Are you a home-owner in Kitchener-Waterloo with a leaky roof? In the spring season, it’s not uncommon to be hit with a surprise roof leak. Today, we’ll be showing you how to temporarily fix the problem and keep the leak under control until a professional roofing contractor can help.
How to Quickly Fix a Roof Leak in Kitchener-Waterloo
Before diving into the common causes and signs of a roof leak, let’s answer the most important question, and likely what you’re here for: “How do I quickly fix my leaky roof on my own?”
We’ll outline the immediate steps for stopping a persistent leak and preventing further damage. For a permanent solution, please reach out to a professional roofing contractor.
As soon as you notice a leak in your roof, you need to act quickly. Leaving the problem unaddressed will lead to further water damage to your home, which will be costly to fix. Extensive and unresolved water damage can be irreversible.
Step 1: Locate the Leak
First, locate the source of the leak, either on the inside through your ceiling, or from the outside by inspecting your roof. You can also take a look from your attic, but be mindful of the type of insulation you have and whether it can affect your health.
These are the most common indicators we see of a roof leak in Kitchener-Waterloo:
- Water stains, which usually appear as yellow or brown splotches on your ceilings, walls, or in your attic.
- Damaged and/or missing shingles on the roof, which could be leaving space for water to seep into your home.
- Out-of-dated or damaged flashing, which water can seep in through.
- Mold on the ceiling, walls, or in the attic.
Leak sources can sometimes be hidden and not easy to find. If you can’t find the source of the leak, ask for a professional roof inspection.
Step 2: Cover the Leak
Once you’ve found the source of the leak, there are various temporary methods available for covering the leak and preventing further damage.
- Use a tarp to cover the source of the leak. If you can’t find a tarp, waterproof plastic sheets can work too. While on the roof, clear all debris in the area of the leak and cover it with a tarp, then secure the tarp using roofing nails. This will prevent rain and falling water from seeping into your home through the roof. Ensure the tarp is secure enough not to be blown away by wind; this may require extra nails, heavy boards, or ropes to keep it in place. If you’re concerned for your safety, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional roofing company for help. Read this guide on roof safety before doing any work on your roof.
- Roofing tape is another option to temporarily seal the leak. This is best for small leaks. To apply the tape, ensure the area is small enough to be reliably sealed by the tape.The tape won’t be able to stick as strongly to the surface if the area is wet, so dry the area before applying the tape. Cut a piece of roofing tape and place it firmly over the leak, pressing in to ensure it adheres. Cover the area completely.
Step 3: Removing the Water in Your Home
Once you’ve sealed the leak temporarily, the next step is to remove and dry off any water inside your home. Doing this will prevent further water damage and mold growth. For areas with dripping water, use large buckets to catch the falling water. Running a dehumidifier in the area will automatically reduce moisture.
If you notice water pooling in your ceiling, place a large bucket under the area and use a sharp object to poke a hole in it. Drain all the water from the area. Once done, use a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture and dry out wet surfaces.
For a Permanent Fix, Hire a Kitchener-Waterloo Roofing Contractor
Although tarps and roofing tape can help protect your home and prevent further damage, it’s not a permanent solution. A professional roofing contractor in Kitchener-Waterloo will fix your roof long-term, ensuring your roof is secure without leaks.
At Quality Care Roofing, we specialize in fixing leaky roofs. We’ll provide a free roof inspection and estimate, ensuring a smooth and transparent process that leaves the decision-making in your hands. Let us organize a detailed plan for your roof repair, offering a fast, easy, and reliable fix to your emergency roofing problems.
As one of the only GAF-certified roofing companies in Kitchener-Waterloo, we are able to offer industry-leading warranties you won’t find anywhere else.
Don’t wait — Secure your free roof inspection and estimate!