What to Do About a Roof Leak

Be Sure You Have A Leak

• Unless you have an obvious hole in your roof or large amounts of water pouring in, the first step should be to confirm you actually have a leak. Especially in the summer, high humidity levels in the attic can cause condensation to form and make the underside of the roof look wet. In extreme situations, water droplets will fall from the underside of the roof. If the moisture on the underside is widespread, you most likely only have condensation. To determine whether it's a leak or condensation, do a visual check when it's raining, or spray the roof thoroughly with water while someone else checks the interior for leaks.

Locate the Leak

• Pinpoint the exact spot of the leak. Leaks often occur around flashing around the chimney and roof vents. However, if the leak is in the middle of the roof, inspect the roof for any missing or cracked shingles. Also, nails may pop out of the roof, so look for any tiny holes.

Making the Repair

• If the leak is around the flashing, apply a thick coat of roofing tar where the flashing meets the chimney to seal the leak. If the leak is caused by a missing nail, put a new nail in the hole and cover the nail head with a bead of roofing tar. If a shingle is missing or cracked, replacing that shingle will fix the problem.

Short-Term Solution

• If the roof has a large leak or requires more than a simple repair, you can stop the leak by putting a tarp over the affected area. To prevent water from running under the tarp, put one edge of the tarp over the peak of the roof so it overlaps onto the other side. Then, pull the tarp down on the leaking portion of roof so it lays flat and even. Secure the tarp on all edges by placing 1- by 2-inch strips of wood on top of the tarp and nailing the wood strips to the roof structure. This will hold the tarp firmly in place.