Leaky roof? 5 Quick fixes to tide you over

A leak in your roof is not something to be ignored, especially as storm season takes hold. Not only is a leak often awkward to locate, but if left unattended, a roof leak can cause significant damage to your home's structure. 

If your roof continues to leak, mold can also start to develop, potentially causing health issues to you and your family.

When the weather gets too bad for a professional roofer to examine the damage, leaving your roof alone is just not an option.

What causes roof leaks?

There are many reasons why your roof could be leaking. Some of the most common problems include:

The age of your roof

Like anything, your roof can tire with age, having suffered through the full force of nature and stormy weather. While replacing your roof can add years to your home, it’s not uncommon for your roof’s materials to age and need replacing further down the line.

It may be that shingles and tiles have come loose or broken away from your roof, allowing that dreaded water inside.

Clogged gutters

Often, it doesn’t have to be your roof that has necessarily tired, come loose or broken entirely. When your gutters become clogged, they can quickly overflow, causing damage to your roof. Adding gutter guards can help protect your home from the elements, avoiding overflow from damaging your attics and basement.

Poorly installed skylights

Skylights can help to transform your home – they allow for better ventilation and a greater amount of natural light. However, when installed incorrectly (or with substandard materials), they can quickly cause leaks in your roof.

How to do a quick fix on your roof

So, what can you do to temporarily fix your leaky roof? Here are 5 quick fixes to tide you over.

1. Use a tarp to cover the leaking area

A tarp - or tarpaulin - makes for a great temporary fix for a leaky roof. Once you’ve identified where the leak is coming from, cover the area with a tarp and use something substantial to secure it.

This will help to keep moisture from getting into your home and causing further damage. Depending on where the leak is on your roof, be sure to position the tarp so that water cannot run underneath it.

If you’re able, nail the edges of the tarp down to avoid it blowing away in stormy or windy weather. While this is a quick fix for a leaky roof, it should hopefully prevent rain from getting into your home for a while. Then, when able, request the help of a professional to make a permanent fix.

2. Use caulk or silicone

Most certainly not a long-term fix; using caulk or silicone can quickly fill in more minor leaks. While a small hole may not appear to do too much damage, if left uncared for, water can quickly spread into your home’s structure and cause permanent damage.

If you’ve noticed a small leak such as a hole in a shingle, flashing or soffit, both silicone and caulk can be quickly applied to prevent further cracking.

3. Replace shingles to patch the leak

If you feel comfortable in your DIY roofing abilities, replacing loose or broken shingles can quickly save you the stress of your roof leaking.

Firstly, remove the damaged shingle/s by using a flat pry bar to pop the shingle out from the nails holding it in place. 

You can also apply roofing cement to the underside of the shingle/s to keep them in place. But if you’re unsure of the quality of the repair, speak to a professional roofing contractor to make a long-term solution.

4. Use roof flashing to cover the leaking area

A flimsy metal material, roof flashing can be a quick fix for a leaky roof. Apply caulk around the location of the roof leak before tucking the flashing under the row of shingles.

Suppose you’re experiencing a leak around the base of your chimney. In that case, roof flashing can be incredibly effective at stopping such leaks.

While professional roofers will usually install flashing when first building your roof, if this element was missed (or has become loose), it could result in leaks.

5. Use a rubber sealant coating

Repairing a leak in your roof, at least temporarily, is made relatively simple by using a rubber sealant coating. While this won’t withhold weather in the long term, it can make for a great interim roof fix.

Typically used for smaller holes in a roof, apply where the leak is originating from. If the leak is in a larger area or has caused more significant damage, you may need to use a combination of these techniques to create a short-term fix!

In some instances, combining a tarp with a rubber sealant will create a water-tight solution that can prevent further leaks until a professional fix can be made. However, use it carefully as it can change the color of the material it’s sprayed on.

Only quick fixes, not long-term solutions

While these tips may be enough to tide you over in the event of a leaky roof, it’s usually best to seek professional guidance in order to examine your roof and recommend a full-time fix. Often, home insurance will cover the need for a new roof, and since your home is a huge investment, taking care of it is crucial!

Looking for a professional roof repair?

While implementing these quick fixes are great for a short period of time. Unfortunately, they won’t provide a long-term solution.

The Arrow Renovation experts can help to keep your home safe and free of leaks, offering roof replacements, roof vents, gutter guards and much more!

We offer a variety of roofing services to keep your home safe and dry across Leawood, Prairie Village, Lansing, Olathe, Less Summit, Shawnee, Overland Park, Raymore, Kansas City, Lenexa and the nearby areas. Simply drop us a call at 1-913-703-3000 or contact us online to get started.