How to Repair Roof Leakage?
If your roof starts to leak during heavy rains, ensure you have the necessary safety equipment. This could include an umbrella raincoat, safety ladder and non-slip shoe.
Examine your crawl space or attic with a torch and look for signs that water has gotten into the space. These leaks are often found near vents, dormers, and chimneys.
Find the Leak
Water can leak through the wall and roof to reach the ceiling. You must pinpoint its exact location.
Use a torch to inspect both the roof underside and the insulation in the attic during daylight. Look for signs of moisture such as rotted or damp wood, discolorations and damp spots. You might even spot black mould which is often found in areas with moisture.
If a daytime check does not reveal the leak, call for assistance. One person inside should stay near the ceiling stain. The other outside with the garden hose can spray the roof section by section until an interior ceiling leak is visible coming through your hole in the ceiling. Mark it once found with a nail!
Puncture Bulge
If your ceiling bulge is collecting liquid, puncturing it might seem counterintuitive. However, it will allow excess liquid drain away and relieve the pressure on other parts. If not, it will eventually collapse.
Use a screwdriver first to locate the center and puncture with a screwdriver. To minimise long-term damages, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Be cautious when handling hot leaking waters as this can cause electrical wiring to be cut. Cover the area with a tarp from the location of the hole to the roof peak. This will provide additional protection.
Make a Temporary Repair Patch
If you gain access to the attic or crawlspace of your home, a simple solution is to place a bucket beneath the pooling water. This will stop it from leaking down walls or damaging them.
A simple tarp is also an effective solution to roof repairs. Cut a piece of tarp to cover the area in need of repair, leaving a minimum of an inch on either side for stability. Secure your tarp to your roof by using galvanized nails and staples. Then seal its perimeter.
If shingles have been lost, a temporary repair must be made immediately. For this, grab some plywood sheets and roofing tar at any home improvement and hardware store. These simple fixes are a temporary fix until a professional can finish the permanent job.
Move What You Can
If there is a bulge or sagging in your ceiling, it could be accumulating water and causing damage to your home. To prevent furniture, clothing, carpeting or other belongings from being damaged further or smelling of mildew, move them as far away as possible. If this is not possible, place buckets and garbage cans around the area to catch any leakage. The best way to stop leaks is to lay a large tarp, covering the problem spot and reaching all the way up to the roof peak. This will protect you from further damage while you work on it.
If your roof includes a vent, check for signs such as rust, cracks or exposed nails which could cause roof leakage.
If your roof starts to leak during heavy rains, ensure you have the necessary safety equipment. This could include an umbrella raincoat, safety ladder and non-slip shoe. Examine your crawl space or attic with a torch and look for signs that water has gotten into the space. These leaks are often found near vents, dormers,…