Roofs are meant to protect us from our environments but sometimes they too need a bit of TLC. A leaking roof is one of the most common repairs that needs to be done on buildings, so it essential that everyone knows how to fix a roof leak and what goes into the repair process.
Step 1: Identify That There Is A Leak
It may sound silly but the best place to start when repairing a leaking roof is to make sure that there is actually a leak. Sometimes people assume that their roof is leaking when the moisture they’re seeing may be caused by other things such as faulty air-conditioning units or piping.
Step 2: Hire Professionals To Fix The Leak
Roof repair is extremely dangerous and is not one of those DIY home things that can be done by yourself. It requires a high level of expertise and experience. Make use of high quality roofing specialists to ensure that your roof leak is properly identified and fixed. This will not only ensure your safety but the safety of those under your roof.
Step 3: Identify The Cause Of The Leak
There are many different causes to leaking roofs and it is important that you determine what is causing your leaking roof so that you can rectify the problem. Common causes of leaking roofs include things such as aging roofing materials, improperly installed/repaired/maintained roofs, clogged gutters, weather damage and much more. Getting to the cause of the problem is essential to ensuring that the leak is fixed properly. A top tip when trying to identify the cause of the leak is to “think like water” – where will it go, how does it move etc.
Step 4: Fix What Is Broken
Depending on the type of roof you have and the cause of your roof leak, the fixing of it will be different. For example, if your leak is caused by a hole in a shingle and you need a quick, temporary fix then in dry weather, you can have a piece of galvanized sheet metal slipped underneath the shingle. This is a temporary quick fix and should not be considered a long-term solution to fixing a roof leak.
If your leak is coming from where pipes are fitted at the flashing (as they often do), then your best option may be to seal the area. A silicone gun can be used to seal pipes whereas connections between the roofing material and the flashing can be sealed with asphalt roofing cement.
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What If A Shingle Needs To Be Replaced?
Sometimes, your roof is beyond a quick fix and a damaged shingle is the cause of your leak. This means that shingles need to be replaced. This can be a tricky procedure so make sure to contact a professional roofing company for help.
Step 5: Test It Out
After the roof is fixed, it is important to test it out to ensure that it was fixed properly. This can be done by having one person shower the roof from the outside with water using a hose while another person stands inside with a light and examines for any leaks (paying specific attention to where the leak was fixed).
It is important to reiterate that fixing a roof leak is dangerous without the proper expertise and experience. It is therefore best to make use of professionals to ensure a quality, safe job is performed.
