How To Repair A Roof Leak In The Winter

In the wintertime ice has no problem building up under the roof membrane shingles and gutters.

How to repair a roof leak in the winter.

Step 5 use a caulking gun to apply caulk to seal any holes that appear in the roof. You should be using the repair fiber in order to achieve a long lasting. This video explains how to properly use flex seal to seal a roof leak in the corner. Run water over the low side of the penetration for several minutes while the helper watches for any water droplets.

Partially unroll your tarp to cover the damaged area from the roof s eaves to peak. Measure from the inside wall to the point of the leak. Then add in the width of the overhang. The secret to caulking in winter time is to heat the sealant in the tube.

Create an anchor board by rolling the tarp s peak end with a 2 x 4 inch board and nailing the tarp to your board with your 3 inch nails. 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. Proper ventilation rain and ice shields along with installing a drip edge will help prevent this problem. Let the wet areas dry and then apply the patch to the underside of the roof with a putty knife.

Add 8 inches for the thickness of the wall studs plus drywall plus exterior siding. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. 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.

Begin soaking low on the roof just above where the leak is visible inside the house. Use enough water to mimic heavy rains. The ice builds back up when it reaches the wall line where the house is heated and it creates an interior drip. Isolate areas when you run the hose.

First look on the inside where the leak is. Use enough of the roof patch to liberally cover the leaky area. If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose.