If you notice water stains on your ceiling, it could mean that you have a leaky roof. But even if you can’t tell the difference, there are some steps you can take to fix it. Before doing anything else, ensure that the leak is from your roof and not something else like a pipe or shower head with a leaky valve. It also might be hard to find the leak source because roofs come in many shapes and sizes, so they don’t all look alike. To find the source of a leak, you will have to look for signs of water damage, like streaks, wet spots, and water stains. Of course, it is a good idea to call an expert if you can’t figure out the source. If there are no signs of water damage, follow these steps to fix a leaking roof.
Step 1: Break down the roof by removing shingles that are peeling or in need of repair. Remove shingles from areas that can be seen from below. You can also use a ladder to do this step, depending on how high up the roof you are.
Step 2: Clean the inside of your roof with a hose and scrub brush. Run water down the interior walls and make sure to get any cracks or around pipes.
Step 3: Spray roof sealant on the exterior of your house and then wait for it to dry. It takes about 24 hours for the adhesive to dry. Make sure no one sleeps in that room until it is scorched. You don’t want a water leak anywhere in the house.
Step 4: Clean up any wet spots you might have missed in Step 1, as well as any peeling or damaged shingles, as they can lead to more leaks.
Step 5: Apply a bonding agent to the water stains by spreading it directly on the stain with a small brush. Allow some time for it to adhere to the surface before scrubbing and then brushing off excess.
Step 6: Inspect your roof for damage. If you found any cracks or holes, repair them and replace shingles if they are in need of replacement.
Step 7: Install you’re flashing to cover up damaged areas around pipes, vents, and skylights. You can use foam tape or similar material that helps keep water from damaging the roof.
If all of this isn’t enough to fix the leak, you will have to call someone professional. It could be as expensive as replacing the entire roof, so don’t over budget trying to fix it yourself. If you want to learn more or have questions contact us today!