How to Repair a Leak in the Roof on Your Own

Water dripping from the ceiling is never a good sign. It means you have a leaking roof. It’s a problem you need to deal with as soon as you can. Ignoring it can have a domino effect. You might find yourself dealing with issues like a stained ceiling. This will then lead to wet insulation in the attic, mold and mildew, or ruined floors.

A roof repair can be labor-intensive. Some of these problems are best left to professionals. The good news is there are also some simple, fast, and cost-effective solutions you can do. Here are some ideas on how to repair a leak in the roof by yourself.

Fixing Small Leaks Inside the Attic

Most roofing problems will need to be addressed and fixed from the outside, but there are times you can fix small leaks from inside your attic. It’s best if you do this as soon as you discover a leak. 

• Mop up any standing water. You might see this once you remove the insulation from the drywall. Avoid putting any weight on the wet surface. It might be too soft to carry your weight. Place a piece of plywood across the ceiling joists and stand on it while working.

• Look for the leak and patch it up. This isn’t as straightforward as you think. The water will travel down from the rafters. You must follow its path until you find the hole causing the leak. Apply bitumen paint or roofing tar on the hole. Press a shingle on the tar. Apply more paint or tar using a putty knife. Spread it around to keep the shingle in place.

Repairing a Leaking Roof Vent

Leaks are also caused by roof vents. These are the foundation of your attic’s ventilation system. Vents crack or become dislodged over time. When this happens, water seeps into the house.

You should first check the boot of the roof vent when you have a leaky roof. Look for missing nails or cracks. You might have to replace the entire vent if it’s broken or damaged.

Start by removing the nails holding the vent. You can use a hammer or a pry bar for this. Next, apply roofing cement to the flashing. Install the new vent. Then screw it in place using rubber washer screws.

Install New Flashing

Flashings are important parts of the roof. These are the thin pieces of metal sheets you see around chimneys and vents. Many homes also have flashings on the sidewalls. They’re used to direct water away from the structure.

Flashing can peel away or rust over. Cracks from the flashing cause water to sneak into the home’s interior. It’s why you should double-check the flashing around areas near the leak. You have to replace it if it’s rusted, warped, or missing.

Replacing the flashing is a simple process. You must first remove the shingles surrounding it. Next, install the new flashing. Then put new shingles around it. You should consider hiring a professional roofing company for this. The process is easy but a single mistake will lead to more leaks in the future.

Fixing a Dormer Window Leak

Many homes in the US have dormer windows. It’s a type of roof window. Its structure projects beyond the plane of a pitched roof. The caulk used around dormer windows also decays over time. This can result in leaks during heavy rainfall.

Check the area around the window for disintegrating caulk. This could mean the window isn’t as sealed as expected. You have to replace the caulk with new caulking. You should also check the siding on these windows. Make sure there are no cracks or holes. Even a little crack can cause water to seep through. It might seem insignificant at first. But it will keep growing larger.

Passion for Perfection

A strong roofing system means protection for you and your loved ones. It’s something that A Affordable Roofing can give you. Our workmanship has garnered us a 95% satisfaction rate from our customers. We offer advanced roofing technology and high-quality workmanship. We do residential and commercial roofing. We also specialize in roof inspection and replacement. Our experienced team can meet all your roofing needs. Give us a call at 832-299-3024 and ask for a free consultation. You can also email us at Roofleadform@aaffordableroofing.com.