How to Fix a Leaky Roof by Yourself

One of the more feared words that homeowners hear are “leaky roof”. When they hear them, the majority of homeowners are shaken and a panicked look will be seen on their faces. It’s not difficult to understand why replacing the roof , or even having it repaired professionally is an expensive nightmare.

However, it’s not all to be lost, as you may be able repair the leak until you have the money to buy an entirely new roof. With this advice and a bit basic common sense you’ll be able to locate and fix that tiny leak that is destroying your soul in a flash.

What are the causes of leaks in the roof?

There are a variety of reasons the reasons your roof might be leaky. We’ll go over the most frequent reasons below.

• Age. The roofing materials, as every other thing in the world is not impervious against the effects of passing of time. Through the years your roof will also be subject to the full power of the elements. The two unquestionable forces work together to destroy the strength of your roof. This will result in a higher chance of leaks occurring.
• Chimneys damaged. Although chimneys are usually one of the most durable components of a home but they also are subject to the impacts of time and weather. Leaks can develop in chimneys when the mortar and bricks begin to crack or the crown of the chimney is damaged.
• Flashing. It is the sheeting of metal that is put in places which are susceptible to water leaks, like around the chimney’s foundation or at the point where the roof joins the wall. If the flashing is installed in a way that isn’t correct or has been damaged, it could create a hole that is large enough to allow water to enter.
• Tiles or shingles missing. At times you might find an shingle or roof tile in your backyard as well as on the driveway. This usually happens due to strong storms, however other circumstances can cause loosening of tiles and shingles too. A roof made of shingles or tiles relies on each of the pieces to ensure the roof remains waterproof. If any pieces are absent, it creates an opening or gap that allows water to flow through.
• Holes. If you find holes, or more than one holes on the roof of your home, then it will not be a surprise to find leaks. Roof holes are as effective as holes on the bottom of buckets.
• Gutters that are blocked. Clogged gutters are a frequent and often unnoticed leak-causing issue. The guttering on your house is intended for the purpose of ensuring that water from rain, or melting snow gets properly taken away from your house. The clogs that form in your gutters create small dams that allow water to accumulate and spread its presence over your roof.
• Skylights. Skylights can create a transformational impact on the interior of your home. They provide better ventilation and allow more light to come into your home. If the skylight is not installed correctly or with inferior materials it can turn into the source of leaking, drips and dripping nightmare. Skylight leaks typically result due to poor workmanship, when the skylight or flashing isn’t installed properly.

How to spot roof leaks

The process of finding the source of a leak may be a bit difficult as the water is often able to move away from the initial entry point. The signs of a leak as well as the actual leak can be separated by a considerable distance.

To determine the cause of the leak, take the flashlight and walk into your attic at night. Make sure you only step onto the support beams that are large and avoid the insulation and the top of the ceiling, especially if of course you love fixing ceilings. The ceiling’s insulation and ceiling can’t hold your weight.

• Begin by searching from the point in which the leak started to leak through the ceiling.
• Take a look at how it behaves with water on slopes.
• Check for evidence for water-related damage. discoloration or mould. Also, look for signs of dampness, water damage, and discolouration on the beams supporting it;
• Shut off the flashlight to check for light that is shining through large cracks
• Once you’ve found the leak’s source then look over the remainder on the roofing for other indications of damage.

How do you repair a leaky roof?

Once you’ve identified the leak’s source and have identified the leak, it’s time to address the root of the problem. It is suggested that you have at least one additional person who can help to assist you in the process, and to also be able to react in the event emergencies arise. The three most popular roofing materials used in the UK are shingle, tile and flat asphalt roofs and flat roof, we will focus on the repair process for the three kinds of roofing.

Shingle

What you’ll need

• Replacement of shingles;
• A crowbar or pry bar;
• Hammer;
• Nails for roofing;
• Adhesive for roofing.

What should you do?

• Remove the damaged shingle using your hands.
• Take out the nails that are old with the hammer.
• Utilize your prybar or crowbar to gently lift up the shingle over the damaged area.
• If the shingle you are replacing is already cut to the proper size and length, simply place it in the proper position. If you do not have it cut the shingle to the proper length, the slide into its place.
• Secure the new shingle onto the roof using roofing nails and Hammer.
• Apply roofing adhesive to the heads of each nail, and then apply the shingle.

Asphalt flat roof

What you’ll need

• A primer and patching kit;
• A paint brush;
• Scissors;
• Flat roof roller.

What should you do?

• Clean up the surrounding area to get rid of any debris.
• Apply a generous coat of primer on the area that is damaged and the surrounding substance. Apply the primer about 5cm per direction, starting from the center of the affected area.
• Let the primer dry if directed to follow the directions on the label.
• Make a cut in the patching adhesive in the desired size.
• Place the material for patching onto the area that is damaged and then push it in.
• Smooth the material with the roof roller that is flat to ensure it’s properly applied and that the area damaged is properly sealed.

Tile

What you’ll need

• An alternative tile, or clear roofing sealant
• Hammer;
• Bar or crowbars;
• Roof nails or tiles.

What can you do?

• Find the damaged tile and determine if it’s damaged beyond repair or not.
• If the tile is just damaged, lift the tile up and apply the roofing sealant over the tile’s base.
• Reposition the damaged tile in its place and apply pressure to it.
• Apply additional sealant on the tile’s top to close the crack.
• If the tile has been badly damaged, raise the tile to the level of the damage with the pry bar or the Crowbar.
• Remove the damaged tile as much as you can. If not, gently smash it with a smashing hammer, and then take the pieces away.
• Replace the broken tile by a new one, and secure it with a clip for tiles or roofing nail in the event of need.
• Take your time removing the pry bar or crowbar and lower the tile on top of the replacement tile.

How can you stop leaks from the roof

Removing or replacing a roofing is a time-consuming and expensive process however, there are options you can take to prolong the lifespan that your roofing.

• Employ a professional and reliable roofing company to complete any repairs you don’t think you are able to do yourself.
• Make sure your gutters are clean and free of obstructions to ensure that water is able to be able to drain away.
• Check every year your roof for any signs of damage especially after heavy storms.
• Make sure that your attic is properly air-conditioned and insulated.

Here we are this guide on how to repair a leaky roof. It might seem difficult at first however, it’s much simpler than it appears. Find the cause of the leak, and then do the right thing to fix it.

However, if you’re not sure of your capability to complete the repair safely don’t force yourself in danger. The cost of hiring a professional is far better than paying for your health.