Roof leaks are a major problem requiring immediate attention. Leaving leaky roofs unattended can expose you to water damage and attending problems, including mold and mildew. Fixing this problem can be done in one of two ways, from inside or outside. Most property owners are familiar with fixing leaks from outside. However, fixing them from the inside has its perks and advantages too.
To fix roof leak from the inside, you must have the experience and expertise required for the job. Hiring a professional is preferable if you lack the requisite skills, as you may further damage your roof. However, if you’re confident in your skills and ability to pull the job off, here are the steps on how to fix a roof leak from the inside.
Step 1: Identify the Leak
Repairing a leak in your roof becomes easier when you know the problem’s source. Detecting the leaky spots is the first step to solving this problem. If you’re new to this, start by visiting your attic on a sunny day to check out the light beams entering the space. Light beams are a major indication of leaky spots. Mark those spots for fixing.
If on a wet day, get into your ceiling and trace the source of the leaking water. There’s a huge chance that you’ll be able to detect the source of the leak immediately. Be sure to go into the ceiling with a flashlight and watch your steps as you navigate through the dark space.
Detecting leaks in your ceiling requires lots of attention and patience. Sometimes water may travel a distance and may give a false sense of the problem area. You should be willing to carefully inspect the space to ensure you’ve picked all affected areas.
Pro Tip: The best leak inspection results are obtained during a heavy downpour or during the hot summer months.
Some of the common signs indicating a roof leak include;
- Missing or warped shingles from outside
- A musty odor in rooms
- Water stains on the interior walls and/or ceilings
- Water spots or stains on exterior walls
- Popcorn or bubbling paint on interior walls
Step 2: Seal The Leaking Point
Sealing a leaky spot on your roof requires patience. After locating the affected area, wait until the rain has subsided and the affected spots are dried up before taking action. Wet surfaces may affect adherence, and this can affect the intended results.
Make a small circle around the affected spots using chalk. This is better when you have multiple leaking spots. The chalk marking allows you to easily spot the problem areas and patch them once your patch mix is ready.
To make a patch seal:
- Get a piece of roofers roofing tar and stick it on a piece of shingle or plywood.
- Use a knife or any tool with a flat surface to apply the material to the leaking point.
- Ensure that the tar patch encircles the affected leaking point and press firmly to ensure proper adherence to the affected area.
You can also use a scraper to cover the entire leaking area and surround it with caulking for the best results.
Step 3: Inspect the Roof From Outside
Once you’ve successfully sealed the roof from the inside, pick a bright day to inspect your roof from the outside. However, you should check back on the ceiling space days apart to know whether you’ve sealed the right spots or not. If your roof is still leaking or letting light beams in, you may need to redo the process.
Contact a professional roofing contractor for the outdoor inspection or get a ladder and a helping hand. Climb atop your roof to investigate common problems like missing shingles, worn granules, etc. You should also check for problems with the flashings and underlayment.
If there’s any problem with your roof, contact a roofing contractor for roof repair near me services. They can solve the problem quickly to prevent further compromise to your roof.
Should Your Repair or Replace?
While it is financially wise to repair your roof, it’s not always the best line of action. Most homeowners are caught in between repairing and replacing their roofs. If you’re one of them, below are some tips to help you make the best decision.
Your roof’s age: Roofing materials have different lifespans and durability. Some metal roofs can last between 50 to 70 years when properly maintained, while shingles may last between 15 and 30 years. Generally, if your roof is nearing the 20 years age mark, you should be planning a replacement, especially if you’re spending a lot on repairs.
Not sure if your roof is old and ready for replacement? Watch out for signs like curled or bucked shingles, granules in the gutter, roof sags, missing shingles, bald and blistering shingles, etc.
Budget: A roof replacement project is a capital-intensive project that requires a lot of financial planning. Roof repairs may be best if you’re on a budget and looking to save money on commercial roofers. You can also choose roof restorations to buy you some more time as you plan for the replacement cost.
Please be advised that a replacement is best if you’re already spending a little too much on roof repairs.
How long do you intend to stay: Roof repair is a sound financial choice if you’re looking to sell your house in some years. However, roof replacement offers more peace of mind if you intend to stay for a long time, say 15 to 20 more years.
Frequently Asked Roof Repair Questions
How Can I Locate a Leak on my Roof?
Leaks can be detected physically through roof inspection on rainy or sunny days. You can also use a water meter to check the level of moisture retained in your roof or the underlayment.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Leaky Roof?
The cost to fix roof leak depends on the type of problem causing the leaks and the type of roof material you have installed. On average, roof repairs will cost more in areas with a high labor cost. You will also spend more to repair a slate roof compared to other roofing materials.
What to do if I Find Leaks on my Ceiling?
Contact a trusted and professional roof repair company like Wegner Roofing & Solar immediately. Leaving the problem to sit in can further damage your roof and cost more money to repair.
