Oh no. You’ve got water coming through the ceiling. You don’t know what to do about it – where’s this water coming from? How do you stop it?
The important thing is to act fast. Here’s how to quickly fix leaks in your roof.
What Causes a Leaky Roof?
A leak in your roof can be caused by a bad storm, age or any number of things…
- Broken or missing shingles or tiles
- Poorly installed roof penetrations, like skylights or chimneys
- Damaged flashing
- Damaged guttering
The best way to avoid any of the above getting worse and allowing leaks into your home is to schedule in regular inspections and roof health checks. If you notice any issues, address them immediately to avoid costly repairs.
How to Find Your Roof Leak
You’ll first need to work out where the water is coming from, whether it’s a minor leak or something more serious.
Look for Signs Inside
Are there any water stains? Can you see dripping water? Even noticing musty odours or peeling wallpaper might suggest you have a leak somewhere that could lead to mould growth .
Follow the signs up through the house to the attic and check the roof cavity .
Inspect the Roof Space
Look for mould or damp. Check the roof rafters, as well as the insulation. Pay close attention to any points where a chimney or skylight meets the roof as these are especially vulnerable points. Likewise, check any roof vents.
Check the Exterior
Now, get on the top of your roof to get a good look. Keep your eyes peeled for damaged shingles, flashing or gutters. Clogged gutters might also be to blame. Again, you’ll want to pay particular attention to the protrusions like vents and chimneys. You might notice puddles of water on flat roofs.
Take care when high up, and avoid climbing on your roof in wet or icy weather.
Hard-to-Find Leaks
Still no luck? Try testing different areas of your roof by directing water directly onto different patches at a time. You’ll know you’ve found it when the water starts dripping through.
If you still need help, consider speaking to a professional.
Quick Fix: What to do About Your Leaky Roof
You might be able to fix your leaky roof yourself depending on the cause. Place a bucket beneath the leak and wait for a dry day to begin your DIY project.
Broken or Missing Roof Tiles
Use a ply bar to remove surrounding tiles, then replace any missing and broken tiles with a new one. You might be able to get away with applying sealant if it’s only got a small crack. You can also use sealant to fix leaks on a metal roof.
Apply roof cement or sealant to the underside of the new tile and carefully put it into place. Put back any tiles you removed to access the broken one.
Curled Shingles
Roof shingles can curl at the corners over time, which can become a common culprit for roof leaks. Smooth out the curling edges of your shingles with a trowel. Apply sealant and press firmly. Leaving a heavy object on your newly-flattened shingles can help, but only if it’s safe to do so – you don’t want anything falling off your roof.
Leaking Flashing
You might find that the flashing is to blame if all your tiles and shingles look unharmed. Roof flashing can degrade over time and allow water into your home – especially around chimneys and vents.
You can normally apply more sealant to lose flashing, but you’ll need to replace damaged flashing. Your vent also might need replacing if the leak has been a persistent one, so consider consulting professional roofers.
How to Prevent Future Leaks in Your Roof
Fixed your leak? You won’t want another any time soon. But there’s no guarantee that a heavy storm or severe winds won’t blow a tile away, or that your flashing will still degrade over time. The trick is to keep your roof well-maintained with minor roof repairs to prevent the damage from worsening and causing leaks.
1. Regular Roof Maintenance
Have you cleaned your gutters of any debris recently? Checked your flashing? Replaced any damaged or missing parts? Regular roof inspections and maintenance your roof a few times a year, especially after particularly heavy rainfall, will help ward off roof leaks.
It’s also a good idea to trim any overhanging trees to prevent twigs and leaves getting into your gutters and ensure proper water drainage.
2. Waterproofing Your Roof
Sealant and roof coatings can help prevent leaks by ensuring a watertight seal.
Reapplying sealant on your roof is important – especially in vulnerable areas like around the chimney or vents. Do you have waterproof coatings on your tiles or shingles? It’s a good idea to keep your roof extra secure.
3. Ventilate Your Attic
Poor ventilation in your attic can cause moisture to build up – and moisture is bad for the structural integrity of your home. There are two ways to deal with this: install sufficient insulation and adequate ventilation to ensure a healthy air flow, and keep your roof in good shape for years to come.
Quick Fix for Leaking Roof
No one wants water in their home that shouldn’t be there. And leaking roofs can cause quite a headache. But with a temporary fix, and a more long-term look from a professional, you won’t have to drag out the issue. Regular maintenance and good ventilation should keep your roof from creating too many problems.
FAQs
What Is the Fastest Way to Fix a Leaking Roof?
The quickest way to fix a leak in your roof is to apply sealant and a roof patch. This should serve as a temporary repair until you have time for extensive repairs or speak to a roofing company. You could even use a tarp or plastic sheet if you only have a small leak.
What Is the Best Thing to Put On a Leaking Roof?
Apply a thick layer of roofing tar to the leaking spot and cover it with timber or a roofing shingle, pressing firmly, for a temporary fix. Seal the edges with caulk or sealant. This should work well until you can perform a more permanent fix.
How Do You Temporarily Fix a Leaking Ceiling?
Got a leak in your ceiling? Put a bucket underneath and call for a professional repair. In the meantime, seal any visible cracks with sealant or roofing tape.