It’s awful to discover a roof leak after a storm. The damage that can be done to ceilings and walls inside your home is costly.
Where do you start if you are not an expert in roofing?
How To Stop Your Roof From Leaking During Heavy Rain.
Our roofing experts have created a list with seven tips that will help you plug up your leaks before the rains come.
1. Find The Source Of Leakage
Find out how and where the water enters your home to prevent leaks. Early detection will help you save money on redecoration and repairs, or on buying unnecessary tools.
Check to make sure that the roof is leaking rainwater.
Why?
Leaks can also come from:
- Clogged gutters
- Plumbing problems
- Heating and cooling system problems
- Pest infestation
Check the ceiling and roof drywall and tile. Misaligned tiles can cause damp and leaks.
2. Clear The Area
If you have identified the source of the leak, remove all furniture from the area and place buckets in the areas where water may be dripping. Cover heavy furniture with plastic sheets to protect it against dust and water.
3. Seal Gaps With Roofing Tar
Roof tar can be used to plug leaks if you have removable tiles on your roof. You can remove the tiles and apply the tar. Apply roof tar and place a piece or plywood across the gap to seal and keep it dry.
4. Use Polyethene Plastic For Hard-To-Find Leaks
If the source of the leak is difficult to locate, a covering material such as polyethene (PE) can be used. This reduces the affected area and captures any rainwater that might get through.
We recommend using four feet of plastic over the area to minimise future leaks.
The thicker the plastic is, the more protection it offers.
5. Replace Old Or Broken Shingles
The condition of the shingles on your roof can have a major impact on how well it stops leaks.
If your shingles are:
- Missing pieces
- Bruises
- Curls
Rainwater can easily get into the hole.
Remove any old or broken shingles and replace them with new ones using roofing tar and nails.
6. Use Tarpaulin For A Quick Fix
Tarpaulins are ideal for covering large areas quickly if you need to fix a leak before a storm arrives.
Especially during strong winds, cover the entire area and secure it with concrete blocks. When the wind is moderate to mild, nails will be sufficient to keep the tarp in position.
7. Seal Joins And Joints
Rainwater can sneak into your home by finding the gaps between surfaces, such as chimneys, flashings made of aluminium, and gutters.
They are easy to fix.
Roof cement or sealant will do the job (make sure that you dry out the area before sealing it, as you don’t wish to seal in damp areas!).
What Do I Do Now?
Early roof repairs in Dunedin are the best way to prevent your roof from leaking, causing damage, and incurring costly repairs.
Kowhai Painters Can Help.
Our paints and finishes are used by professionals, individuals and industry leaders in the UK.
If you want to protect outdoor areas, take a look at our selection of external roofing paints. Browse our entire collection which includes interior paints, varnishes and wood stains.