Fix A Leaking Roof In Winter

Isolate areas when you run the hose.

Fix a leaking roof in winter.

Small nail holes left behind from old vents satellite dish brackets or anything previously attached to the roof can allow water to enter and cause damage for years before leaking is noticed. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. Perhaps placing tube on furnace duct so air heats pre cut tube inside of home then climb up ladder and seal area keeping the sealant warm and easily caulk able. The roof shingles should be softened and flattened as the shingles tend to curl up in winter.

Cut the tarp or plastic sheeting to fit over the hole or leaking spot. In the winter a dab of roofing cement or tar should be added to each shingle to bond them together until the tar strip is activated in warmer weather. Trowel the roofing tar into the leak on the underside of the roof deck using a putty knife. Make use of the flame carefully on the curled shingle edges.

Locate the leaking source and search for the damaged or missing shingles and make a list of the areas to be repaired. Attach one end of the tarp to the length of a two by four board. Shingles that aren t stuck to one another are very susceptible to damage in winter winds. Stretch the tarp over the hole preferably over the ridgeline.

Sealing the shingle to the object can be accomlished with a roofing sealant available at menards lowes etc. Roof leaks must be repaired from the outside to ensure the problem is corrected. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. The shingles can be warmed up with a propane torch.

Patch the nail or screw holes by slipping a piece of roof flashing underneath the shingle. The tar strip needs to be about 60f to activate. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house.