How to Repair a Roof Leak
Leaking roofs can be an eyesore to the proud homeowner. You fix up the entire house and then it rains and you have water pouring into your living room. Sometimes it’s just an annoying small leak that you can’t help avoiding. What do you do in such a situation? Try to fix the problem. Repairing a small pin-hole leak is not difficult and the fix is usually permanent.
Required Materials
- tri-polymer sealant
- long nails
Required Tools
- paint brush/paint-stir stick
- ladder
- hammer
- ice pick
Instructions
- Detecting the Leak – The attic is the best place to locate the leak, especially while it is raining. Once you locate the leak, push an ice pick through it so it is visible from the roof. You can later seal up the hole with a sealant. Use a garden sprinkler to find the leaking spot if it isn’t raining.
- Tri-Polymer Sealant – Use a ladder to reach the roof. After locating the ice pick, mark the spot where it protrudes. Carefully cover the marked area with the tri-polymer sealant; the consistency should be similar to that of honey.
- Testing Time – Wait 24 to 48 hours before checking the area again.
- Professional Repairs – If you discover that the repair was not successful, hire a professional repairman.
Tips and Warnings
- When wet, the sealant is flammable, but non-volatile. Proceed with caution.
- The sealant is quite sticky, so wear protective clothing before handling it.
- Avoid walking on a wet roof to prevent injuries.
- Avoid walking on a very hot roof.
- Wear gloves for added protection.
- Drill a hole into the ceiling to prevent water spreading along other areas of the roof and increasing the chance of collapse.
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