How to Fix a Leaking Roof from the Inside
When you discover that your roof is leaking inside the house, it may not be necessary to hire a roofing contractor to fix it.
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Suggestions for Fixing a Leaking Roof from the Inside
A leaking roof can occur during a heavy rain storm or snow. Water that enters the home can cause damage to the structure of the house and can lead to mold and other issues if it isn’t addressed promptly. Read more about the long-term effects of roof water damage on your home.
Depending on the location and source of the leak, it may be possible to fix it yourself. However, if the leak is something that needs to be taken care of immediately yet temporarily before an expert can come and inspect your roof, you need to know how to proceed. Usually, there is a problem on the outside of the roof that is letting water come into the home. This may not be an easily solved issue and may require the knowledge and experience of a roofing contractor.
Allied Roofing Solutions, your New Jersey roofing company, can assist you in determining the source of a leak and fixing it. Your roof may require either a roof repair or a roof replacement. But, if you need an urgent temporary fix before we can get to you, in this article, we guide you through the steps for fixing a leaking roof from the inside.
Identify the Source of the Roof Leak
First, you should identify the source of the problem. You may see signs of a leak from water stains that are visible on ceilings or walls. You may hear dripping or you may see wet insulation in the attic. To find the leak, begin to look for obvious signs like a hole in the roof. If you aren’t able to locate the source of the leak from inside the house, you will need to inspect the roof from the outside, if possible.
Determining Where the Leak Is From Inside the House
When You CAN Locate the Leak
If you can locate the leak visually from wet spots or water stains on the ceiling or walls, trace the water stain to its highest point. This is usually directly above the source of the leak. When you have identified the general area where the leak is, use a flashlight to inspect the underside of the roof decking or the insulation in the attic. Signs of water damage like wet insulation or dark spots on the decking are indications of a leak.
If You CAN NOT Locate the Leak
If you can’t locate the source of the leak, you may need to conduct a water test. This involves having a person on the roof with a hose spraying water in different areas while someone inside the house looks for water entering the house. This method can help you pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
Fixing a Leaking Roof From the Inside
You may be able to fix the leak temporarily from the inside. This will help to stop the leak from getting worse or causing more damage from water coming into the house. We recommend contacting a professional roofer to assess the situation and make permanent repairs. If the leak is large, go ahead and call a professional roofer as soon as possible.
But, if the situation is such that a fix is feasible from inside the house, follow these instructions.
If you have an active leak, try to divert the water and seal any gaps. Draw a circle around the area to mark the original leak location and size. You need a roofing patch (cement) and a putty knife to make a temporary patch.
- Locate the source of the leak.
- Remove insulation or debris from the area.
- Clean the area thoroughly using a putty knife to remove any loose or damaged material.
- Apply a liberal amount of roofing cement to the damaged area, using a putty knife (scraper) to spread it evenly.
- Allow the cement to dry and apply caulking around the edges and any holes.
- If you have any extra shingles, you can put roof patch tar to a shingle or a piece of timber to provide a barrier to water coming in.
- A more permanent fix would be to cover the damaged area with a piece of aluminum flashing, firmly pressing to create a seal, and to secure the flashing with roofing nails or screws. Make sure to cover the edges of the flashing with roofing cement to prevent water from coming through.
Fixing the Leak in an Emergency Situation
If your roof starts to leak during a heavy downpour, you may need to make emergency repairs to prevent more damage to your home. You will need roofing tar, a putty knife, and a piece of plywood or plastic roof covering.
Follow these instructions for making a temporary patch to stop the leak.
- Use a bucket to collect water.
- Locate the source of the leak.
- Remove any debris or loose shingles from the area.
- Use a putty knife to spread roofing tar over the leaking area to cover it completely.
- Cover the tar with a piece of plywood or plastic roof covering. Firmly press down on the covering to create a seal.
Contact Allied Roofing Solutions for Solutions to Your Leaking Roof
If you are experiencing a leaking roof, contact our knowledgeable team at Allied Roofing Solutions. With over 16 years of experience, we know how to accurately pinpoint where the problem area is. We will inspect the roof and determine whether it should be repaired or replaced. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate for a roof inspection by calling us at (201) 773-0633 or completing our easy-to-use contact form.
If you live in Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, or Somerset County, choose Allied Roofing as your preferred source of quality and trusted roofing solutions in New Jersey.