There are few things more concerning than water coming through your ceiling. Thankfully, you can use a quick, easy, and cost-effective solution to prevent a small leak from becoming a big problem. This guide will explain everything you need to know about fixing leaky roofs from the inside, from the technique to the cost.
Can a Roof Leak Be Fixed From the Inside?
You might have heard the myth that leaking roofs can’t be fixed from inside the house. But, actually, as long as the leak is small, it is very much possible to patch it up yourself from the attic. Just try not to let it get out of hand. Too much time or a heavy downpour can easily make matters a lot worse.
If your roof is prone to leaks, then constant quick fixes won’t be enough to prevent structural damage. In such cases, it might be a better idea to think long-term and invest in a dry fixed roofing system, which will be watertight, more durable, and won’t require any maintenance.
How to Fix a Roof Leak From Inside an Attic?
With the right technique and tools, it’s easy enough to patch up a roof leak from inside your attic. Here’s how.
Remove Standing Water
Once you’re in the attic, remove the insulation from your ceiling’s drywall and mop up any standing water with sponges. Just be careful not to put any weight on the wet surface because it’s likely to break. Instead, rest a piece of plywood across the ceiling joists and work from that.
Look for the Leak
Now you need to look for the leak, which might be harder than you’d think. The water will likely travel down the rafters and drop down some distance away from where it first came in. So, find it by following its path on the inside of the roof.
Patch the Leak
When the roof is dry, you can make a start on your temporary roof patch. All you need to do is take a putty knife and apply a liberal layer of roofing tar or bitumen paint to the leaking hole. Then, press a shingle to the tar or paint and spread more around the edges. This will help to keep it in place.
Before you do this, though, you should use a piece of chalk to draw a circle around the problem areas. This will make them easier to find when it’s time to carry out a more permanent repair.
What Does it Cost to Fix a Small Roof Leak?
It’s not expensive to temporarily fix a leaky roof yourself. Shingles themselves are among the most inexpensive construction materials out there.
Neither roofing tar nor bitumen paint should cost you very much, either. You should be able to buy a one-litre container from most hardware stores including Bunnings, Mitre 10, and Home Timber & Hardware for around $20 or less.
Remember, though, that more permanent repairs will cost significantly more. So, if your roof leaks regularly, you might be better off with a roofing system that is harder-wearing and weather-resistant, such as dry fixed roofing.
Emergency Roof Leak Fix
If you spot water coming into your home, it’s important to do something about it fast. By completing emergency roof repairs, you can make sure small holes don’t worsen as soon as heavy rain hits.
Fixing a leaky roof from the inside is relatively inexpensive. However, more permanent repairs will be required once you’ve patched a leak up. That is unless you have a more resilient roofing system that doesn’t need maintenance.
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Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for homes today, accounting for nearly 70 percent of domestic roofing installations, according to Tom Bollnow, senior director of technical services at the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). And for good reason: Asphalt shingles are lightweight, durable, attractive, and priced well compared to competitive roofing materials.
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While most asphalt shingles are manufactured with the latest advancements in weather- and wind-resistance, fire safety, and long-lasting performance, even the best of them can develop problems over time. The good news is that an asphalt shingle roof is probably the easiest type to repair, since curled shingles can be flattened and re-secured, and old shingles can simply be replaced. Plus, asphalt shingles make the warning signs of a serious roofing problem readily perceptible. Follow the four steps to repairing a leaky roof outlined ahead, and you may find your problem short-lived.
1. Find the roof leak.
If you discover that your roof is leaking—most likely evident by water stains on the ceiling—note the leak’s location, then go outside with a good pair of binoculars to find the roof leak. Look to see if there are any curled, cracked, or missing shingles. Leaks can occur at any point where shingles butt, or where caulking and flashing have been compromised. End caps, the tent-shaped shingles that cover the angular peaks of the roof, can also be the source of leaks, so check those as well.
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2. Secure curled shingles.
Curled-back shingles, for example, can be re-secured by brushing on a coating of asphalt roofing cement or finding its equivalent compound in tubes for use with a caulk gun (like Henry Rubberized Wet Patch, available in a 10.1-ounce cartridge at The Home Depot). When repairing a leaky roof, you’ll want to apply a generous amount of roofing cement to the underside of the shingle to make certain that the edge and corners are secured. Then press firmly to set.
Note: Shingles will be more pliable in warm weather than when it’s cold, so consider that factor when resolving problems.
3. Replace damaged or missing shingles.
If shingles are cracked, missing, or rotten, replacing them may be another simple fix for repairing a leaky roof (provided you have the replacement shingles). To remove a damaged shingle, lift the edges of the surrounding shingles and carefully remove nails with a pry bar. Once the nails are removed, the shingle should slide out. Scrape away any of the residue cement from the roof and level or remove protruding nails.
Before you attempt to replace a new shingle, round the back corners with a utility knife. This will make it easier for you to slide the shingle under the one above and align it with those on either side. Once you have it in position, lift the corners of the overlapping shingles and fasten the top of the new replacement with 6d galvanized roofing nails (like these 2-inch options from The Home Depot). Be sure to secure with nails in each corner. Last, cover the nail heads with roof cement and smooth down the overlapping shingle edges.
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4. Fix flashing.
To repair leaks caused by metal flashing around chimneys and dormers, simply reseal joints using a caulk gun filled with roofing cement. If you see damage to joints previously sealed with a line of roof cement, apply a fresh new coat with a putty knife.
If it’s necessary to replace an entire row of shingles, or if you find that shingles lift off from the roof too easily, it may be time to call in a professional roofer to inspect the situation. Spot repairs will not extend the life of a roof in need of replacement.
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