How to fix a leaking roof from the inside

It's usually alarming when you see a leak pouring through your roof, but don't worry! Fortunately, you can use a quick, simple, and cost-effective solution to prevent a little leak in your roof from becoming a major issue. So, continue reading this article for all the helpful advice and tips on how to repair a leaking roof from the inside, from the method to cost.

Forbes

Can a roof leak be fixed from the inside?

When you see a leak coming from your roof, the first thing you ask yourself is whether it can be repaired or whether it would need replacing, just like everything else in your home. But if the leak is small, it is very much possible to patch it up yourself from within the attic.

However, it’s easy to let it get out of hand as a job saved to ‘do later.’ Ultimately, too much time or a heavy downpour can easily make it a lot worse – which is why it’s better to tackle it as early as possible.

DPR Roofing Leeds

How to find a leak in my roof?

When it comes to roof leaks, there are a few early warning signs to look for if you are noticing leaks in your roof. Examples include wet timbers or loft insulation, a musty smell in the loft, damp areas, and dripping water. Therefore, if you tend to notice all these signs in your attic, you most certainly have a leak; however, you can also confirm this by using the following method:

• If you can access your loft, go up there on a rainy day and see if you can spot the water coming in. It’s best to take a torch with you, as the light will reflect off the water and make it easier to see.
• If you manage to find the source of your roof leak, draw a circle around it using a marker pen or a pencil. This is also useful to keep track if the leak begins to grow over time.
• If alone, measure the distance from the edge of the loft up to the source of the leak. This way, you’ll be able to tell where on your roof is directly above the leak.

Austin Roofing and Construction

How to repair a leaking roof from the inside

With the right tools and method, it’s easy enough to patch up a roof leak from inside the attic, just keep reading on to find out how.

Tools you may need:

• Bucket or large container
• Towels or rags
• Roofing cement or sealant
• Putty knife
• Roof patch or repair tape

Step 1: Take safety precautions

Once you've examined the area and discovered the leak, start by placing a bucket or container beneath the leak to capture any dripping water so that you don't slip or fall on the water dripping out. To also absorb excess water and protect surfaces from getting slippery, use a towel or cloth to soak up the water.

Step 2: Temporarily seal the leak

Apply roofing cement or sealant to the identified leak point. Use a putty knife to spread the sealant evenly over the affected area as this will then provide a temporary barrier against any water entry.

Step 3: Reinforce with roof patch or repair tape

Apply roof patch or repair tape over the sealed area to provide further protection and press it firmly to ensure proper adhesion. These materials are intended to offer a temporary fix until more extensive repairs can be performed.

Step 4: Monitor the leak

After you've repaired the leak, inspect the repaired area on a regular basis for signs of further leaks or water damage. This allows you to document the repair process and, if necessary, take additional action to have professionals evaluate and tackle the issue from the outside.

Roof Ranger

We hope this blog has helped you understand more about roof leaks and how best to tackle them. Ultimately, if your roof is prone to leaks, constant quick fixes may not be enough to prevent structural damage.

Therefore, we offer helpful advice from our Customer Service team who may be able to advise you further, and you can contact them on the number 01472 907051. Or if you’re interested in checking out our other roofing products for a future investment, you can access the roofing category here, or can visit us in branch for more information.