4 Tips To Repair A leaky Roof

Initially, a leaking roof carries the danger of ruining the attic of your house. However, if there is no attic, a water leak will start to ruin the roof and internal building as well as the foundation of your home.

Several household issues may be ignored, but a roof leak should not be overlooked as it can become a threat to your health and safety.

A leaky roof can occur because of many reasons such as- improper roof installation, wind or storm damage, lack of maintenance, and wear and tear due to the passage of time as most roofs only last for about 20-30 years.

You should know the gist

Lesser-known effects of a roof leak include higher utility bills and wasted electricity, growth of interior mold and mildew, health problems from the development of the said mold, ceiling damage, fire hazard as water leaks may damage the electrical wiring of the house.

The leak initially affects the roof, followed by the ceiling, affecting its paint and plaster. The paint starts to peel off and turns into a powdery texture.

This leading water can seep into the walls and cause dampness or seepage in the house. If wooden furniture is kept under or near the leak, the furniture would be spoilt. Water can weaken the wood and peel off its paint as well as swell up the wood. It takes either a lot of money or personal effort to salvage the wooden furniture.

Here is the solution

To fix a leaky roof, the first thing one should do is to contain the leak. Place an old container under the leak. One may also put a board on the box so that the drip hits the board and not the water, thus minimizing the dripping sound.

If the leak has accumulated water in your roof, then puncture the accumulated water gently, allowing for a smooth flow of the accumulated water.

Try and locate the exact source of the leak; if you are entirely sure of the leak's origin, secure it safely using a large tarp. However, if you cannot reach it or are not confident in reserving it, it is best to call a trained professional.

After draining the water, clean off the falling plaster and apply a waterproofing solution. Before using it, make sure that the surface is clean and smooth for easy and even application.

Four tips to repair a leaky roof

1.    Carefully find the leak

Finding the exact spot from where the leak has originated is a crucial step. Make sure you take your time and find the precise spot of the leak. Once you have located the source, drain the leak if there is a bulge or no slope for water outflow.

2.             Repair as per the size of the leak

The modus operandi of repairing a small and big leak is different. Make sure you know whether the leak is a big or small one. A big leak would require professional help and another roof furnishing. A small leak can be fixed simply with waterproofing solutions.

3.             Repair according to the type of roof

Different types of roofs require other techniques to fix a leak. If you have a multi-storied house and the leak is from the ceiling, it most likely will not affect the actual roof of the structure.

Plastic Vented roofs require the replacement of the damaged vents. In such a case, remove nails under the shingles and replace them with new ones.

4.             Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Repairing a leaking roof is not as easy as it may sound. While smaller leaks take less time and fort for repairing, big leaks, most often, require professional help. Also depending on the time, the leak was ignored, electrical wiring and its condition should be checked.

If the task seems too complicated and difficult, call a trained professional to fix it for you.

Conclusion

A leak in the roof can happen due to a multitude of reasons, from wear and tear to wind damage to the passage of time. One shouldn’t ignore a roof leak as it can have very disastrous effects such as electrical wiring damage, growth of mold, dampness in the house, etc.

Repair your roof depending on the size of the leak, cause of the leak as well as the type of roof and extent of the damage. Take professional help if needed.