Fix A Leaking Roof In Winter

Trowel the roofing tar into the leak on the underside of the roof deck using a putty knife.

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. 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. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Stretch the tarp over the hole preferably over the ridgeline.

Shingles that aren t stuck to one another are very susceptible to damage in winter winds. Isolate areas when you run the hose. Sealing the shingle to the object can be accomlished with a roofing sealant available at menards lowes etc. 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. Push the shingle or plywood into the tar and trowel more roofing tar around the edges of the patch. The shingles can be warmed up with a propane torch. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides.

Patch the nail or screw holes by slipping a piece of roof flashing underneath the shingle. 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. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. Roof leaks must be repaired from the outside to ensure the problem is corrected.

The secret to caulking in winter time is to heat the sealant in the tube. Attach one end of the tarp to the length of a two by four board. 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.