If your roof is leaking, it is definitely an unpleasant and frustrating experience that leads to several other problems, like damaging the furniture and floors. Moreover, it can also lead to mould formation, which results in health issues of all sorts.

 

If the rainy season is around and you face the danger of a leaky roof, repairing it’s a must to prevent water damage to your beautiful home. If you’re also wondering what if my roof is leaking, what should I do, then his article is for you. 

Locate the Leakage Point 

Before you try roof leakage repair, it is vital to locate the point causing the problem. Use a flashlight to find the stain and follow the line. Usually, the leakage point is higher than the stain. Most of the time, roof attics are the cause of leaks, such as attic fans, turbines, soil stack pipes, etc. Damaged plywood might also cause leakage sometimes. Contact a professional roofing contractor if you cannot detect the leakage or the cause behind it.

Make Temporary Shingles 

While removing shingles from your roof might be necessary, you might need more supplies. In this case, you can make them from sheet metal for temporary usage.

 

Just cut the sheet metal in the size of the shingles you are already using and install them as ordinary shingles. Nail the sheet metal shingles to fix them in one place and secure them further by applying roof cement on them. It’s always recommended to take help from a roofing contractor.

Cover the Leakage Area with a Tarp 

A tarp is a good option if you want a quick and easy roof leakage repair. It is made from polyester, which is covered by polyurethane and is an excellent water-repellent. Tarps usually have grommets, making securing them firmly in tricky weather conditions it is more manageable.

 

Fit the tarp over the affected area and nail it down to prevent it from blowing away. It is an emergency repair that can be completed in minutes, so make sure you always have a tarp lying around for such situations. A good roofing contractor Richmond will cover the roof with a tarp like this:

 

  • Spread the tarp over the affected area. 
  • Use weights such as bricks to firmly secure and ensure it is flat with no significant creases. 
  • Make sure you start at the highest point and secure it with nails or screws using grommets. Only nail it down at points other than grommets, as it would tear the tarp.

Use Roofing Cement to Fix Patches 

Roofing cement is an excellent way of fixing cracks and holes that cause leakage in the roof. It is readily available at every hardware store at reasonable rates, and a roofing contractor can apply it perfectly on your roof.

 

Applying roofing cement on leakages is a simple process:

 

  • Clean the debris away from the crack or hole using a brush.
  • Fill the hole or crack with roofing cement. Make sure to fill it completely so that there’s no chance of leakage.

Use Silicone Sealant 

Silicone is perfect for fixing small holes and cracks. People often use silicone around chimneys as they are often the trouble points. You will need to hire a roofing contractor to apply it for you. Silicone sealant provides several advantages to homeowners such as:

 

  • Costs between $2 and $3.5 per square foot to cover a roof with a silicone sealant, while a complete roof tear-off and installation expenses are much higher
  • Increases the life of your roof if it is already in decent condition. You can fill the cracks, holes, and seams with a silicone sealant, which will last years. 
  • Applied using a spray gun or a roll-on if the weather is windy. In both cases, the installation time is short compared to applying other sealants. 

Apply Rubber Sealant 

Rubber sealant is also a great solution when the roof is leaking. It can be applied in both wet and dry conditions. You can cover the problematic areas with a tarp and secure them with rubber sealant around the edges & corners. However, you’ll need a roofing contractor to pull it off.

 

Rubber sealant brings multiple benefits, such as

  • It is versatile, as it can be used on all roofs. Similarly, it can be combined with several other roof leak repair materials.
  • Rubber sealant is much stronger than other sealants on the market, as it can withstand years of foot traffic and severe weather before getting damaged. It also has a Class A fire rating and strong fire resistance.
  • The rubber coating is also seamless, so there is no danger of water seeping through the creases and damaging your roof. 

 

One disadvantage of a rubber sealant is that it discolours the area it is used on. Therefore, don’t use it in places you don’t want to replace it.

Use Roof Flashing 

Roof flashing is galvanized steel, a thin metal sheet used to direct water from areas where the roof leaks. It is usually used around chimneys and crevices where the water can creep inside. There are three main types of roof flashing that you need to understand.

 

  • Continuous flashing acts like an apron and covers an area in a single piece of metal. However, long pieces of metal can break down as homes expand and contract during different seasons. Therefore, continuous flashing usually has expansion joints that prevent breakages.
  • Base flashing is made up of two layers of metal and is especially useful in areas that get a lot of rain and are prone to leaks. Also, installing it flashing around chimneys is tricky so having two layers makes it safer.
  • Step flashing is bent 90 degrees from the center, making it suitable for roof-to-wall flashing. Multiple pieces are installed in layers to make water flow away from the wall to achieve complete safety.

Conclusion 

These are some of the best tips for those asking, “if my roof is leaking what should I do?” Take it easy and follow the tips above to repair it as soon as possible. However, it is only possible for some to do so due to a lack of experience. Therefore, you need an experienced roofing contractor to do the work for you.

 

If you’re in Metro Vancouver and want a roofing contractor, look no further than Max Roofing. We have a qualified team that can stop your leaky roof and brings you and your family instant comfort.

So, contact us today to book an appointment and say goodbye to your problematic roof for good.