Fix A Leaking Roof In Winter

Shingles that aren t stuck to one another are very susceptible to damage in winter winds.

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. Attach one end of the tarp to the length of a two by four board. Push the shingle or plywood into the tar and trowel more roofing tar around the edges of the patch. Stretch the tarp over the hole preferably over the ridgeline.

Trowel the roofing tar into the leak on the underside of the roof deck using a putty knife. The secret to caulking in winter time is to heat the sealant in the tube. 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. Locate the leaking source and search for the damaged or missing shingles and make a list of the areas to be repaired.

Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. The shingles can be warmed up with a propane torch. Sealing the shingle to the object can be accomlished with a roofing sealant available at menards lowes etc. 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.

Patch the nail or screw holes by slipping a piece of roof flashing underneath the shingle. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. The roof shingles should be softened and flattened as the shingles tend to curl up in winter. However when it is not practical to climb up on the roof to fix a leak such as during the winter months you can repair a leaky roof temporarily from the inside if you can determine where the leak is occuring from the underside of your roof.

Make use of the flame carefully on the curled shingle edges. 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.