How to Repair a Roof during an Emergency

Tap to Read ➤ Kulbhushaan Raghuvanshi

If you are a home owner, at some point of your life you will face a roofing emergency and you would be in dire need of an emergency roof repair. One that has suffered damage from heavy rains, strong wind like situations, hail storms, etc. are automatically entitled to repairs. Knowing how to do this is very important for everyone.

A damaged roof will directly affect the people living in the house and also the stability of the entire structure. An extreme weather condition is often the prime suspect when it comes to repair a roof. It is always advisable to wait until the bad weather conditions have passed, and then start with the work.

Always take care that you have enough time and also the weather conditions are favorable. Try to take advise or help from a professional roofer while fixing a roof. Given below are points that will help you repair the roof during an emergency.

Procedure The most important step is to control the flow of water seeping in, as it will damage the internal structure and can be the reason for further damage to the roof. So fix the water problem first. Remove any small pools of water or stagnant water from the roof. The accumulated water can be a prime cause for water damage.

Try to figure out the exact cause of leak in your roof. Sometimes, the leak is found in another location other than the place where it's actually indicated.

If your roof requires an emergency hammer or nail work, make sure the tools are kept at a secure location, so that they don't cause further damage. If there is a leak on your roof, clean the affected area first and then apply the patch. The stagnant water and dirt on the affected area will reduce the stickiness of the patch and it will wear off.

Take care that no unattached part of the roof like a asphalt, or a strip of iron or wood are lying around loosely. They could be blown away by strong winds and might hurt someone.

Repairing a Patch You will need some roofing materials such as plywood scraps, sheet metal, roof flashing, measuring tapes, plastic sheeting, caulks, tacks, hammers, nail and staple gun, hammers, tin snips, and caulking guns. Cut out a section of sheet metal or roof flashing, which should be 6 inches larger than the hole or leaking area.

Shift the edge of the sheet metal under the shingles and above the leak. Attach the temporary patch with a hammer in to place with a piece of scrap wood held against the edges.

If you think you would require a larger patch, fold the sheet of plastic in half and use a staple gun to stick the plastic on the roof over the leak. Stick a bead of silicone caulk around the edges.

Always wear a tool belt while repairing a roof patch, it makes it easier for you to get your tools. Be careful when you are climbing on your roof, especially if there is a rough weather.