaks are as follows.
- ● Inspect the Attic for Leaks – go up to the attic and look for signs like water stains, black marks, mold, etc. You might even discover a hole in the ceiling.
- ● Use a Hose to Run water from the Roof – if there are no visible holes, try the water hose method. Take a water hose up on the roof and run the water down at small, isolated places at a time. Do this for a few minutes. Have another helper downstairs to see where the water stains appear.
- ● Check the overall condition of the Roof – inspecting the overall condition of the roof is a good idea if it is older than 20 years. Chances are, there is not one cause of the leak but many. It is wiser to call professionals for this job.
Apply Roof Sealant for Small Holes
If the detected cause of the roof leak is a small hole, it is easy to fix. All you need is a caulking gun and a good quality roof sealant, which can stop the leaks immediately. Make sure the damaged area is complete dry before applying the sealant because it does not stick properly to wet surfaces. Apply the roof patch to the dried surface and use a caulking gun to seal the edges and any leftover holes. Keep in mind that this is a temporary fix and only for holes smaller than ¼ inch.
Pro Tip: Be careful when buying the caulk. Polyurethane and silicone based caulks are better because they offer more protection against weather elements. On the other hand, latex and butyl rubber caulks are prone to shrinkage and cracking over time.
Fix Curled Shingles with Roof Cement
One common cause of roof leakage is curled shingles. To repair them, smooth them out using heat from the hair dryer as they are more pliable in heat. Apply the caulk or roof cement beneath the curled shingle to secure it in place.
Learn how to replace Broken Shingles Easily
If the shingle is broken, it should be removed and replaced with a new one. To do this, lift the shingle above the broken one using a pry bar. Then, remove the nails in the damaged shingle and scrap off any cement or gunk from the location. Put the new shingle in place and hammer in the nails. Do not forget to secure the nails using roof cement.
Damaged Flashing Requires complete replacement
Flashing refers to the aluminum or steel sheets used around the chimney or any wall that intersects the roof. It is also a common cause of roof leakage. You can repair it in different ways depending on the kind of damage. If the Flashing is loose, you can simply secure it with roof cement, sealant or caulk. And, if the flashing is rusted, you can easily replace it by taking out the damaged piece, cleaning the spot and placing the new sheet in.
Pro Tip: Do not use nails to secure the flashing. It can puncture it, leading to holes and leaks. Join the Shingles with the Flashing using cement or caulk.
Conclusion
To sum it up, there are many ways to fix a leaking roof that you can do yourself. However, it is always better to call professional help because they’ll not only do a better job but also detect serious underlying problems the roof might have. That’s why it is always worth it to spend a few dollars on roof leak repair cost.