Fix A Leaking Roof In Winter

Replace any missing or rotted siding above the step flashing on dormers.

Fix a leaking roof in winter.

Locate the leaking source and search for the damaged or missing shingles and make a list of the areas to be repaired. The tar strip needs to be about 60f to activate. 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. Identify the potential source of the leak.

Isolate areas when you run the hose. Dig out any cracked or dry caulking that isn t properly sealing adjoining surfaces and replace with silicone caulk. Shingles that aren t stuck to one another are very susceptible to damage in winter winds. Recaulk the corner flashing if any areas have hardened caulk.

The roof shingles should be softened and flattened as the shingles tend to curl up in winter. Shine a flashlight along the underside of the roof and look for a hole in the roof as well as areas that are wet or have been. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides. The secret to caulking in winter time is to heat the sealant in the tube.

If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. Now is a time when you can start planning if you know where to start. Make use of the flame carefully on the curled shingle edges. 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.

How to repair a leaky roof from inside the house. Locate the source of the leak by examining the underside of the roof from within your attic or crawl space. Start low soaking the area just above where the leak appears in the house. You can t fix a leaky roof from the inside so don t even try.