Quick Fix for a Leaking Roof
Little else provides protection like a roof overhead. Our home’s roof protects the people we love and the things that we hold dear. The roof is our shelter from storms, but sometimes those storms can be so severe that they inflict damage on our roofing system. Gulf Coast residents are no strangers to threatening weather. Whether it is an approaching hurricane or surprise thunderstorms, our homes are often subjected to mother nature’s fickle wrath. Anytime a home’s roof is compromised, it is imperative to get a professional to examine it immediately. What if, that just is not possible? Perhaps the damage occurs on a holiday or in the middle of the night. Leaving your home exposed to the elements can often cause more extensive damage. Knowing how to make a quick fix for a leaking roof can prevent further damage and save you money.
Types of Damage That Require Immediate Repair
A roof that is actively leaking or damaged will usually require some type of immediate attention, but that is not the case in all circumstances. For instance, if you have had a few shingles curl up after a storm on Sunday afternoon but the forecast is clear until Monday, which is when the roofing contractor would be available to perform an inspection, you should be fine to wait on the professionals. If more rain is predicted before a qualified roofer can come out, then making a quick fix would be advisable. Additionally, any catastrophic damage from trees or debris would require immediate attention to prevent more water intrusion. Left untouched, a leaking roof can cause major damage and result in mold issues.
How To Make a Quick Fix
Once you have determined that a quick fix is necessary to stop the leaking, you will need to know how best to do that. The first and most important step is to calmly assess the situation. Remaining calm will help avoid mistakes and possible injury.
If the leak is coming from loose shingles, slide them back in place and nail them in place. If the shingles have curled you can attempt to glue them flat with roofing cement. If your shingles are gone completely, and if time allows, you may want to use sheet metal as a temporary replacement. Simply trace over an existing shingle and cut the metal to size.
Tarps are a simple and effective quick fix for many types of roof damage from minor leaks to holes from trees or debris. Any local who has lived through the Gulf Coast’s hurricanes knows the importance of a good tarp. The tarp needs to be big enough to protect the damaged area and strong enough to withstand high winds. To be effective, it will need to be pulled taut and nailed down. Nails used in any of the previous circumstances should be topped with roofing cement if possible.
If the damage is not severe, you can attempt to repair the roof from inside your home. Once you have determined where the source of the leak is (usually by accessing the attic), apply a generous amount of roof patch. Let the patch dry and caulk the edges and any holes. Again, these quick fixes are not a permanent solution, but can temporarily delay the problem.
When Not to Attempt Repairs
Is attempting temporary repairs on your own always a good idea? The answer is no. If you feel uncomfortable or are not physically able to climb then do NOT attempt to do so. If inclement weather is present, you should avoid scaling on the roof. Doing so puts you at risk for a fall or the possibility of getting struck by lightning.
Having a professional roofing contractor inspect and repair your damaged roof is always the best solution. If circumstances do not allow and the damage will worsen without immediate intervention then a quick fix may be necessary. Make sure to take the appropriate safety precautions and have an expert come out as soon as possible to ensure the repairs are made properly. The team at Freeman Roofing has the experience to permanently fix your roof and ensure your family and treasures are protected.