How do I stop my roof from leaking?

After a recent storm, have you noticed a leaky ceiling? Are you trying new ways to keep your home clean and dry? You must understand how to stop a roof from leaking. Consider the outside and interior factors that can make water into your home more accessible. Our roofing knowledge will allow you to restore your roof and create a more pleasant environment in your home.

 

Here are seven tips to stop your roof from leaking in the rain.

FIND THE SOURCE

To prevent your ceiling from leaking from rain, it is essential to understand how water can get into your home. This will help you save time and money when fixing multiple leaks. To check if rain is coming in through your roof, first, make sure you inspect it. Clogged gutters, pest infestation, and heating and plumbing problems are all possible leaks. To check for damage, inspect the ceiling and tiles. Leakage can occur if there is an uneven alignment in the areas you inspect.

CLEAR THE AREA

Once you know where the leak is coming from, you can make repairs. You can prevent roof leak damage by clearing the area where water could enter.

To catch any water from the roof, you can clean the area below the leak with a mop and place pails. 

 

For leaks from the floor above, suction hoses are a great option. It would be best if you also moved any furniture or other appliances in direct contact with the leak. Cover the furniture with plastic if it is too heavy or challenging to keep dry.

APPLY ROOFING TARA

Before addressing a leaky roof from the interior, it is essential to assess the exterior of your house. You can do this by ensuring the roof tiles are in good condition.

This is where roofing tar patches can be of assistance. 

These are best for removable tiles. You can remove the tiles and seal them with roofing tar to find ceiling leaks. Support material like shingle or plywood can help roofing tar perform better. To keep the area dry, push plywood or shingle against the leak.

USE PE PLASTIC

For leaks that are difficult to locate, some covering materials work best. Polyethylene (PEP) plastic is a prime example. It can reduce the space that leaks can cause and trap water trying to enter.

 

You only need a ruler to measure the amount of PE plastic needed to cover your leaky area. We recommend giving your plastic an extra three to four feet to minimize any future leaks.

 

The next step is to attach the plastic to your area using staples. Finally, nail the plastic in place. To protect your rooms from water damage, ensure your PE plastic is as thick as possible.

INSTALL NEW SHINGLES

Your roof's ability to stop a leak depends on how well your shingles are maintained. Water can quickly get in through cracks, bruises, and missing shingles. To avoid injuries when removing old shingles, wear safety gloves. 

 

Rubber boots are recommended to prevent slippage when climbing ladders to reach leaking areas. Use a straightedge to remove the damaged shingles and a nail removal hook to attach the new shingles. This temporary solution is best for temporary protection from the rain.

TARPAULINS ARE SUITABLE

You might face a storm and require a quick solution to your roof leak. You can use a tarp to cover any exterior leaks. The size of the roof and the number of leaks you have to deal with will determine the size of the Tarp you choose. Multiple tarps are useful for roofs that have too many leeks or leaks in different places.

 

For storms that bring heavy rain or strong winds, we recommend anchoring the Tarp with concrete blocks and extending it over the Ridge to hold it in place. If you're dealing with a mild storm, nails can be helpful.

SEAL JOINTS

If the roof's joints are damaged, your chances of repairing a roof leak increase. Rainwater can enter your home through cracks and chalk, as well as aluminum flashing where surfaces meet.

 

These areas may have valleys or chimneys. You can seal them with cement or roof sealant. Before applying sealant, ensure that the area is clean and dry.

 

For minor leaks, save the sealant and replace it with new flashing if you have larger cracks. You will save money long-term by knowing which tools you should use.

 

Hire professional Steadfast Roofers for any emergency roof repair in Pittsburgh. They will immediately come and will cover your roof from leakages.