Roof leaks might seem like a huge problem for any home owner, but there are many tricks and tips you can use to fix your own roof with minimal fuss. Read on for advice on fixing roof leaks as a DIY job.
If you can see water stains on walls or ceilings, the most likely reason is a leak in the roof. It is easy to patch up holes in your ceiling as a DIY job, but the roof is more serious. You need to act quickly because a leaky roof could cause serious damage to the property.
Common Sources of Leaks
First, you need to find the leak. Start looking at the stains and follow them to find the right area. The most common sources of leaks are items that project through the roof, so look at chimneys, dormer windows, plumbing areas and roof vents.
Finding the Leak
To find the leak, you can look in the loft with a torch to search for water stains, black marks and mould. If this isn’t accessible, you will need to go up on the roof. When you do this, take a garden hose with you and soak the various suspect areas of the roof. Once you have found the area, you can remove roof shingles. You should see more evidence of the leak, such as stained or rotted wood or discolourations.
A flat roof can have a leak if it isn’t sealed well because the rain water cannot drain off as easily as it would with a slanted roof. For issues with flat roofing in Gloucester, you can call experts to deal with the problem, such as http://premiertradespeople.co.uk/trade-services-gloucester/gloucester-roofing/ or another specialist.
Leak Solutions
If the leak is small, it is often related to a “shiner”, which is a nail on the underside of the roof that has missed the framing member. Moisture that escapes from lofts can condense on cold nails and then drip down again. The solution is to clip the nail with pliers.
Another common leak cause is vent boots. Check the boot surrounding the pipes for cracks or tears. You can buy a new vent boot or install new rubber-washered screws. Roof vent leaks can also be fixed easily by replacing the vent and replacing the nails with new rubber-washered screws.