How to Fix a Leaking Roof in 5 Simple Steps
Is there anything more frustrating than a leaky roof? You’re sitting in your living room, enjoying a cozy evening at home, when suddenly — drip, drip, drip. Water starts seeping through the ceiling, and your relaxation quickly turns to stress. Sound familiar?
Don’t panic. In many cases, you can fix a leaking roof yourself. We’ll walk you through five simple steps to identify and fix different roof leaks. Let’s get started!
1. Start from the Top
When searching for a leak, always look uphill from where the drip appears inside your home. Water typically enters through roof penetrations — think vents, chimneys, dormers, or anything else poking through the roofing material.
Grab a flashlight and head up to the attic. Can you spot any water stains or soggy insulation? Those are clues that will help you pinpoint the leak’s location. Keep in mind that water may travel along rafters or piping before dripping down, so the actual entry point could be higher up the roof.
2. Use the Hose Trick
If the leak is difficult to locate, try the garden hose trick. It’s a simple way to zero in on the problem area. Here’s what you do:
Climb up on the roof and have a helper stand inside the house where the drip is occurring.
Using a garden hose, soak the roof in sections, starting low and working your way up.
Pause for a few minutes after soaking each area to give the water time to seep through. Once your helper yells or signals that they see water coming through, you’ve found the leaky section of the roof.
Mark the area on your roof for repair.
3. Look to Roof Vents and Vent Boots
Roof vents and vent boots are notorious for causing leaks. Inspect plastic vents for cracks and metal vents for broken seams. The rubber boot surrounding the vent pipe could rot away or tear, allowing water to work its way into your home.
In some cases, you may be able to replace just the boot. But if the metal base is damaged, you’ll likely need to replace the entire vent. It’s not a difficult job — just be sure to seal it properly to prevent future leaks.
4. Replace Step Flashing
Step flashing is used along walls that intersect a roof. You’ll often find it around chimneys, skylights, and dormers. Each short section of flashing channels water over the shingle downhill from it, keeping moisture away from the wall.
If the flashing rusts through, or a piece comes loose, water will run right behind it — and into your house. To replace step flashing, you’ll need to remove the shingles, pry up the old flashing, and slide new flashing under the siding and shingles. Secure it with nails and seal it with caulk to ensure a watertight fit.
5. Clean Your Gutters
Okay, this one might not be a direct fix for your leaking roof but hear us out. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up onto your roof, leading to leaks and even dreaded ice dams in the winter.
Make a habit of cleaning your gutters at least twice a year — once in the spring and again in the fall. Use a sturdy ladder, wear gloves, and scoop out debris with a garden trowel. Flush the gutters with a hose to ensure they’re flowing freely. It’s a messy job, but it’s an important part of roof maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to fix a leaking roof from the inside?
While it’s always best to repair a roof leak from the outside, sometimes you need a temporary fix to minimize damage until weather permits exterior work. Try using roofing tar or polyurethane sealant to patch the leak from inside your attic. Just remember, this is a band-aid solution. You’ll still need to find and repair the source of the leak from outside.
Should I repair or replace my roof?
It depends on the extent of the damage and the age of your roof. If your roof is relatively new and the leak is isolated, a repair is likely all you need. But if your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan and the damage is widespread, replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.
How much does it cost to fix a roof leak?
The cost can vary greatly depending on factors like the size of the leak, the roofing material, and whether you hire a professional or DIY. Minor repairs could cost a few hundred dollars, while extensive damage could run into the thousands. If you’re unsure about the scope of the project, it’s wise to get a professional estimate.
Final Thoughts
Remember, a small leak can turn into a big problem if left unchecked. Water damage can compromise your home’s structure, lead to mold growth, and even attract pests. It’s important to understand how to fix a leaking roof right away.
If you can’t fix the leak yourself using these five steps, don’t hesitate to reach out to our residential roofing experts. It’s an investment in your home’s longevity and your peace of mind.
With a little know-how and proactive maintenance, you can keep your roof leak-free for years to come. So, grab your ladder, channel your inner handyman (or woman!), and show that leaky roof who’s boss!
If you can’t seem to find the leak yourself, everyone here at Burwell Construction is here to help! Call for a Free Roofing Estimate!
