How Do You Fix a Leaking Roof From the Inside: Our Guide

There are few things more concerning than water coming through your ceiling. Thankfully, you can use a quick, easy, and cost-effective solution to prevent a small leak from becoming a big problem. This guide will explain everything you need to know about fixing leaky roofs from the inside, from the technique to the cost. 

Can a Roof Leak Be Fixed From the Inside? 

You might have heard the myth that leaking roofs can’t be fixed from inside the house. But, actually, as long as the leak is small, it is very much possible to patch it up yourself from the attic. Just try not to let it get out of hand. Too much time or a heavy downpour can easily make matters a lot worse. 

If your roof is prone to leaks, then constant quick fixes won’t be enough to prevent structural damage. In such cases, it might be a better idea to think long-term and invest in a dry fixed roofing system, which will be watertight, more durable, and won’t require any maintenance. 

How to Fix a Roof Leak From Inside an Attic? 

With the right technique and tools, it’s easy enough to patch up a roof leak from inside your attic. Here’s how. 

Remove Standing Water

Once you’re in the attic, remove the insulation from your ceiling’s drywall and mop up any standing water with sponges. Just be careful not to put any weight on the wet surface because it’s likely to break. Instead, rest a piece of plywood across the ceiling joists and work from that. 

Look for the Leak 

Now you need to look for the leak, which might be harder than you’d think. The water will likely travel down the rafters and drop down some distance away from where it first came in. So, find it by following its path on the inside of the roof. 

Patch the Leak 

When the roof is dry, you can make a start on your temporary roof patch. All you need to do is take a putty knife and apply a liberal layer of roofing tar or bitumen paint to the leaking hole. Then, press a shingle to the tar or paint and spread more around the edges. This will help to keep it in place. 

Before you do this, though, you should use a piece of chalk to draw a circle around the problem areas. This will make them easier to find when it’s time to carry out a more permanent repair. 

What Does it Cost to Fix a Small Roof Leak? 

It’s not expensive to temporarily fix a leaky roof yourself. Shingles themselves are among the most inexpensive construction materials out there. 

Neither roofing tar nor bitumen paint should cost you very much, either. You should be able to buy a one-litre container from most hardware stores including Bunnings, Mitre 10, and Home Timber & Hardware for around $20 or less. 

Remember, though, that more permanent repairs will cost significantly more. So, if your roof leaks regularly, you might be better off with a roofing system that is harder-wearing and weather-resistant, such as dry fixed roofing. 

Emergency Roof Leak Fix 

If you spot water coming into your home, it’s important to do something about it fast. By completing emergency roof repairs, you can make sure small holes don’t worsen as soon as heavy rain hits. 

Fixing a leaky roof from the inside is relatively inexpensive. However, more permanent repairs will be required once you’ve patched a leak up. That is unless you have a more resilient roofing system that doesn’t need maintenance.