Did a recent rainstorm leave your ceiling with a leak? Are you looking for innovative methods to keep your house's interior clean and dry?
If that's the case, it's critical that you understand how to stop a roof leak. It's also important to consider the internal and external factors that enable water to enter your house. With our extensive roofing knowledge and experience, your roof will be back in top shape and will help keep your home's environment more comfortable.
Here are seven key tips on how to stop a roof leak when it is raining.
- IDENTIFY THE SOURCE
To stop a leak from your ceiling, you must first identify what's allowing water to get inside the building. Doing so can help you save a great amount of time and money that will otherwise be spent on tools and multiple leak fixes.
First, check your roof to confirm if that's what's letting the water in, or if it's something else. Clogged gutters, insect infestations, and problems with plumbing, heating and conditioning equipment are all potential sources of leaks.
Examine the drywall and roof tiles to determine whether they are damaged. If there is any misalignment, leaks may occur often.
- CLEAR OUT THE REGION
Once you identify the leak source, you can make repair arrangements. Clearing out the places where water can enter helps prevent leak damage and also enables quick leak identification.
You can clean the damp area under the leak and use buckets to collect any excess water that may come in through the roof. Suction hoses are useful for dealing with leaks through the floor above you.
Remember to relocate any appliances or furniture that are in the way of the leak. You can also use plastic coverings to keep heavy furniture dry, especially if you're having trouble moving it.
- APPLY ROOFING TAR
When it comes to addressing a leaking roof, it's also important to pay attention to the property's exterior. Making sure that your tiles are in top shape is one way to achieve that.
This is when roofing tar patches, which work best with removable tiles, might come in handy. Internal leaks can be discovered by removing the tiles, and the leak in the interior ceiling can be sealed with roofing tar.
Roofing tar works best when it is supported by material like plywood or shingle. To keep the area dry, press the shingle or plywood against the leak and then apply the roofing tar.
- USE PE PLASTIC
Some covering material can come in handy when you're unable to identify the exact leak source. Polyethylene (PE) plastic is a good example since it can restrict the amount of area impacted by leaks and capture water that tries to get in.
To determine how much PE plastic is required to cover the leaking area, a ruler is all you need. To reduce the risk of future leaks as much as possible, we recommend adding three to four feet to your plastic. Then, use staples to secure the plastic to the area, followed by nails to hold the material in place. Make sure you use very thick PE plastic in order to keep as much water out of your rooms as possible.
- REPLACE THE SHINGLES
The condition of your shingles plays a great role in your roof's ability to stop a leak. Shingles with missing pieces, bruises, and curls aren't very good at keeping water outside your house.
When removing older shingles, remember to wear appropriate safety gloves to prevent cuts and injuries. Also, make sure you wear rubber boots to prevent any slips.
Using a straight edge and a hammer's nail removal hook, remove the old and damaged shingles and replace them with nails and roofing tar. This best acts as a temporary solution until you can find some more reliable rain protection.
- USE TARPAULINS
Sometimes, a storm may be coming in quickly, and you may need an instant fix. In that case, installing a tarpaulin to cover up places where you suspect exterior leaks is one option.
The tarp size you will need depends on your roof's size, as well as how many leaks you need to deal with. For a roof that is too large or has many leaks in different places, using multiple tarps might be neccessary.
To keep the tarp in place, we recommend stretching it over the ridge and anchoring it with large concrete blocks, especially during storms with heavy rain and high winds. Nails can also be useful if you are coping with a smaller storm.
- SEAL JOINTS
The risk of you running into a leaky roof can increase if it stems from the joints on your roof. Rainwater may enter your property via cracks, as well as chalk and aluminum flashing where surfaces meet.
These areas frequently consist of chimneys and valleys, which can be sealed with roof sealant or cement. However, before applying the sealer, ensure sure the surface is dry and debris-free.
Reserve the sealant for minor leaks and replace the flashing for bigger gaps in your roof. Knowing which tools to utilize will help you avoid future problems and save you money on a new roof.
GET YOUR ROOF LEAK FIXED
The easiest approach to prevent a roof leak is to figure out what's causing it so you can avoid further property damage in the future.
Some cover options work best for convenient, short-term protection, while others can keep your interior dry and fresh for longer periods. Having some knowledge about the nature of storms that you frequently run into can also help you make the right choices for roof protection.
With these helpful tips, you can be at peace and enjoy a dry house before, during, and after rainstorms.
You can be free from all the hassle and hard work by contacting G&R Roofing for any leakage in your roof. We are just one call away from providing you with the best service at affordable rates. Feel free to give us a call at (936) 271-9299.