Category Archives: Roof Repairs

A roof leak will generally result from a heavy rainstorm, forcing homeowners to make repairs on the spot. If you are searching for “how to fix a roof leak from the inside,” then let this post serve as your guide. Keep reading to find out all the steps you should take to properly fix your leaking roof.

How To Patch A Leaking Roof

Heavy rainfall can quickly escalate into major roofing damage. Needless to say, time is of the essence whenever you notice a leak developing inside your home. Follow these four steps to efficiently fix any leakage.

• Step 1: Get to the attic.
• Step 2: Locate the leak.
• Step 3: Make temporary leak patch.
• Step 4: Map the leak.

Get To The Attic

The first step you need to take when attempting any repairs is find access to the attic and get to that area of the home. Start by removing insulation from the drywall, then removing any standing water gently with a sponge. To perform this task you must have a piece of plywood laid across the ceiling joists for your work area. Bring a bucket to wring the water into, as well.

Locate The Leak

Once you’re in the attic, the next step is to find exactly where the leak originated. Follow the path of the water as well as you can to find exactly where the leak is coming through. Often times, due to various roof shapes and slopes, the leak could have started much further away than it may appear.

Make Temporary Leak Patch

Once the leak has been located, homeowners can make a temporary patch from a piece of plywood or shingle with some roofing tar. Using a putty knife, carefully spread the tar into the leaking hole on the inside of the roof. Now place the shingle or plywood onto the tar. Spread more tar around the edging of your temporary patch.

Map The Leak

Use measuring tape to track exactly where the leak runs from. This is done so you can find the leaking pattern once the rain has stopped. You can also take the same actions to locate the leaky area on the outside of your roof, but please take the necessary precautions when on the roof. Add more tar to the area when completely dried, if you desire.

Trouble Finding Leak On Roof

Not being able to locate exactly where the leak is can be a common problem. You must act quickly, though, and cover the area with some sort of plastic covering. Roof plastic can be purchased at any hardware store. Buy some plastic covering and use some sort of wood to hold the plastic down once placed in the right location. First, cut the plastic to the exact length needed. Use a staple gun to attach the plastic to your wood anchors. Place the final covering on the roof while exercising caution in the attic.

Professional Flat Roofing Installation Services

Do you need a flat roof installed or repaired? Our team installs whichever roofing material you want the right way, the first time.  We strictly used the highest quality and longest lasting roofing materials to ensure our customer’s satisfaction. Paul’s Roofing can help with installation of flat roofing, shingle roofing, tile roofing, spray foam roofing and more. Contact us for a quote or call us at 480-964-4006 for more information.

If you are looking for tips to prevent your roof from leaking, you’re not the only one, a lot of people are stepping-up for the prevention of damage to their homes, and, more importantly, their roofs. Leaky roofs aren’t just one of the more general repairs homeowners have to endure, but an expensive one. A lot of homeowners don’t have time, desire, or experience to get on their roof and look for problematic areas that can cause the roof to leak.

Roof Leaks Are Deceptive

Seeking out a roof leak is challenging because water spots over a room in your home hardly ever lines up with the actual roof leak. Home owners and roof repair contractors turn into sleuths to track down the path the water follows and discover where the water leak is coming from. Periodic roof inspections and routine maintenance helps to dodge leaks and costly repairs.

Roof Inspections & Maintenance Areas

The primary question that should be answered prior to examining typical leaky areas is, has the roof been compromised. Has there been severe weather, any pests around the home, trees that might have fallen over, or possibly any antenna or satellite installations or repairs? Each one of these has the possibility to puncture to the roofing and be the origin of leaks. It could be from cracked tiles or holes puncture in the underlayment and potentially the roof decking itself.

1. Go Over Rooftop Installations, Chimneys, Plumbing, Skylights

Be on the lookout for anything coming through your roof. Anything appearing through your roof is a possible leak cause and will naturally hinder water from flowing freely off of the roof. Here are a few commonly leaky areas:

• Antenna or satellite installations should be gone over to ensure that they are flashed adequately.
• If your house has a fireplace, it most likely has a chimney, your chimney is a quite common source of a leaky roof, also. Flashings should be gone over along with any seals.
• Plumbing vents are vital to your home but can be a potential leak source. Vent stacks should be gone over for cracks, failed and/or failing flashing, and if the seals are in satisfactory condition.
• Your skylights are another common source of leaks as the top edges competes with roof water. Flashings need to be gone over along with the skylights overall condition.

2. Go Over Your Gutters

The gutters on your roof play a substantial role in directing water off your roof and preventing damage to your house’s foundation. Gutters should be clear of any debris since they possibly could be a source of leaks when snow or rainwater has no place to go. Gutters should also be gone over to guarantee they are tightly fastened and correctly sloped enabling snow or rainwater will drain correctly.

3. Go Over The Drip Edge

The drip edge on your house may appear to be just a visual detail on your house, but its role in diverting water away from the fascia and running off the roof is vital. Noting if your roof doesn’t have drip edge it can lead to roof leaks. Missing a drip edge, intense rainstorms can allow rainwater to get inside the roof and might cause the wood to deteriorate. Furthermore, your drip edges also aids in keeping pests from entering your home.

4. Go Over Attic Contents

While snow and/or rainwater and impaired roofs are familiar roofing issues, components in your attic can also be troublesome like plumbing, condensation issues, A/C, inadequate ventilation, pest infestations, and/or vent fans. Be on the lookout for the below:

• Inadequate ventilation allowing the attic to gather moisture and/or heat
• Signs of mold on plywood in the attic
• Intake vents clogged with insulation, paint or debris
• Any signs of mold
• Damp insulation when it hasn’t rained
• Rust or blackish rings surrounding nails

5. Go Over Step Flashings

A step flashing is generally installed where roofs join to walls and dormers. These areas may be troublesome and needs to be gone over. Step flashings also should be used for replacing anywhere mastic or second rate sealant was used to seal the roof.

Professional Roofing Installation Services

You’ve got a lot of great options for roofing materials.  No matter which roofing material type you choose Paul’s Roofing is here to help install it right.  Our team installs whichever roofing material you want the right way, the first time.  We strictly used the highest quality and longest lasting roofing materials to ensure our customer’s satisfaction. Paul’s Roofing can help with installation of shingle roofing, tile roofing, spray foam roofing and more.