A leaky roof can cause a lot of damage, always when you least expect it. In an economy that requires tight budgeting, you might find yourself holding the ducktape and preparing to go it alone with your home repairs. In this article, we give you the tips you need to safely patch your roof to give yourself time to save and when you need to call an expert.
How to temporarily fix your roof in an emergency.
Get an expert out as soon as you can
If you find yourself in a bind, a temporary solution can be an option to safely get you through a couple of months. However, a DIY solution shouldn’t be a long-term answer to damage. If your roof is at the end of its lifespan, a repair will not be sufficient to protect your home long-term. A home repair will leave a weak spot in your roof that will be susceptible to further damage––especially with the unpredictable weather here in Saskatchewan.
Find the source of the leak
If you’re suffering from a leak, the best thing you can do is to prevent any further water from getting into your home. Finding a leak can be difficult; if possible in your home, enter your attic space with a flashlight to find where the leak originated. This will help you determine where the leak originates on the roof and how to best fix it. Look for the source of the leak on your sheathing or rafters, where you can see tell-tale signs like water or mould, depending on the age of the leak. You can also look for water or mould damage in the insulation or from below in the poly (vapour barrier).
Safely get onto the roof and find the cause of the damage
A leak can occur from damaged flashing, roofing materials, skylights, or a blocked eaves trough. Ensure that you assess vent pipes, dormers, and the roof-pitch transition points for damaged flashing or deteriorating caulking.
To properly fix a leak, you need to locate the source. If you cannot locate the leak, calling an expert can help prevent extensive damage and the need for roof replacement.
Ensure that your air exchange is well functioning
Your roof is designed to keep your home free of mould, mildew, and moisture and stabilize the temperature year-round. If there is debris or an incorrect installation of your soffit or heat exchange systems, moisture can build up, causing leaks and mould. Every season, do a visual inspection of your interior attic and exterior soffit to ensure there are no issues.
Replace any damaged material
Damaged roofing materials can cause many woes. If you have a leak, you must replace damaged shingles, flashing, caulking, or eavestroughs properly. A temporary fix can help prevent further damage to your roof until you are ready to call a trusted contractor. If your roof has reached the end of its life, a replacement will be necessary, and any patch will be a very short-term solution.
A temporary roof repair can prevent further damage.
A DIY roof repair with materials such as a waterproof tarp, tar paper, or caulking can prevent any additional damage to your home while you prepare for a skilled contractor to assess the damage. A leak in your roof does not mean you will need a roof replacement; where the shingles are still in good condition, only a repair may be necessary. A professional repair can assess the damage and ensure your roof continues to protect your home for the duration of its lifespan; unless the damage covers more than a third of your roof or there is significant mould and damage to the decking, a repair is all you’ll need to keep your home dry. In many cases, the damage is caused by inclement weather or improper footwear on the shingles while doing routine maintenance.
In Saskatchewan, the number one cause of roof damage is ice dams caused by improper ventilation or ineffective insulation in the attic; this allows inside air to escape into the attic and create warm spots on the roof. If you notice ice damns or symptoms such as large icicles forming on your roof, sagging or improperly draining eavestroughs, or interior water damage, you may need to check your attic; a lack of ventilation can cause serious damage to your roofing systems, and you may need to replace the insulation or create better ventilation in the attic area.
When you need a trusted contractor for roof repair, call Ozmun Exteriors.
Our experienced team can assess and repair any damage to the roof of your home or business. With flexible payment options, experience-based quotes, and advice for making insurance claims, you never have to sacrifice your comfort or stability to make an emergency repair or necessary replacement.