If your residential roof sustains damage and begins leaking, you should contact a roofing specialist for immediate repairs. In ideal situations, the weather will be fine while you wait, and the roofer will be able to attend to your situation promptly. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The repair person might be delayed, and it could continue raining. If this is the case in your home, you should plan on temporarily repairing the structure. Here are practical tips to help you keep water from your home until permanent repairs can be conducted.
Apply Roofing Cement
You should purchase a tube of roofing cement for repairing your roof during emergencies. This material is perfect for sealing cracks and small holes in the roofing system. It will prevent the infiltration of water into your house for some time. Ideally, you will need to locate the damage on your roof. Then, you should use a putty knife or a trowel to apply the material. You must ensure that the area is completely covered for optimal performance. The primary weakness of this type of repair product is its inability to adhere to wet surfaces. If your roof is wet, you should use a portable hair dryer.
Patch Up with Plywood
If your roof is leaking because of a missing tile, you should think about creating a makeshift patch to cover the hole and protect the home from water damage. You will need to cut plywood or even sheet metal into a small unit. The unit should be sufficient for properly covering the damaged area. Then, you should place your prepared patch over the section. You can nail the patch into place if there are suitable points of attachment. However, it is advisable to use a strong adhesive of roofing cement to secure the patch. If you use nails or screws carelessly, you could cause more damage to your roof.
Cover with a Tarpaulin
If the damaged section of your roof is large, you will not be able to handle the problem by using roofing cement or makeshift tiles. Instead, you should think about covering it using a waterproof tarpaulin or a suitable plastic sheet. For the best results, you should look for a large sheet and strong duct tape. Place the tarp over the roof and secure it by applying the tape. Then, you should allow the sheet to cover the damaged section and extend over the ridge of the roof. The tarp should overlap over the undamaged sections around the hole for optimal protection.
Share