Roof Leak Temporary Repair Guide

Most homeowners know the gut-wrenching moment when they first spot a roof leak. There are millions of concerns: How long has it been leaking? Did it cause any damage? How am I going to fix this as soon as possible? And how much am I going to spend getting it fixed?

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.

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

Roofing Cement

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.

Sheet Metal

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.

Roofing Tape

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.

Tarp

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.

Common Roof Types In Florida

Common Florida Roof Types

It’s no surprise that Florida is a great place to soak up the sun, but what does that mean to homeowners? Well first of all, you must have a roof that can endure the endless days of summer. In the sunshine state, there are five common roof styles: Composition shingles, clay tile, slate tiles, concrete tile and metal roofs. Each type of roof has its benefits, as well as it’s downfalls. Let’s examine each one so that you can decide for yourself which roof best suits your needs.

Composition Shingles

Composition shingle roofing is the most affordable option: it is composed of asphalt and fiberglass. It’s low price also makes it the most common roof type in the South. Many people prefer composition shingles because they you can find them in a wide variety of colors. All of these elements make this roofing type favorable to homeowners working with a low budget. Are you are concerned with the possibility of another storm like Hurricane Irma? If so, composition shingles are most likely not the roofing material for you. This type of roof will easily blow off in the wrath of a hurricane.

Clay Tile and Slate Tiles

These two roofing styles have the same pros and cons. Both of these materials can last a very long time, and they are aesthetically pleasing. One downside worth mentioning is that they require more upkeep (cleaning, maintenance, etc). Also, you must be extremely careful when walking on them, because they do break under pressure. Fortunately, they are resistant to rot and insect-related issues. Due to the possibility of cracking, they require additional roofing support. This can be quite expensive, so many people do not choose this roofing material.

Concrete Tile

Concrete tiles are a very interesting roofing type. Most homeowners stay away from it because of the price tag. It can be extremely expensive to install due to many factors. These factors include the weight of the tiles, the existing roofing support structures, and the size of the roof. And unlike shingle roofing, there is no ‘do it yourself’ option for this roofing material. You can not make repairs without having a professional roofing company come out. There are benefits to concrete roofing: they are extremely resilient, have a long life, and protect your home from common issues (mold, rot, and insects).

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are typically made of steel. This type of roof is quite resilient to the elements, and it is just about maintenance free. The price for metal roofing materials can vary greatly, and it depends on what the material consists of. For example, steel metal can be quite affordable for homeowners. However, without copper in the metal, your roof is prone to rusting. The downside to this is that copper can be extremely expensive. All-in-all, metal roofing is one of the most reliable roofing types.