How To Fix A Leaky Roof In Winter

Locate the leaking source and search for the damaged or missing shingles and make a list of the areas to be repaired.

How to fix a leaky roof in winter.

Sandwich the tarp by nailing a second 2 x 4 board to the first. The board must be 2 feet longer than the tarp s width and it should sit against the roof to avoid the collection of rainwater snow or debris. Fix this board to your roof using a screw as a temporary anchor. Isolate areas when you run the hose.

Replace any missing or rotted siding above the step flashing on dormers. Your best solution may be to just tarp off the problem area until the spring but be sure not to block off any venting pipes that vent out dangerous gasses. This will freeze the leaking water in place but you ll still need to deal with the ice dam or it will melt and start leaking again. The roof shingles should be softened and flattened as the shingles tend to curl up in winter.

Recaulk the corner flashing if any areas have hardened caulk. Locate the source of the leak by examining the underside of the roof from within your attic or crawl space. The shingles can be warmed up with a propane torch. If you plan to replace shingles in the winter it can be done but you have to add something to bond the shingles together.

You can t fix a leaky roof from the inside so don t even try. While temperature is below freezing at 7 degrees and ot. Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk. Make use of the flame carefully on the curled shingle edges.

Identify the potential source of the leak. Now is a time when you can start planning if you know where to start. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. To stop the leak use a long handled roof rake to remove snow from your roof or blow cold air onto the area of the roof that is leaking in your attic using a box fan.

For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. How to repair a leaky roof from inside the house. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. This step ensures the tarp stays taut and fully protective.