Temporary Roof Repairs

Roofs in particular wear out, because they take the brute of the elements; cold, heat, direct ultraviolet sunlight, rain and wind.

Repairing Roof Temporarily

When a roof leak happens it is important to at least perform some level of immediate temporary roof repair. However, do not start the temporary roof repairs until the bad weather has abated. And, if the roof has been somehow structurally damaged, call in the pros.

Do not attempt to walk on a roof that has been partially caved in. Remember too that wet roofs can be slick. While you wait for the weather to improve, use buckets to collect the water, and move items that could be damaged (e.g. furniture, electronics).

If you have access to your attic, place the buckets in there. In addition, looking in your attic may help you better assess the source of the leak. The stain on your drywall ceiling may not be in a direct line with where the roof leak actually is occurring. Normally roof leaks start higher, e.g. the roof ridge vent. Rain water travels along the trusses or roof rafters and finally works its way to a low spot in the attic, possibly 20 feet from where the rain water entered the house.

The rain water then lands on the drywall ceiling and traverses the furring strips, causing the neat wet line on your ceiling.

Checking and Temporarily Repairing a Roof

After the weather has improved and you can get up on the roof, there are a number of places to check on the roof, as wells as a number of things you can do, for performing temporary roof repair.

Check for Missing Shingles

Look for missing shingles or sections of roofing material on the roof. If shingles are missing, get some replacement ones. Slide the temporary replacement shingle(s) up under the existing shingles, sitting just above the missing shingle, for a temporary roof repair. Then call a roofing contractor to permanently replace the shingles.

Check the Ridge Vents Check the ridge vent carefully. Frequently, with tin ridge vents the roofing nails that hold it down work loose in high wind storms. You may need to simply install new roofing nails into the ridge vent/cap. I also recommend sealing the roofing nails along the ridge vent/cap with roofing tar or a sealant.

Check for Standing Water

If you have a flat roof, make sure the scuppers are clean and that water can drain off the roof. Make sure any standing water is removed from the roof.

If there is a cut or crack in the membrane, use a plastic roof cement, sealant or roof tape, along with some spare membrane material to make a minor roof repair patch. Duct tape can also work in a pinch.

All of the above suggestions can help identify the source of the roof leak and serve as temporary roof repairs. However, after you have stabilized the situation, it is important to promptly call in a professional roofing contractor and have them fully inspect and permanently repair your roof. Also, if your roof is insured call the installers or manufacturers of it to have them make the permanent roof repairs.