Sometimes you end up in that dreaded situation where there is rain pouring through your roof wreaking havoc in your home. It is a situation no one wants to be in, but being prepared and knowing how to repair the issue temporarily is the key to preventing further damage. With this in mind, let’s take a look at how to repair a hole in the roof from the inside.
Causes of roof damage
Before we get into how to repair a hole in the roof, it is important to review common causes of roof damage because knowledge and prevention are key.
Age
The age of your roof can contribute greatly to roof damage. As the roof gets to the end of its lifespan, it is more likely that you will see roof damage because the shingles and roofing components can no longer sustain the elements.
Weather
Speaking of elements, the weather can sustain a lot of roof damage. Though the sun does a number on the roof, snow, ice, and severe weather are even more common culprits of roof damage.
Ice/Snow
Though it is not frequently talked about, ice and snow can cause roof damage. Ice and snow are heavy so it wears the roof. Additionally, when things get hot and cold and then back again, there is a lot of expanding and contracting that occurs, eventually causing roof damage.
Severe weather
Severe weather can include hail and high winds. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and afternoon storms can all contribute to hail and high winds. High winds and hail both cause damage to the roof. High winds can rip up shingles and roofing materials, while hail can hit the roof and damage the shingles and roofing materials that way.
Improper installation
According to Jeff Guthrie, a Phoenix Roofing Contractor and Roof Repair specialist, another cause of roof damage that many don’t think of is improper installation. If roofing materials aren’t properly installed to create a good seal, leaks, and holes in the roof can happen quickly and easily. This is why it is important to always hire licensed and professional roofers with experience.
Poor maintenance
Did you know that you should be inspecting your roof regularly to keep up with the roof maintenance? Roofs, like the rest of your home, need maintenance to stay in the best shape. If you haven’t maintained your roof, then damage to your roof can compound over time.
How to repair a hole in the roof from the inside
Now that we know all of the common ways roof damage can occur, let’s talk about how to repair a hole in the roof from the inside since most of us shouldn’t be up on the roof for safety reasons.
Tools you’ll need
To prepare for the repair, you’ll need a few tools and materials, including:
- Flashlight
- Caulking
- Scraper
- Utility Knife
- Gloves
- Tar/Roof Patch
Step one
First, you’ll need to find where the leak is coming from. Now, this should be pretty easy since there is usually water that comes through any holes in the roof and can cause dampness, darkness in the material, and mold. A roof is hard to patch when it is still leaking or wet. If you need to divert water, hammering in a nail to the area will help attract the water so that you can place a large bucket underneath.
Step two
Once the area is dry enough to patch, take some chalk to mark the entire area so that it is easy to identify the problem area when a professional goes back to make a more permanent repair. Then you’ll apply a liberal amount of the roof patch, also called tar, to the area using a scraper to make it even.
Step three
After the roof patch has dried completely, take caulking and seal up the edges and any holes in the roof patch. A great way to get every area is to use a gloved hand to spread it around creating a nice seal.
Get professional help
As you can see, fixing a hole in the roof can be a fairly simple process, but it is vital to understand that it is a temporary solution. After completing your temporary fix, contact a reputable and experienced roofer.
