How to Patch a Leaky Roof

Knowing how to patch a leaky roof is one of the more useful skills that a homeowner can possess, and can literally save a home from extensive damage due to water leaks. While the techniques used to patch a roof leak are little more than basic common sense, it needs to be understood that a roof can be a dangerous, even deadly place to work for a novice and safety should always be placed at the forefront. A home that has an incredibly steep roof pitch or is wet and requires immediate emergency repairs should be left to professionals who are more adept at handling dangerous circumstances.

The most troubling issue in patching a leaky roof is finding the actual source of the leak. This needs to be addressed from both the inside of the home and through a visual examination of the roof itself. On the home's interior ceiling look closely at the wet spot caused by the roof leak. At the point where the wet spot appears, mentally visualize the corresponding position on the roof.

Once physically on the roof inspect the area above the interior wet spot for damage. Missing or broken roof shingles, shingles that are curled upward due to age and flashing that is in ill-repair are the likely culprit of most leaky roofs. Often times the affected area can be quickly repaired by simply adding a nail to a shingle or applying a liberal amount of roof sealant using a caulking gun. If a shingle or two requires replacement, gently pry the surrounding shingles up to gain access to the damaged area. Remove the bad shingles, remove the old nails and attach new shingles in their place. Place a small amount of roof sealant under each shingle that was raised and place pressure on them briefly to make them lay flat.

In instances where replacement roof shingles are not immediately available, an over-sized piece of plastic can be placed over the affected area, and held securely by a few thin boards nailed to the roof.

If roof flashing is the cause of a leaky roof, first determine where it has become disjointed from the roof or chimney. In cases of a minor gap, roofing sealant can be applied as a temporary measure to eliminate a leak. In more severe incidents a few well-placed nails should do the trick, followed by the addition of roofing sealant.

It is important to remember that a patch on a leaky roof is only a temporary measure directed at the prevention of immediate water damage. It is usually a correct assessment that if a roof is beginning to leak in various spots that a full roof replacement will be necessary in the not too distant future.