If you’ve discovered your roof is leaking chances are you’re feeling quite anxious about it. You may be worried about how your roof is going to hold up while you wait for it to be repaired. However, there are 5 quick, short-term fixes you can try in the meantime. Let’s take a look at these now:
1 – Use Tarps
Tarps are useful in cases such as these. If you have them to hand you can use tarps to protect your home and your most valuable and treasured possessions. Drape the tarps over your possessions or affix it to the area where the rain is coming in. The tarp will act as a temporary measure and ensure that no more rain makes its way into your home in the meantime.
Please make sure that if you affix the tarp to the area where the rain is coming in that you ensure it’s tight. This will help to prevent pools of water forming.
2 – Fix the Flashing
Flashing is the thin metal strip that is placed over the roof’s joints. It works to prevent moisture and snow from entering the property. Flashing does need to be re-sealed over the years as it can become loose, develop cracks, or its sealant can fail.
Remove the nails that have secured the flashing and lift the shingles (If you have any) out of the way. Place some new flashing down and secure it with some roof nails. Apply some sealant as that should help. If you’re replacing flashing that’s located over a pipe or vent you will need to replace the boot or collar.
3. Replace the Shingles
If your home is covered in shingles you may find that they lose their protective coating after a while. This can cause them to disintegrate or crack. Remove the layer of nails by replacing a pry bar underneath the shingle and above the damaged ones. Lift the shingle gently. Remove the second row of shingles and add the new ones. Secure into place using roofing nails.
4. Replace the Roof Vent Boots
Roof vent boots work along with flashings to create a waterproof barrier, and are also known as “Collars”. You can typically remove a roof vent boot by getting rid of the nails around the shingles that surround it. Install a new boot and secure using roofing nails.
5. Patch the Roof
Finally, you may want to think about adding some caulk to any holes in your roof. Take up the shingle that has let the rain in and place some flashing underneath. Use some caulk to seal the flashing. This method should only be used on small holes. If you have some large holes a roofing contractor should deal with them.
This quick short-term fixes should last until your roof gets fixed by a professional. If you are not sure you can carry out the above methods you may want to ask someone for help. A friend or family member may be able to help ease the leak in the meantime.
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