Roof Leak Temporary Repair Guide

How To Fix A Leaking Roof in Florida

Most Florida homeowners know the gut-wrenching moment when they first spot a roof leak. There are millions of concerns: How long has your roof been leaking? Did the roof leak cause any damage? How am I going to fix the roof leak? And how much is it going to cost to fix a roof leak?

Do You Have Water Damage From A Leaking Roof?

Repair Your Roof Leak ASAP

A leaky roof can become a major disruption in a homeowner’s life if it is ignored or undetected for a long period of time. Living in a state like Florida, rain and wind are common elements that we must battle with. Because of this, roof leaks are just a part of life. The good news is that you can relax, use this guide to temporarily patch your roof leak. And call an emergency roof repair service if you need immediate help.

How to Find the Source of the Roof Leak

When you are fixing a leaky roof, the first step will always be to determine the source of the leak. The easiest way to do this is to climb up into your attic and begin searching for it. Keep in mind that the room where the leak is coming from is not necessarily where it is starting from. Once you have found the source, you must seal or cover up the leak so that no more damage will occur to your home.

How to Patch a Roof Leak

Here are a few options you have for patching the roof leak:

Use Roofing Cement to Stop a Leaking Roof

Roofing cement is a common temporary fix, and it isn’t very difficult. All you’ll need is some roofing cement, a spatula, and a flashlight. Prepare the roofing cement and bring it with you into the attic. Use the spatula to spread the cement over the leak. Be sure to cover it completely and evenly, using a sideways motion to spread the cement is ideal. This will require many layers of roofing cement, and should only be used for short periods of time.

Use Sheet Metal to Repair a Roof Leak

Using sheet metal to patch a roof-leak is quite effective when combined with the roofing cement technique. This method will require a sheet of galvanized sheet metal, a ladder, a hammer, and some nails. Essentially, you climb onto the roof, carefully pull the shingles off the roof (where the leak is coming from), nail the sheet metal down over the leak, and replace the shingles (ON TOP OF THE METAL). This is important because it will prevent the sheet metal from rusting and provide better protection.

Use Roof Sealing Tape to Patch a Roof

Roofing tape is a speedy alternative to roofing cement and sheet metal. If you just need a one or two-day fix, this is the way to go. The downside is that it won’t last very long, but it can be quickly replaced without much fuss. When you are installing the tape, be sure to place it on both the inside and outside of the leak.

Use a Water Proof Tarp to Prevent Roof Water Damage

Using a tarp is the least aesthetically-pleasing roof leak fix method. If you choose to go with this, be sure to secure the tarp with four feet of extra space on either side of the leak. You will need to reinforce the tarp with staples or nails. This method is a good option for homeowners that already have a tarp at home.